1 Corinthians 15:34
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 15:34
34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 15 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, grace, righteousness. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-58: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it defends the resurrection as central to Christian faith. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 15:34
34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
Analysis
Awake to righteousness, and sin not (ἐκνήψατε δικαίως καὶ μὴ ἁμαρτάνετε)—The verb eknēpsate (ἐκνήψατε, "sober up, wake up") uses metaphor of drunkenness—the Corinthians are intoxicated with false teaching, need to sober up. The adverb dikaiōs (δικαίως, "righteously, justly") indicates moral awakening, not merely intellectual clarity. The present imperative mē hamartanete (μὴ ἁμαρτάνετε, "stop sinning") suggests ongoing sin Paul commands them to cease.
For some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame (ἀγνωσίαν γὰρ θεοῦ τινες ἔχουσιν, πρὸς ἐντροπὴν ὑμῖν λαλῶ)—The phrase agnōsian theou (ἀγνωσίαν θεοῦ, "ignorance of God") is devastating indictment. Despite their pride in wisdom and spiritual gifts (chapters 1-4, 12-14), some Corinthians lack basic gnōsis theou (knowledge of God). Paul shames them—pros entropēn (πρὸς ἐντροπήν)—to provoke repentance.
Historical Context
Corinthian church was plagued by intellectual pride (1 Corinthians 1:18-25, 8:1-3). They prided themselves on gnōsis (knowledge), yet denied resurrection—proving their knowledge was counterfeit. True knowledge of God includes resurrection hope. Gnosticism's early forms, devaluing matter and body, may have influenced some Corinthians.
Reflection
- What does it mean to 'awake to righteousness'—how are false beliefs like spiritual drunkenness?
- How can people possess spiritual gifts yet lack true knowledge of God?
- When is shame appropriate in Christian correction—how did Paul use it pastorally?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Jonah 1:6, Romans 1:28
- Sin: Psalms 119:11, John 5:14, 8:11
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 6:5, 8:7, Joel 1:5, Romans 13:11, Ephesians 5:14