But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:38KJV
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1 Corinthians 14:38 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:38 mean?

1 Corinthians 14:38 means that if someone chooses to ignore or reject what Paul is teaching about orderly worship and spiritual gifts, then that person will remain in ignorance. Paul is drawing a line, saying that those who refuse to recognize proper instruction will not be forced to understand or participate.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing confusion and disorder in their worship gatherings, especially about speaking in tongues and prophecy. Here, Paul is making it clear that he cannot convince those who stubbornly refuse to listen; he is leaving them to their own choice. This statement comes after Paul has laid out careful instructions, showing that he expects the church to follow his teaching, but he also recognizes that not everyone will accept it.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 14:38

  • ἀγνοέω (agnoeō, "ignorant"): This Greek word means "to not know," "to ignore," or "to disregard." In this context, it carries the sense of willful ignorance—choosing not to recognize or accept what is being taught. Paul is not just talking about a lack of knowledge, but about a refusal to acknowledge the truth he has explained.
  • ἀγνοέω (agnoeō, "let him be ignorant"): The repetition of the same word for both "be ignorant" and "let him be ignorant" emphasizes a kind of resignation—Paul is saying that if someone insists on ignoring instruction, nothing more can be done for them.

Why 1 Corinthians 14:38 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul is not forcing agreement; he is allowing for the reality that some will reject sound teaching, and he will not endlessly argue with them.
  • It highlights the importance Paul places on order and understanding in worship, showing that these are not just personal preferences but instructions he expects the church to follow.
  • The verse connects to the larger section on spiritual gifts, underlining that humility and willingness to learn are necessary for building up the church, while stubbornness leads to being left out of what God is doing.