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.

Where else these words appear

“ignorant” Greek G50 · used in 21 verses

  • Mark 9:32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.
  • Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
  • 2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

“man” Greek G1536 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.