And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

1 CORINTHIANS 8:2KJV
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1 Corinthians 8:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 8:2 mean?

1 Corinthians 8:2 warns that if someone thinks they truly understand something, they actually do not yet know it as they should. The verse points out the danger of overconfidence in one’s own knowledge, especially when it comes to spiritual matters.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing people who were proud of their knowledge about food offered to idols. He cautions that real understanding is more than just having information; it requires humility and awareness of how little we truly grasp. The verse sets up the idea that knowledge without humility can be misleading.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 8:2

  • "οἴεται" (oietai, "think"): This word carries the idea of someone supposing or imagining they know something, hinting at self-assurance that may not be justified.
  • "ἐγνωκέναι" (egnōkenai, "knoweth"): This is a form of the verb for knowing, often used for knowledge that is seen as certain or complete. Paul uses it to challenge those who believe their knowledge is already full.
  • "οὐδέπω" (oudepō, "yet"): This word means "not yet," emphasizing that the person’s knowledge is incomplete or premature.
  • "δεῖ" (dei, "ought"): This word means "it is necessary" or "one must," pointing to a standard or way of knowing that is still lacking in the person being addressed.

Why 1 Corinthians 8:2 matters

  • The verse cautions against arrogance that can come from thinking we have all the answers, especially in spiritual or religious discussions.
  • It highlights that true understanding involves humility and a willingness to admit our limits, which is a key theme in Paul’s teaching to the Corinthians.
  • This warning connects to the broader passage, where Paul is urging believers to consider not just knowledge, but also love and care for others in how they live out their faith.

Where else these words appear

“yet” Greek G3764 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 23:53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.
  • John 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
  • John 19:41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.

“think” Greek G1380 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

“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.

“ought” Greek G1163 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
  • Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.