What does 1 Corinthians 14:38 mean?
But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 1 Corinthians 14:38
Explanation
The verse from 1 Corinthians 14:38, “But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant,” is part of a larger discourse by the Apostle Paul on the proper conduct in the Christian church concerning the use of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues and prophesying. On a literal level, Paul is addressing an issue where some individuals were either misusing their gifts or were not acknowledging the instructions he gave regarding orderly worship.
The deeper meaning of this verse suggests that there is a point at which further discussion or argument becomes fruitless when people are willfully ignorant or refuse to acknowledge sound teaching. The verse implies a sense of resignation or acceptance that not everyone will listen to or accept guidance, and in such cases, those who are informed should allow the ignorant to remain in their state without continuing to contend with them.
Historical Context
1 Corinthians was written by Paul around A.D. 55 when he was in Ephesus, during his third missionary journey. The church in Corinth was a diverse community with numerous cultural backgrounds, which included both Jews and Gentiles. Issues of division, moral lapses, and confusion regarding spiritual gifts were prevalent. Paul wrote this letter in response to reports and questions he had received about disorder in worship services, and his broader goal was to address issues of unity and order within the church.
Theological Insights
From a theological perspective, this verse can be seen as emphasizing personal responsibility in spiritual learning and growth. It recognizes human agency and respects the individual’s choice to remain uninformed. Furthermore, the verse highlights a boundary for teachers and preachers: to instruct and correct with patience, but also to know when to cease efforts with someone who rejects instruction.
Some theologians might also view this as an admonition that deliberate ignorance can lead to a hardened heart or spiritual stagnation, and thus, it serves as a warning to be open to correction and teaching.
Practical Applications
Practically, this verse can encourage individuals to focus on their own spiritual growth and not become overly entangled in trying to change the opinions of those who are resistant. In everyday life, this lesson can extend to various situations where debate and argument fail to lead to constructive outcomes. It teaches us to present information and guidance with patience, but also to recognize and accept when further efforts may be unproductive or even counterproductive.
Cross-References
- 2 Timothy 2:23: “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.”
- Titus 3:10: “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;”
- Matthew 7:6: “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”
Language Study
The key word in this verse is “ignorant,” which in the original Greek is “ἀγνοέω” (agnoeo). It means to not know, be unaware, or to understand incorrectly. This word reflects a lack of knowledge that’s either innocent (simply not knowing) or willful (choosing not to know).
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
In many ancient cultures, the concept of wilful ignorance was looked upon with disdain. For instance, in Greek philosophy, the idea that “knowledge is virtue” was common, and ignorance was often considered the root of moral and societal failure.
In other religious traditions, such as Buddhism, ignorance (avidya) is seen as one of the root causes of suffering. This is somewhat analogous to the Christian view that ignorance of divine truth can lead to spiritual confusion and disharmony.
Scientific Perspectives
The scientific community values empirical evidence and knowledge, and typically believes that wilful ignorance hinders progress. From a psychological standpoint, there is a concept called the “backfire effect,” where individuals become more entrenched in their beliefs when presented with contradictory evidence. This can parallel the Biblical suggestion that some people choose to remain in ignorance despite the availability of corrective information.
Commentaries
Popular biblical commentaries offer differing views on this verse. Some commentators suggest that Paul is expressing frustration with persistent ignorance and is instructing the Corinthian church to focus on teaching willing learners. Others interpret this verse as a reflection on human free will and the respect for individual choice, even when that choice leads away from knowledge. John Calvin’s commentary, for example, suggests that God eventually gives over to ignorance those who do not receive the love of truth.
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