1 Corinthians 14:38
1 Corinthians 14:38 in Multiple Translations
But if anyone ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
But if any man is without knowledge, let him be so.
Those who ignore this will themselves be ignored.
And if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
and if any one is ignorant — let him be ignorant;
But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
But if any man know not, he shall not be known.
But if they are not willing to accept my authority, God will not accept them (OR, they will not be accepted by the congregation).
So if that person will not take any notice of this letter, then you mob can’t believe their messages. Don’t take any notice of anything they say.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 14:38
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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1 Corinthians 14:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
GRK
ει
δε
τις
αγνοει
αγνοειτω
ει
ei
G1487
if
COND
δε
de
G1161
then
Conj
τις
tis
G5100
one
Indef-NSM
αγνοει
agnoeō
G50
be ignorant
Verb-PAI-3S
αγνοειτω
agnoeō
G50
be ignorant
Verb-PAM-3S
Greek Word Study
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 14:38
ει
ei
G1487
"if"
COND
This word means 'if' and is used to express conditions or questions. It appears in many Bible verses, such as Matthew 11:14 and Romans 8:25, introducing a condition or hypothesis.
Definition: εἰ, conjunctive particle, used in conditions and in indirect questions. __I. Conditional, if; __1. with indic, expressing a general assumption; __(a) pres.: before indic, pres., Mat.11:14, Rom.8:25, al.; before imperat., Mrk.4:23 9:22, Jhn.15:18, 1Co.7:9, al.; before fut. indic., Luk.16:31, Rom.8:11, al.; before pf. or aor., with negation in apodosis, Mat.12:26, Rom.4:14, al.; similarly, before impf., Luk.17:6, Jhn.8:39; before quæst., Mat.6:23, Jhn.5:47 7:23 8:46, 1Pe.2:20; __(b) fut.: Mat.26:33, 1Pe.2:20; __(with) pf.: Jhn.11:12, Rom.6:5, al.; __(d) aor.: Luk.16:11 19:8, Jhn.13:32, 18:23, Rev.20:15, al. __2. Where the assumption is certain = ἐπεί: Mat.12:28, Jhn.7:4, Rom.5:17, al. __3. Of an unfulfilled condition, with indic, impf., aor. or plpf., before ἄν, with imp. or aor. (see: ἄν, I, i). __4. C. indic., after verbs denoting wonder, etc., sometimes, but not always, coupled with an element of doubt: Mrk.15:44, 1Jn.3:13, al. __5. C. indic., as in LXX (Num.14:3o, 1Ki.14:45, al. = Heb. אִם), in oaths, with the formula of imprecation understood in a suppressed apodosis (WM, 627; Burton, §272): Mrk.8:12, Heb.3:11" (LXX) 4:3 (LXX). __6. Rarely (cl.) with optative, to express a merely possible condition: Act.24:19 27:39, 1Co.14:10 15:37, I Pe3:14, 17. __II. Interrogative, if, whether. __1. As in cl., in indir. questions after verbs of seeing, asking, knowing, saying, etc.: with indic. pres., Mat.26:63, Mrk.15:36, Act.19:2, 2Co.13:5, al.; fut., Mrk.3:2, Act.8:22, al.; aor., Mrk.15:44, 1Co.1:16, al.; with subjc. aor. (M, Pr., 194), Php.3:12. __2. As in LXX (= Heb. אִם and interrog. הֲ, Gen.17:17, al.; see WM, 639f.; Viteau, i, 22), in direct questions: Mrk.8:23 (Tr., WH, txt.), Luk.13:23, 22:49, Act.19:2, al. __III. With other particles. __1. εἰ ἄρα, εἴγε, εἰ δὲ μήγε, see: ἄρα, γε. __2. εἰ δὲ καί, but if also: Luk.11:18; but even if, 1Co.4:7, 2Co.4:3 11:16. __3. εἰ δὲ μή, but if not, but if otherwise: Mrk.2:21, 22 Jhn.14:2, Rev.2:5, al. __4. εἰ καί, if even, if also, although: Mrk.14:29, Luk.11:8, 1Co.7:21, 2Co.4:16, Php.2:17, al. __5. καὶ εἰ, even if, see: καί __6. εἰ μή, if not, unless, except, but only: Mat.24:22, Mrk.2:26 6:5, Jhn.9:33, 1Co.7:17 (only), Gal.1:19 (cf. ἐὰν μή, 2:16; see Hort., Ja., xvi); ἐκτὸς εἰ μή, pleonastic (Bl., §65, 6), 1Co.14:5 15:2, 1Ti.5:19. __7. εἰ μήν = cl. ἦ μήν (M, Pr., 46), in oaths, surely (Eze.33:27, al.): Heb.6:14. __8. εἴ πως, if haply: Act.27:12, Rom.1:10. __9. εἴτε . . . εἴτε, whether . . . or; Rom.12:6-8, 1Co.3:22 13:8, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 459 NT verses. KJV: forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether See also: 1 Corinthians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 10:7; 1 Peter 1:6.
δε
de
G1161
"then"
Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
τις
tis
G5100
"one"
Indef-NSM
This pronoun refers to a person or thing in a general sense, as seen in Luke 9:49 and John 11:1. It can mean someone, anyone, or anything. This term is often used to describe an unspecified individual or object.
Definition: τις, neut., τι, genitive, τινός, enclitic indefinite pron., related to interrog. τίς as πού, πως, ποτέ to ποῦ, πῶς, πότε. __I. As subst., __1. one, a certain one: Luk.9:49, Jhn.11:1, Act.5:25, al.; pl., τίνες, certain, some: Luk.13:1, Act.15:1, Rom.3:8, al. __2. someone, anyone, something, anything: Mat.12:29, Mrk.9:30, Luk.8:46, Jhn.2:25, Act.17:25, Rom.5:7, al.; = indef., one (French on), Mrk.8:4, Jhn.2:25, Rom.8:24, al.; pl., τινες, some, Mrk.14:4, al. __II. II. As adj., __1. a certain: Mat.18:12, Luk.1:5 8:27, Act.3:2, al.; with proper names, Mrk.15:21, Luk.23:26, al.; with genitive partit., Luk.7:19, al. __2. some: Mrk.16:[8], Jhn.5:14, Act.17:21 24:24, Heb.11:40, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 490 NT verses. KJV: a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 12:17; 1 Peter 2:19.
αγνοει
agnoeō
G50
"be ignorant"
Verb-PAI-3S
To be ignorant means lacking information or intelligence, as described in 1 Timothy 1:13 and Acts 13:27 and Romans 10:3.
Definition: ἀγνοέω, -ῶ (> ἁγνίζω), [in LXX for שָׁגָה, שָׁגַג, אָשַׁם, etc. ;] __1. to be ignorant, not to know: absol., Ι Ti 1:13, Heb.5:2; with accusative, Act.13:27 17:23, Rom.10:3, 2Co.2:11; ἐν οἷς, 2Pe.2:12; before ὅτι, Rom.2:4 6:3 7:1, 1Co.14:38; οὐ θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν, a Pauline phrase: with accusative, Rom.11:25; before ὑπέρ, 2Co.1:8; περί, 1Co.12:1, 1Th.4:13. ὅτι, Rom.1:13, 1Co.10:1 (for similar usage in π., V. MM, VGT, see word). Pass.: 1Co.14:38, 2Co.6:9, Gal.1:22. __2. not to understand: with accusative, Mrk.9:32, Luk.9:45. † (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: (be) ignorant(-ly), not know, not understand, unknown See also: 1 Corinthians 10:1; Acts 17:23; Hebrews 5:2.
αγνοειτω
agnoeō
G50
"be ignorant"
Verb-PAM-3S
To be ignorant means lacking information or intelligence, as described in 1 Timothy 1:13 and Acts 13:27 and Romans 10:3.
Definition: ἀγνοέω, -ῶ (> ἁγνίζω), [in LXX for שָׁגָה, שָׁגַג, אָשַׁם, etc. ;] __1. to be ignorant, not to know: absol., Ι Ti 1:13, Heb.5:2; with accusative, Act.13:27 17:23, Rom.10:3, 2Co.2:11; ἐν οἷς, 2Pe.2:12; before ὅτι, Rom.2:4 6:3 7:1, 1Co.14:38; οὐ θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν, a Pauline phrase: with accusative, Rom.11:25; before ὑπέρ, 2Co.1:8; περί, 1Co.12:1, 1Th.4:13. ὅτι, Rom.1:13, 1Co.10:1 (for similar usage in π., V. MM, VGT, see word). Pass.: 1Co.14:38, 2Co.6:9, Gal.1:22. __2. not to understand: with accusative, Mrk.9:32, Luk.9:45. † (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: (be) ignorant(-ly), not know, not understand, unknown See also: 1 Corinthians 10:1; Acts 17:23; Hebrews 5:2.
Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 14:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Corinthians 14:38 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 14:38
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:38
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:38
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:38
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:38
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:38
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 14:38
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 14:38
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:38
- Sermons on 1 Corinthians 14:38
Context — Orderly Worship
36Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only ones it has reached?
37If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command.
38But if anyone ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
39So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Timothy 4:3–4 | For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. |
| 2 | Hosea 4:17 | Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone! |
| 3 | Revelation 22:11–12 | Let the unrighteous continue to be unrighteous, and the vile continue to be vile; let the righteous continue to practice righteousness, and the holy continue to be holy.” “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done. |
| 4 | Matthew 7:6 | Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. |
| 5 | 1 Timothy 6:3–5 | If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain. |
| 6 | Matthew 15:14 | Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” |
1 Corinthians 14:38 Summary
This verse, 1 Corinthians 14:38, is a reminder that if we ignore God's commands, He will ignore us. This doesn't mean we lose our salvation, but rather that we will not have God's blessing and guidance in our lives, as seen in Psalm 32:8-11. To avoid this, we need to make sure we are listening to God's Word and being obedient to what He says (John 14:15). By doing so, we can have a close and personal relationship with God, as seen in 1 John 1:3 and Revelation 3:20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be ignored by God?
To be ignored by God means to be set aside or not considered by Him, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:38, where it says that if anyone ignores this command, he himself will be ignored, which is a serious warning to take God's commands seriously, as also seen in Psalm 50:22 and Matthew 25:41.
Is this verse talking about salvation?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 14:38, is not directly talking about salvation, but rather about the importance of obeying God's commands, as also emphasized in 1 Samuel 15:22-23 and Hebrews 5:9, where disobedience can lead to being set aside by God.
How can I make sure I am not ignoring God's commands?
To make sure you are not ignoring God's commands, you must stay in the Word of God, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:15, and be obedient to what He says, as seen in John 14:15 and 1 John 2:3-4, and have a heart that is willing to listen and learn, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Isaiah 66:2.
What is the context of this verse?
The context of 1 Corinthians 14:38 is about the gift of prophecy and speaking in tongues, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:1-40, where the Apostle Paul is giving instructions on how these gifts should be used in the church, as also seen in 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 and Romans 12:3-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be ignoring God's commands in my own life, and how can I make a change to be more obedient?
- How does the thought of being ignored by God motivate me to be more diligent in my walk with Him, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:38 and 2 Peter 1:10-11?
- In what ways can I prioritize listening to God's Word and being obedient to what He says, as seen in Psalm 119:9-16 and 2 Timothy 2:15?
- What are some potential consequences of ignoring God's commands, and how can I avoid them, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:38 and Hebrews 10:26-31?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 14:38
But if any man be ignorant,.... Of "these" words, as the Arabic version adds, and does not know and own them to be the commandments of Christ; though he may profess himself to be a prophet, or a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:38
But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. If any man be ignorant - willfully; not wishing to recognize my apostolic authority in enjoining these ordinances. Let him be ignorant.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:38
If any one will pretend ignorance in this, he is wilfully ignorant; for my own part, I will concern myself no further about him, but leave myself and him also to the judgment of God; let him be ignorant. In some copies it is, he shall not be known: in the day of judgment Christ shalt say unto him: Depart from me, I know you not.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:38
38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Ver. 38. But if any man be ignorant, &c.] If stubbornly ignorant and uncounsellable; let him take his own course. I have cleared the truth in things now controverted, and there I rest me. Who so blind as he that will not see? such put not light under a bushel, but under a dunghill, and shall give a heavy account of it to God. When I hear men (saith Lord Kemp) under all the means that we enjoy, yet think that their ignorance shall excuse them, it makes me think of the answer of the agent of Charles V, emperor to the ambassador of Sienna. The Siennois having rebelled against the emperor, sent their ambassador to excuse it; who when he could find no other excuse, thought in a jest to put it off thus: What, saith he, shall not we of Sienna be excused, seeing we are known to be all fools? the agent replied, Even that shall excuse you, but upon the condition which is fit for fools, which is, to be kept bound and enchained.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:38
(38) But if any man be ignorant.—There are here two readings in the Greek, for each of which there is strong evidence. The passage may run, either, as in the English, if any man does not know this, let him not know it: then the words would mean that a person who could not recognise such an evident and simple truth must be of a perverse mind—his opposition would give the Apostle no further concern. The other reading is, if any man knows not this, he is himself not known: this would signify that any man who knows not this truth is not known of God (as in 1 Corinthians 8:2-3; 1 Corinthians 13:12).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:38
Verse 38. But if any man be ignorant] If he affect to be so, or pretend that he is ignorant; let him be ignorant-let him be so at his peril.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 14:38
38. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant] Some editors read ‘he is ignored’ instead of ‘let him be ignorant.’ If we take the reading in the text, which seems preferable, the sense is that St Paul will give himself no further trouble about one whose insubordination proves him to be no real prophet of God; if the reading which some would substitute for it, the signification is that God will neglect him who neglects the commandments of His Apostle. Cf. ch. 1 Corinthians 8:3. The Vulgate renders ignorabitur; and Wiclif, he schal be unknowe; Tyndale renders as in the text.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 14:38
But if any be ignorant ... - If anyone affects to be ignorant of my authority, or whether I have a right to command. If he affects to doubt whether I am inspired, and whether what I utter is in accordance with the will of God.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:38
38. If—A second if antithetic to the first if of 1 Corinthians 14:37.
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 14:38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Spirit of a True Prophet - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon transcript, the preacher discusses a sermon given by P. Nicholson, who emphasized the theme of repentance. The preacher describes how Nicholson's preaching had a pow |
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(Men Who Met God): Elijah - "The Lord Leviticus Before Whom I Stand" by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of finding reality and how sin often prevents us from experiencing it. He explores the inner conflict within humans, where the di |
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(Clip) the Gospel Will Soon Be Hate Speech by Francis Chan | This sermon discusses the potential future challenges Christians may face in a changing world where public forums could be restricted and labeled as hate speech. Drawing parallels |
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Audio Sermon: Last Days Deception by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of the gospel of accommodation, which adapts and adjusts the message of the Gospel to suit the desires and weaknesses of sinful men. It warns aga |
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Survive the Great Depression by Andrew Strom | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the stark contrast between two gospels, one aligned with Jesus' teachings and the other preaching unscriptural and opposite beliefs. The spe |
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(Exodus) Exodus 32:26-28 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of liberalism infiltrating the church and causing a decline in its influence. He recalls a personal experience of witnessing a young |
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Apostasy/healing/prosperity? by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, emphasizing the warning about the last days and the deception that will lead many Christians astray. It highlights the danger of |