1 Corinthians 14:38
What does 1 Corinthians 14:38 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 14:38 means
If anyone refuses to acknowledge Paul’s instruction as the Lord’s command, he is to be left in his ignorance. Persistent rejection carries its own judgment—such a person disqualifies himself from recognition and influence in the assembly. The church cannot build order on the opinions of those who spurn apostolic authority. This sober line draws a boundary to protect the congregation from confusion and conflict. It also urges seriousness in receiving correction. God’s peace and edification require shared submission to the Word; where someone will not yield, the church maintains its course and does not let obstinacy derail the order Christ has appointed.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But if any man is without knowledge, let him be so.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and if any one is ignorant--let him be ignorant;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But if any man know not, he shall not be known.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But if any be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
Context
After asserting that his words are the Lord’s command, Paul states the consequence of refusal: leave the obstinate to their ignorance. This prepares the way for the closing exhortations, which restate the chapter’s balanced stance—earnestly desire prophecy, do not forbid tongues, and ensure everything is done decently and in order. The progression ends on a pastoral note of both openness to the Spirit and commitment to peace and edification.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 7:6
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before the swine, lest haply they trample them under their feet, and turn and rend you.
- Revelation 22:11
He that is unrighteous, let him do unrighteousness still: and he that is filthy, let him be made filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him do righteousness still: and he that is holy, let him be made holy still.
- Matthew 15:14
Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit.
- 1 Timothy 6:3
If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
- Hosea 4:17
Ephraim is joined to idols; let him alone.
- 2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;
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