Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 14:38
But if anyone ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church immediately after commanding them to recognize his instructions as the Lord’s direct authority. He addresses this warning to any believer who claims prophetic or spiritual status yet refuses to submit to the written command.
The words — The verse hinges on ἀγνοεῖ (agnoei, “is ignorant”) and its passive form ἀγνοεῖται (agnoeitai, “he will be ignored”). The Greek deliberately links human refusal to learn with divine refusal to acknowledge.
The thread — This pattern of divine response to human rejection runs through 2 Timothy 4:3, where people refuse sound doctrine, and 1 Timothy 6:3, where teaching contrary to Christ’s words is condemned. It parallels the warning in Matthew 7:6 that sacred truth given to those who trample it meets with rejection.
Why it lands — The text commands immediate submission to apostolic instruction and states plainly that deliberate disregard for that command results in divine disregard. It requires the reader to accept the instruction before claiming spiritual authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
Cross-references
- 2 Timothy 4:3 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.
- 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.
- 1 Timothy 6:3 If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching,
- Revelation 22:11 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.”
- Hosea 4:17 Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone!
- Matthew 15:14 Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”