Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 8:2
The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers while clarifying their dispute over food sacrificed to idols. He intervenes in their debate to correct their self-assessment before outlining how love must govern their conduct.
The words — The Greek δοκεῖ (dokei) translates literally as "thinks" or "appears," while ἐγνωκέναι (egnōkenai) is the perfect active infinitive meaning "to have known." The phrasing asserts that claimed knowledge currently lacks the completeness it requires.
The thread — The pattern of unverified confidence meets correction in 1 Corinthians 3:18 and Proverbs 26:12. The same limitation of present understanding is explicitly outlined in 1 Corinthians 13:12.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to distinguish between actual comprehension and mere intellectual presumption. It demands that confidence be withheld until knowledge aligns with the standard of truth rather than personal opinion.
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
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 13:12 Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
- 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise.
- Proverbs 26:12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
- Galatians 6:3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
- 1 Timothy 6:3 If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching,
- 1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed.
- Proverbs 30:2 Surely I am the most ignorant of men, and I lack the understanding of a man.
- 1 Timothy 1:5 The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith.
- Romans 11:25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.