1 Corinthians 8:2
1 Corinthians 8:2 in Multiple Translations
The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
If any man thinketh that he knoweth anything, he knoweth not yet as he ought to know;
If anyone seems to himself to have knowledge, so far he has not the right sort of knowledge about anything;
If anyone thinks they know anything, they don't know as they really should know!
Nowe, if any man thinke that hee knoweth any thing, hee knoweth nothing yet as hee ought to knowe.
and if any one doth think to know anything, he hath not yet known anything according as it behoveth [him] to know;
But if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he doesn’t yet know as he ought to know.
And if any man thinketh that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he hath not yet known as he ought to know.
Those who think that they thoroughly know something do not yet know it as they should.
So if you reckon you know all about everything, you don’t really know much at all. You still have to learn a lot more.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 8:2
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1 Corinthians 8:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 8:2
Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 8:2
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Corinthians 8:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 8:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 8:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:2
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 8:2
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 8:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:2
- Sermons on 1 Corinthians 8:2
Context — Food Sacrificed to Idols
2The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.
3But the one who loves God is known by God. 4So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Galatians 6:3 | If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. |
| 5 | 1 Timothy 6:3–4 | 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, |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 13:8–9 | 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. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, |
| 7 | 1 Timothy 1:5–7 | The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith. Some have strayed from these ways and turned aside to empty talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert. |
| 8 | Proverbs 30:2–4 | Surely I am the most ignorant of men, and I lack the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, and I have no knowledge of the Holy One. Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son— surely you know! |
| 9 | 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. |
1 Corinthians 8:2 Summary
[This verse reminds us that just because we think we know something, it doesn't mean we truly understand it. True understanding comes from a humble and loving relationship with God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:2. We need to approach life with humility, recognizing that our understanding is limited, and seek a deeper relationship with God. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's truth, and love Him more deeply, as encouraged in Matthew 22:37.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'know as he ought to know' in 1 Corinthians 8:2?
This phrase suggests that there is a deeper, more humble understanding of knowledge that goes beyond mere intellectual awareness, as seen in Proverbs 9:10 where 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom'
Is this verse saying that knowledge is bad?
No, the Bible is not saying that knowledge is bad, but rather that knowledge without love and humility can be harmful, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 8:1, 'Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up'
How does this verse relate to my everyday life?
This verse reminds us to approach life with humility, recognizing that our understanding is limited, and to seek a deeper relationship with God, as encouraged in Psalm 119:66, 'Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands'
What is the difference between knowing something and truly understanding it?
This verse highlights the difference between intellectual knowledge and spiritual understanding, where true understanding comes from a humble and loving relationship with God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:2, 'If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I think I have all the answers, but may not truly understand?
- How can I cultivate a humble and loving approach to knowledge, recognizing my limitations?
- What role does love play in my pursuit of knowledge and understanding?
- In what ways can I seek a deeper, more spiritual understanding of God's truth, beyond just intellectual knowledge?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 8:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 8:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:2
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:2
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:2
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 8:2
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 8:2
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:2
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 8:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Thessalonians 4:13 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of understanding the doctrine of the Resurrection to banish grief and sorrow, emphasizing that even those who have fallen asleep in Je |
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Having a Humble Opinion of Self by Thomas a Kempis | Thomas a Kempis emphasizes the importance of humility, fearing God, and serving Him rather than seeking knowledge for the sake of pride. He warns against the vanity of intellectual |
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A Letter to a Magazine on the Subject of Dr. Pusey's Tract on Baptism by J.H. Newman | The Editor of the Magazine questions how clergymen reconcile their consciences with the Homilies calling Rome 'Antichrist,' while holding the doctrines of the Tracts. The response |
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Letter 146. by James Bourne | James Bourne emphasizes the importance of being made aware of our sinful nature and the need for a revelation of Jesus Christ for salvation. He contrasts leaning on our own underst |
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Before We Can Read to Our Soul's Profit by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot emphasizes the vital importance of experiencing the truth of God through the teaching of the Holy Spirit, rather than mere intellectual understanding. He warns that wi |
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Humanity of Jesus - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the purpose of sending out missionaries. He emphasizes that missionaries are sent to proclaim the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. |
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I Made You for Eternity by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the importance of missionaries sharing their experiences with the body of Christ. He emphasizes the need for encouragement and chal |







