1 Corinthians 8:2

2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know.

1 Corinthians 8:2 in Other Translations

KJV
2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
ESV
2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.
NLT
2 Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much.
MSG
2 but sometimes our humble hearts can help us more than our proud minds.
CSB
2 If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it.

1 Corinthians 8:2 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 8:2

And if any man think that he knows anything
Whoever has an opinion of himself, or is conceited with his own knowledge, and fancies that he knows more than he does; which is always the case of those that are elated with their knowledge, and treat others with contempt, and have no regard to their peace and edification:

he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know;
if he did, he would know this, that he ought to consult the peace, comfort, and edification of his brother; and therefore whatever knowledge he may fancy he has attained to, or whatever he may be capable of, and hereafter obtain, for the present he must be put down for a man that knows nothing as he should do; for he knows neither his duty to God nor man; if he knew the former, he would know the latter.

1 Corinthians 8:2 In-Context

1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.
2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know.
3 But whoever loves God is known by God.
4 So then, 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.”
5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”),

Cross References 2

  • 1. 1 Corinthians 3:18
  • 2. 1Co 13:8,9,12; 1 Timothy 6:4
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