Knowing Nothing as He Ought 1 Corinthians 8:2

Paul the apostle began to discuss the idea of “idols” with the church members in Corinth, and referred to how they “had knowledge of idols”, but he warned that “knowledge puffs up, and charity edifies”. He continued to share about “knowledge” in chapter eight and verse two of First Corinthians as he shared is one has “knowledge”, “he knows nothing yet as he ought to know” where we read:

And if any man thinks that he knows any thing, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.

The verse begins, “And if any man think that he knows any thing,” Paul began with the words, “and if any man” which refers to “in addition should and whether any person whether male or female” “thinks that he knows” or “is of the opinion, supposes, accounts and judges” “any thing” which means “some certain things”. Paul referred to a person who thought he “knew” some things.

The verse continues, “he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.” Paul added the words, “he knows” or “the person has learned, perceived, felt and understood” “nothing” which means “not even one thing at all” “yet” or “never before” “as he ought” which means “as it is necessary, meet and of need of the person” “to know” or “to learn, perceive, feel and understand”. Paul said this one who “knew” some things still doesn't know everything that may be known about what he knows.

When we meditate upon these words from Paul, we see the limitation of “knowledge” about any particular subject. Some of the Corinthian church members thought they knew things about “idols” and “sacrifices” to them, but like all subjects in which a person becomes informed, there was always more to “know” about it. We might relate to what Paul was declaring by thinking about the “subject” about which we know the most. When we think it through, how much more is there to be known about that subject? Jesus Christ desires to have a church that doesn't just “know” a few things, but also lives in a manner which is “loving” towards others in that knowledge. As we continue to study what Paul has to say about “idols” and the “knowledge” of them, we should understand, there is so much more to “know”, and we “know nothing yet” as we “ought”.

Next time Paul tells the church members, “if any man love God, the same is known of him”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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