What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 8:2? The one who thinks Paul begins with self-perception. The issue is not knowledge itself, but the person “who thinks” he possesses it. Scripture warns that self-confidence can blind us to reality. Proverbs 3:7 says, “Do not be wise in your own eyes,” and Galatians 6:3 cautions, “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself”. In 1 Corinthians 8:1 Paul has already noted, “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” The thought life must be submitted to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5); otherwise, thinking becomes the breeding ground for spiritual pride. he knows something The phrase recognizes that believers may indeed have correct information—about idols, food sacrificed to them, or any other doctrinal point. Yet knowledge, even accurate knowledge, can become a badge of superiority. Paul later writes, “If I have…all knowledge, but do not have love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2). Romans 14:14 shows how one may be “convinced in the Lord Jesus” about a matter of conscience, but that conviction must still consider weaker brothers. Genuine knowledge never stands isolated; it is accountable to love. does not yet know Here Paul punctures the bubble of arrogance. However much we have learned, our understanding remains partial. “For we know in part and we prophesy in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9). Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us that “the hidden things belong to the Lord our God.” Even the most mature believer is a student in Christ’s school. This awareness guards against judging others’ liberty (Romans 14:10) and fuels continual dependence on the Spirit, who “will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). as he ought to know There is a right way to know: humbly, lovingly, and in relationship with God. Verse 3 continues, “But the one who loves God is known by God.” True knowledge is relational, not merely informational. James 3:17 contrasts “the wisdom from above” with earthly wisdom, describing it as “pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits”. First John 4:7-8 ties knowledge to love, declaring that “whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” The believer who “ought to know” seeks to build up others, not to parade insight. summary 1 Corinthians 8:2 warns that thinking we have knowledge can itself reveal ignorance. God-honoring knowledge is always humble, incomplete on this side of glory, and inseparably joined to love. As we grow in biblical understanding, we hold truth with an open hand, recognizing our dependence on the Lord and our responsibility to edify His people. |
    |