1 Corinthians 14:38

38 But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.[a]

1 Corinthians 14:38 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
English Standard Version (ESV)
38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.
New Living Translation (NLT)
38 But if you do not recognize this, you yourself will not be recognized.
The Message Bible (MSG)
38 If you won't play by these rules, God can't use you. Sorry.
American Standard Version (ASV)
38 But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
38 But whoever ignores what I write should be ignored.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
38 But if anyone ignores this, he will be ignored.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
38 Anyone who does not recognize that will not be recognized.

1 Corinthians 14:38 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:38

But if any man be ignorant
Of "these" words, as the Arabic version adds, and does not know and own them to be the commandments of Christ; though he may profess himself to be a prophet, or a spiritual man, he is a very ignorant one, and has not the Spirit of God he pretends to: and if he will not be convinced, but goes on to doubt, and call in question the truth of these things, and obstinately persist in his ignorance,

let him be ignorant:
let him be treated and despised as an ignorant man; and let his ignorance be no hinderance to any in receiving these rules and directions as the commandments of Christ; for no regard is to be had, or pity shown, to a man of affected ignorance, and wilful obstinacy; such a man is not to be known and owned, but shunned and rejected.

1 Corinthians 14:38 In-Context

36 Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?
37 If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.
38 But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.
39 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Some manuscripts "But anyone who is ignorant of this will be ignorant"
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.