1 Corinthians 14:37

An Exegetical Examination of 1 Corinthians 14:37-38 and the Textual Variant of ἀγνοέω

This exegetical study of 1 Corinthians 14:37-38 is based on a b-greek discussion from Fri May 5 18:33:38 EDT 2006. The initial inquiry focused on a significant textual variant in 1 Corinthians 14:38, specifically the choice between ἀγνοεῖται (indicative passive) and ἀγνοείτω (imperative), noting a preference for the latter. This preference stems from its perceived congruity with the string of imperatives in the latter part of chapter 14 and the apparent chiastic structure of verses 34-38. Furthermore, the passage 1 Corinthians 14:37-38 is suggested to function as an inclusio with 1 Corinthians 12:1, particularly due to the shared use of the terms πνευματικός and ἀγνοέω. This connection implies that verses 37-38 may serve as a concluding statement not merely for Paul’s teaching in chapter 14, but for his entire discourse on love and spiritual gifts spanning chapters 12-14.

The central exegetical issue revolves around the precise reading of 1 Corinthians 14:38 and its implications for understanding Paul’s authoritative concluding remarks on spiritual gifts and order in worship. The variant directly impacts whether the verse is a declarative statement about ignorance (ἀγνοεῖται – ‘he is ignored’ / ‘it is unknown’) or a prescriptive imperative (ἀγνοείτω – ‘let him be ignorant’ / ‘let it be unknown’). The choice between these readings significantly alters the force of Paul’s injunctions, particularly in light of the surrounding imperatives in chapter 14 and the proposed chiastic structure of vv. 34-38. The alternative reading, an imperative, was initially misidentified as an infinitive but later clarified, underscoring the importance of its grammatical mood. The potential for an inclusio with 1 Corinthians 12:1, leveraging the shared use of πνευματικός and ἀγνοέω, further suggests that these verses may serve as a broader conclusion to Paul’s entire discussion on spiritual gifts in chapters 12-14.

Greek text (Nestle 1904)

Εἴ τις δοκεῖ προφήτης εἶναι ἢ πνευματικός, ἐπιγινωσκέτω ἃ γράφω ὑμῖν ὅτι Κυρίου ἐστὶν ἐντολή. εἰ δέ τις ἀγνοεῖ, ἀγνοεῖται.

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• SBLGNT (2010) presents ἀγνοεῖται in its main text, consistent with Nestle 1904/NA28.
• The variant ἀγνοείτω (imperative) is noted in the apparatus of critical editions, representing a significant textual tradition (e.g., D* F G Ψ 0243 M lat sy).

Textual Criticism (NA28): The NA28 apparatus indicates strong support for ἀγνοεῖται (present indicative passive) as the preferred reading, attested by major uncials (א A B C P) and numerous minuscules. This reading is also supported by earlier critical editions like NA27. The variant ἀγνοείτω (present active imperative) is found in significant witnesses such as D* F G Ψ 0243 M and is supported by Latin and Syriac traditions. Textual critics often favor the more difficult reading (**ἀγνοεῖται**) as less likely to be a scribal assimilation to the surrounding imperatives. However, the contextual arguments for the imperative (**ἀγνοείτω**) are robust, as it aligns rhetorically with Paul’s authoritative tone in the chapter.

Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG):

• KITTEL (TDNT) on ἀγνοέω: The term generally signifies “to be ignorant” or “not to know.” In philosophical contexts, it can extend to imply a lack of understanding or even willful disregard. In Pauline usage, it often refers to a genuine lack of knowledge or a failure to comprehend spiritual truth (e.g., Rom 1:13; 10:3; 11:25; 1 Cor 10:1; 12:1; 14:38; 2 Cor 1:8). The indicative passive ἀγνοεῖται would mean “he is ignored” or “his words are unknown/unrecognized.” The imperative ἀγνοείτω, conversely, would mean “let him be ignorant” or “let his words be ignored/disregarded,” carrying a stronger tone of divine judgment or dismissal.
• BDAG on ἀγνοέω: Defines the term in several ways: 1) *not to know, be unaware of, be ignorant of* (e.g., 1 Cor 12:1); 2) *not to understand, be unable to understand* (e.g., 1 Cor 14:38); 3) *to fail to recognize, pay no attention to, disregard* (e.g., Rom 1:13). The indicative passive ἀγνοεῖται could thus be translated as “he is not understood” or “he remains ignorant.” BDAG notes that ἀγνοεῖται is strongly attested and likely original, implying that if someone claims prophetic inspiration but does not recognize Paul’s instruction as a command of the Lord, then their spiritual claim is not recognized or understood by the true spiritual community. If the imperative ἀγνοείτω were the correct reading, it would be a strong, almost punitive command: “let him continue in his ignorance” or “let him be disregarded.”

Translation Variants

Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis:

• The reading ἀγνοεῖται (present indicative passive): This translates as “he is ignored” or “he is not recognized/understood.” This grammatical mood and voice imply a consequence for the individual who claims prophetic inspiration but rejects Paul’s teaching. Their claim is nullified, or they are revealed as lacking true spiritual understanding. Rhetorically, it functions as a statement of fact or outcome, possibly a warning that their spiritual authority will not be acknowledged by God or the discerning community. It represents the more grammatically “difficult” reading if one expects a concluding command.
• The reading ἀγνοείτω (present active imperative): This translates as “let him be ignorant” or “let him disregard.” This implies a direct, forceful command from Paul, essentially stating that if someone does not acknowledge Paul’s words as the Lord’s command, then that person’s claims should be dismissed, or they should be left to their own ignorance. Rhetorically, this aligns powerfully with the series of imperatives in 1 Corinthians 14, reinforcing Paul’s authority. This reading strengthens the argument for a chiastic structure (34-38) by concluding with a strong injunction and supports the inclusio argument by providing a decisive final word.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

While textual criticism leans towards the indicative passive ἀγνοεῖται, the contextual and rhetorical arguments for the imperative ἀγνοείτω are compelling, particularly given Paul’s authoritative tone and the surrounding imperatives in 1 Corinthians 14. Understanding the force of this concluding statement is crucial for grasping Paul’s expectations for order and discernment in the Corinthian church. The implications extend to how the community is to respond to those who claim spiritual authority but disregard apostolic teaching.

1. “If anyone claims to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that what I write to you is the Lord’s command. But if anyone is ignorant (of this), he is not acknowledged (as such).”
   This translation follows the textually preferred indicative passive, presenting a factual consequence: those who do not recognize Paul’s divine authority are themselves not recognized as truly spiritual by the community or by God.
2. “If anyone claims to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that what I write to you is the Lord’s command. But if anyone is ignorant (of this), let him remain ignorant.”
   This translation adopts the alternative imperative reading, conveying Paul’s forceful dismissal of those who reject his teaching, leaving them to their own lack of understanding or spiritual delusion.
3. “If anyone claims to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that what I write to you is the Lord’s command. However, if anyone fails to recognize this, let him be unrecognized (by the community).”
   This translation seeks to blend the textual strength of the indicative passive with the rhetorical force of a dismissal, implying that the community should not recognize the spiritual authority of one who disregards Paul’s divine instruction.