1 Corinthians 15:34
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The Apostle Paul doesn't just call out sin; he links it directly to a lack of knowledge of God. This isn't about ignorance in general, but a deep-seated spiritual blindness that makes sin seem acceptable or even normal, a reality he sadly declares to their shame.
Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing a serious issue in the Corinthian church: the denial of the resurrection of the dead. Before this, he meticulously laid out the theological foundation for the resurrection, demonstrating that Christ's resurrection guarantees ours. He now calls them out for their unrighteous behavior, likening their lack of belief to a drunken stupor, and highlights that some of them have failed to truly know God because of this error.
Paul doesn't just suggest; he commands. What does it mean to be 'drunk' in a spiritual sense, and why is waking up so critical?
Paul uses the strong metaphor of drunkenness to describe the Corinthians' spiritual state. It implies a loss of clarity, poor judgment, and an inability to function rightly.
A Stupor of Complacency
This wasn't about literal intoxication, but a spiritual numbness. They had become complacent, perhaps dulled by their surrounding culture or even by their own spiritual gifts and successes. This stupor led them to tolerate sin within the community.
The Call to Sobriety
'Wake up' is a call to alertness, to clear-headedness, and to moral responsibility. It's the opposite of passive slumber. It demands active engagement with truth and righteousness.
Paul links the Corinthians' sinning directly to a lack of something fundamental. What is this crucial missing piece, and why does its absence enable sin?
Paul cuts to the heart of the matter by stating, 'For some have no knowledge of God.' This isn't just about knowing about God, but a deep, experiential understanding of who He is and His divine character.
The Foundation of Righteousness
True knowledge of God is the bedrock upon which righteous living is built. When this knowledge is lacking or distorted, our moral compass falters. We lose sight of what truly honors Him and what leads us astray.
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Shame as a Catalyst
The phrase 'I say this to your shame' is a powerful indictment. It suggests that continuing in sin, especially when some within the community lack this foundational knowledge, is a deeply embarrassing reality for those who should know better. This ignorance is not an excuse but a cause for deep regret and a catalyst for change.
Understand the original words
hamartanō · Greek Verb
An intentional act of disobedience against God's law or a failure to conform to His character. It is a rebellion against God's holy standard.
gnōsis · Greek Noun
An experiential and relational acquaintance with God through His Word and His Spirit, which leads to spiritual life and transformation. It is more than intellectual information; it is covenantal intimacy.
The Corinthian believers, having recently come from a pagan background filled with sensuality and ignorance of God, were struggling to shed their old ways. Paul's sharp words about sin and 'no knowledge of God' directly confront their deeply ingrained habits and the shame associated with continuing in them.
c. AD 50-52
Paul Founds the Corinthian Church
The Apostle Paul spent about 18 months in Corinth establishing the church, encountering significant opposition but also seeing many believe.
c. AD 53-55— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
Written from Ephesus, this letter addresses numerous problems within the Corinthian church, including divisions, sexual immorality, and misuse of spiritual gifts.
c. AD 55-57
Disputes and Divisions
The Corinthian believers were struggling with factionalism, boasting, and a misunderstanding of Christian freedom, leading to sinful behavior.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Visit and Second Letter
Paul likely visited Corinth again and possibly wrote a tearful letter (now lost) before his final visit, aiming to correct their ongoing issues.
This passage also calls believers to 'wake up' from spiritual slumber, emphasizing the nearness of salvation and the need to shed works of darkness.
Ephesians 5:11It urges believers not to participate in the unfruitful works of darkness but to expose them, echoing Paul's call to stop sinful behavior.
1 Thessalonians 5:6This verse encourages being sober and vigilant, contrasting with the 'drunken stupor' mentioned and linking it to living as children of light.
2 Timothy 2:24-26It describes the kind of self-control and gentleness needed to guide those who are ensnared by the devil, relating to the 'no knowledge of God' aspect.
The Apostle Paul doesn't just call out sin; he links it directly to a lack of knowledge of God. This isn't about ignorance in general, but a deep-seated spiritual blindness that makes sin seem acceptable or even normal, a reality he sadly declares to their shame.
Paul is addressing a serious issue in the Corinthian church: the denial of the resurrection of the dead. Before this, he meticulously laid out the theological foundation for the resurrection, demonstrating that Christ's resurrection guarantees ours. He now calls them out for their unrighteous behavior, likening their lack of belief to a drunken stupor, and highlights that some of them have failed to truly know God because of this error.
Paul is addressing a serious issue in the Corinthian church: the denial of the resurrection of the dead. Before this, he meticulously laid out the theological foundation for the resurrection, demonstrating that Christ's resurrection guarantees ours. He now calls them out for their unrighteous behavior, likening their lack of belief to a drunken stupor, and highlights that some of them have failed to truly know God because of this error.
"Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame." — The Apostle Paul doesn't just call out sin; he links it directly to a lack of knowledge of God. This isn't about ignorance in general, but a deep-seated spiritual blindness that makes sin seem acce…
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Last reviewed October 2026
