Is Ignorance a Sin? What Does the Bible Say?

Is ignorance a sin? Often, it is. But to discuss ignorance, we must begin with ignorance’s opposite— knowledge.

The biblical idea of knowledge is almost always a positive one. In fact, we follow a God of knowledge who calls us to be like Him.

In Hannah’s prayer recorded in 1 Samuel, she says, 

“There is none holy like the Lord:
     for there is none besides you;
     there is no rock like our God.
  Talk no more so very proudly,
     let not arrogance come from your mouth;
 for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
     and by him actions are weighed (vs 2-3).”

The Psalmist proclaims this about God in Psalm 147:4-5, 

“He determines the number of the stars;
     he gives to all of them their names.
 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
     his understanding is beyond measure.”

If we are to be like our God then, logically, we should embrace, even pursue knowledge—specifically knowledge of Him. Peter encourages this in 2 Peter chapter 1:3, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.”

Peter lists qualities, knowledge among them (2 Peter 1:5) that if we have them in increasing measure will prevent us from “being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 8). These qualities, faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love aren’t stand-a-lone characteristics but more like the ingredients of a person growing in Christ. 

Faith needs virtue (or goodness) and brotherly affection needs self-control. Knowledge is especially in need of love as the Bible warns us that knowledge without love can puff us up or make us arrogant (1 Corinthians 8:1). To grow in knowledge that pleases God and makes us like God, then, is to grow in knowledge of Him as we increase also in godliness and love.

People have varying capacities for knowledge, but Peter doesn’t tell us we must be “smart,” he tells us to be ever increasing in knowledge. In fact, unlike Paul, Peter was not highly educated but was a fisherman when Jesus called him as a disciple. He calls us to grow in knowledge of God and that is a knowledge we can grow in no matter what our educational background or our intellectual capacity. Each of us just starts where we are and dedicates ourselves to growing. We grow at our own pace and in our own way, but we grow. Knowledge of God comes through studying the Bible, praying, being in fellowship with other believers, worshipping, serving, and even through suffering. 

The writer of Proverbs tells us that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). He details in this chapter that those who reject knowledge, those who choose to remain ignorant of God and His ways will pay a steep price.

“Because they hated knowledge
     and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
   would have none of my counsel
     and despised all my reproof,
   therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,
     and have their fill of their own devices.
   For the simple are killed by their turning away,
     and the complacency of fools destroys them;
   but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
     and will be at ease, without dread of disaster,” (Proverbs 1:29-33)

So, is ignorance a sin? It's not hard, with these passages and others, to discern that ignorance can, indeed, be sinful. In fact, when those passersby are interviewed and fail to answer basic questions about either their own country or the Bible, it seems particularly wrong when they don’t appear to care about the ignorance they reveal. The good news is that ignorance has a remedy— the pursuit of knowledge.

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Ignorance in the Bible can be either willful such as in Hosea 4:6, 

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge;
     because you have rejected knowledge,
     I reject you from being a priest to me.
 And since you have forgotten the law of your God,
     I also will forget your children.”

Or unintentional such as mentioned in Hebrews 9:6-7,

“These preparations having thus been made, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties, but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people.”

My speaking ministry requires me to travel often to other states. In my state, we’re allowed to turn right at a red light. There have been many times when I’ve realized I’ve neglected to review another state’s laws of the road, usually as I’m sitting at a red light wondering if I can turn. If I do turn and it’s against the law, the police officer will not let me off simply because I failed to know the rules for that state.

Likewise, when God revealed His laws to His people, they became responsible for knowing and obeying the laws. God urged them to teach their children and to remind one another of His commands. He provided sacrifices for their unintentional sins, but He does explain that ignorance of the law does not nullify guilt. “If anyone sins, doing any of the things that by the Lord's commandments ought not to be done, though he did not know it, then realizes his guilt, he shall bear his iniquity,” (Leviticus 5:17).

While ignorance doesn’t relieve us of guilt, it can factor into the severity of consequences. Jesus spoke of this in Luke 12:47-48 where the one who was knowledgeable of the law and broke it received a severe punishment but the one who broke the law in ignorance received a lighter one.

God expected His people to know His laws and to help foreigners to know the laws when they chose to live in their land. Likewise, those of us who follow Jesus are charged with spreading the news of Jesus, the knowledge of God, to people around the world who don’t know Him. “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?  And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14). We are always to do this with gentleness, humility, and patience.

Willful ignorance, however, is sin. In fact, Romans 1:18-22, Paul explains that unrighteousness can even “suppress truth” (v.18). He writes that God has made Himself known, even through everything He has created, so people are without excuse (v.19-20). When people reject knowledge of God, they become hard of heart and their thinking becomes darkened (v.21-22). There is an ignorance of God that is chosen and embraced. When this happens, God may give people over to their choices and allow them to suffer the consequences but He always welcomes those who repent, turn, and choose to seek Him.

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The Old Testament priests offered sacrifices for those who sinned unintentionally. Jesus is our High Priest forever, and Hebrews 5:2 says, “He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.” Jesus demonstrated great love and patience when He lived among us. He ate with sinners and forgave those who repented of their wrongdoing. We can expect that He continues to demonstrate patience with those who are ignorant and welcomes them when they repent.

Paul rejoices that he found forgiveness in Jesus despite being formerly ignorant in unbelief. “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:12-14).

Even as He was being crucified, Jesus asked His Father to forgive those who carried out His sentence, “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’” (Luke 23:34). Jesus is patient, kind, loving, and forgiving, even with the ignorant but those who cling to their ignorance and refuse to pursue knowledge of Jesus will one day face judgement.

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First, turn toward Jesus. When we ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior, this is a step out of spiritual darkness or ignorance and into the light of knowing God.

Second, read the Bible. It’s helpful to begin with a gospel; often, either Mark or John is a great book to read first. There are many Bible reading plans, and some people enjoy reading the Bible all the way through every year. Choose a translation you can understand, read a section, and write down what that section tells you about God.

Third, find a faith community. Join a local church that teaches the Bible. Make friends with mature believers and attend classes or Bible studies taught by people grounded in God’s Word. Ask questions. Ask more questions. 

Fourth, put what you read into practice. As we grow in our understanding or knowledge of God, our lives should change. We will sin less and love more. We will stop doing wrong and grow in doing what is right. 

Fifth, share what you learn about God with others. When we talk about what we know of God and all we’ve learned about God, whether through everyday conversations, formal Bible teaching, or evangelism, we help spread the light of knowledge and push back the darkness of ignorance created by those who willfully choose to reject knowledge of God. Our lives make a difference, and as we grow in knowledge, we are better able to minister to others.

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