The Bible has much to say about the topic of ignorance as it relates to sin. At first glance, it may seem that ignorance could be an excuse for sin, since one cannot be held accountable for what one does not know. However, a closer examination of Scripture reveals that the picture is more complex.
On one hand, the Bible makes it clear that intentional, willful sin is always wrong, whether done in ignorance or not. Sins done in ignorance still have consequences. When discussing sacrifices for unintentional sins in the Old Testament, the author of Hebrews says, “But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:3-4). The sacrifices did not fully atone for the sins done in ignorance.
In the New Testament, Paul explains that ignorance does not completely absolve people of guilt. Speaking of those who killed Jesus, he says, “None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Corinthians 2:8). Their ignorance did not make them innocent.
There are also examples in the Old Testament of people being punished for deeds done in ignorance. When the Israelites used “devoted things” at the battle of Ai, Achan sinned, albeit unintentionally, and was stoned to death (Joshua 7:1, 20-26). God also struck Uzzah dead when he touched the ark, even though he had good intentions (2 Samuel 6:6-7).
However, the Bible also indicates that those who sin ignorantly or unintentionally are in a different category than those who brazenly and defiantly sin. God shows patience, grace, and mercy to those who are ignorant, giving them opportunity to repent and learn. But willful sinners often experience swift judgment.
For example, Paul says this about his persecution of Christians: “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth … I persecuted them even to foreign cities. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone” (Galatians 1:13-16). Paul obtained mercy because he acted ignorantly in unbelief.
The distinction is further seen in that there were special sacrifices to atone for sins done unintentionally or in ignorance in the Old Testament (Leviticus 4, Numbers 15:22-29). Sins done defiantly “with a high hand” did not have the same allowances (Numbers 15:30-31). This suggests God recognized a difference between these two categories of sin.
On the other hand, the Bible clearly teaches that ignorance itself is no excuse. People are still responsible to God for what they do not know. Ignorance is often the result of neglecting to seek the truth. Paul tells the men of Athens that although God overlooked their ignorance at one time, now “he commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). They could not use ignorance as a defense any longer.
Many verses point to the duty people have to seek knowledge of God. Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Romans 1:18-23 describes those who “suppress the truth” and did not honor God when they knew Him, so “they are without excuse.” Jesus rebuked Nicodemus this way in John 3:10: “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?” Nicodemus should have known the truths Jesus taught.
Proverbs 1:7 declares, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” And Psalms 119 repeatedly praises the wonders of God’s law. His Word is readily available, so all are responsible to learn it. As Jesus explained, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand” (Matthew 7:26). Claiming ignorance will not hold up on the day of judgment.
Moreover, God promises to reveal Himself to those who sincerely seek the truth. “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). He is “not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27) and the creation itself testifies to divine knowledge (Romans 1:19-20). No one has an excuse for remaining ignorant if they genuinely desire the truth.
In summary, the Bible clearly teaches that ignorance does not fully excuse sin. There are consequences even for sins done in ignorance. Intentional, brazen sin is worse than unintentional sin, and God shows mercy to the ignorant. But pleading ignorance does not absolve people completely of responsibility before God.
All have a moral duty to seek the knowledge of God, which He has made available. Claiming ignorance when one has neglected this duty is not an adequate defense. The more one knows God’s will, the greater their accountability. As Jesus said, “The one who knew the master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive a severe beating” (Luke 12:47). Ignorance cannot be used as an excuse when one has failed to seek truth.
At the same time, God’s justice is perfect. He always judges rightly based on the amount of knowledge one possesses. As Jesus said while dying on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). God shows immeasurable grace, patience and mercy, and Jesus’ sacrifice makes atonement for sins done ignorantly. But He calls all people to know Him through repentance and obedience to His Word.