ἀγνοέω (agnoeō)
agnoeō
be ignorant
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb agnoeō describes a state of being ignorant or not knowing something. In the New Testament, it often appears in Paul’s letters as a rhetorical device to introduce important theological points, such as when he writes, "I do not want you to be ignorant" (Romans 11:25). This phrase signals that the following information is crucial for understanding God’s plan or Christian conduct.
The word covers both simple lack of knowledge and a failure to understand deeper truths. For instance, Jesus notes that his disciples did not understand his impending death (Mark 9:32), while Paul mentions that some Corinthians were unaware of how to handle certain spiritual matters (1 Corinthians 14:38). The term can also imply ignorance that leads to error or sin, as seen in Acts 17:23 where the Athenians worshipped an unknown god out of genuine but uninformed reverence.
Etymologically, agnoeō combines a negative prefix with a root meaning "to know," emphasizing the absence of knowledge rather than active rejection. This distinction is important because biblical ignorance is not always condemned; sometimes it is a condition to be corrected through teaching, as Paul does when he clarifies misunderstandings about resurrection or church order. The word highlights the value of truth and the responsibility to seek understanding within the community of faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter the word for ignorance in Scripture, it often feels like a warning against being left out of the loop. Paul uses phrases like 'I do not want you to be ignorant' to signal that what follows is essential knowledge for our walk with God. This is not about shaming us for what we lack, but about inviting us into deeper understanding. It reminds us that faith grows when we pay attention to God’s revealed plans and character.
Yet the Bible also shows a gentler side of this concept. In Acts 17, Paul addresses Athenians who worshipped an unknown god out of sincere but uninformed reverence. Here, ignorance is not met with scorn but with clarification. This suggests that our current lack of understanding is simply the starting point for God’s teaching. We are invited to seek truth without fear, knowing that God provides the answers we need.
Ultimately, this word highlights the value of community and teaching. We do not have to navigate spiritual mysteries alone. By listening to Scripture and learning from one another, we move from uncertainty to clarity. This process is a gift, allowing us to stand firm in hope rather than confusion.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to be ignorant,4×
- they were not understanding2×
- not knowing2×
- being ignorant2×
- we are ignorant.1×
- unknown1×
- to be ignorant.1×
- to be ignorant1×
- they are ignorant of1×
- not having known1×
- is ignorant,1×
- him is ignored.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀγνοεῖν,5×
- ἠγνόουν2×
- ἀγνοῶν2×
- ἀγνοοῦσιν2×
- ἀγνοοῦντες2×
- ἀγνοήσαντες1×
- ἀγνοοῦμεν.¶1×
- ἀγνοούμενος1×
- ἀγνοούμενοι1×
- ἀγνοεῖτε,1×
- ἀγνοεῖτε1×
- ἀγνοεῖται.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 11:25
For I don’t desire you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so that you won’t be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in,
Paul uses this term to introduce a crucial mystery about Israel’s hardening, showing that ignorance here is a temporary state corrected by divine revelation.
-
Acts 17:23
For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, I announce to you.
This verse demonstrates that ignorance can stem from sincere reverence, serving as an opportunity for Paul to announce the true God rather than condemn the seekers.
-
I Thessalonians 4:13
But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope.
Paul addresses grief over death by correcting a lack of knowledge about resurrection hope, linking understanding directly to comfort and peace.
-
Romans 10:3
For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they didn’t subject themselves to the righteousness of God.
Here ignorance is linked to self-reliance, illustrating how failing to know God’s righteousness leads people to establish their own standards instead of submitting to His.