ἀγνωσία (agnōsia)
agnōsia
ignorance
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun agnōsia denotes a state of not knowing, or ignorance. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, in 1 Corinthians 15:34 and 1 Peter 2:15. It stands as the direct opposite of gnōsis, which means knowledge or understanding. The word captures a lack of awareness that can be either simple unfamiliarity or a more serious failure to perceive spiritual truth.
Lexical sources note that this term often carries the weight of willful ignorance. Rather than merely lacking information, it suggests a condition where one fails to recognize what is evident. This aligns with how Paul uses it in 1 Corinthians, urging believers to stop living in sin as those who do not know God. The concept highlights that true knowledge involves more than intellectual data; it requires a right relationship with divine reality.
Its etymology combines a negative prefix with the root for knowing. This structure emphasizes the absence of knowledge as a defining characteristic. By contrasting agnōsia with gnōsis, Scripture underscores that ignorance is not just an empty space but a barrier to faith. The term serves as a stark reminder that understanding God requires active engagement and humility.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word agnōsia points to a state of not knowing, often carrying the weight of willful ignorance. It is more than just lacking information; it suggests a failure to recognize what is evident. In 1 Corinthians 15:34, Paul uses this term to urge believers to wake up righteously and stop sinning, noting that some have no knowledge of God. This highlights that true understanding involves a right relationship with divine reality, not just intellectual data.
When we encounter this concept, it reminds us that spiritual growth requires active engagement and humility. Ignorance can be a barrier to faith if we remain comfortable in our lack of awareness. By seeking to know God more deeply, we move beyond simple unfamiliarity into a life that reflects His truth. This journey invites us to examine where we might be overlooking obvious spiritual realities.
Ultimately, agnōsia serves as a stark reminder of the importance of pursuing genuine understanding. It challenges us to live in a way that honors God, rather than remaining in a state of unawareness. As we grow in our faith, we are encouraged to seek His wisdom and allow it to transform our hearts and actions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ignorance;1×
- ignorance1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀγνωσίαν·1×
- ἀγνωσίαν1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 15:34
Wake up righteously and don’t sin, for some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.
Paul uses the term to shame believers into recognizing that their sinful behavior stems from a lack of true knowledge of God.
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I Peter 2:15
For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
Peter suggests that consistent good deeds can silence the ignorant criticisms of those who do not understand God's will.