γνῶσις (gnōsis)
gnōsis
knowledge
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 28 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun gnōsis refers to knowledge, specifically the deep understanding of spiritual truths rather than mere factual information. Derived from the verb for "knowing," it appears twenty-eight times in the New Testament, with a significant concentration in Paul’s letters to Corinth and Rome. It describes an intelligence that grasps the core realities of the Christian faith, often linked to moral wisdom and right living.
While general knowledge is common, gnōsis in Scripture frequently points to a more profound insight into God’s nature and will. This distinction is visible when Paul contrasts true gnōsis with empty claims or "false gnōsis" in Timothy (1 Timothy 6:20). In Corinthians, he treats it as a spiritual gift that must be balanced with love, noting that without charity, such knowledge puffs up the individual rather than building up the community (1 Corinthians 8:1; 13:2).
The word carries theological weight in its connection to salvation and revelation. It appears in phrases like "the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthians 4:6) and "the knowledge of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:8), highlighting a relational intimacy with the divine. Translators consistently render it as "knowledge," preserving its focus on cognitive grasp of divine reality, which serves as the foundation for Christian maturity and ethical conduct.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Knowledge in the New Testament is more than a collection of facts; it is a relational insight into who God is and what He has done. When Paul speaks of the "knowledge of Christ Jesus," he describes an intimacy that reshapes our priorities, making everything else seem like loss compared to knowing Him (Philippians 3:8). This kind of understanding does not isolate us but draws us closer to the heart of God, who shines light into our darkness to reveal His glory in Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6).
Yet this spiritual knowledge must be tempered by love. Paul warns that while we may have deep insight, it can puff us up if it lacks compassion for others (1 Corinthians 8:1). True gnōsis builds up the community rather than elevating the individual. It is a gift given by the Spirit to help us walk in wisdom and truth, grounded not in pride but in humble service to those around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 28 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- knowledge13×
- knowledge,7×
- of knowledge3×
- in knowledge2×
- knowledge;1×
- knowledge.1×
- in knowledge,1×
- Knowledge1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γνώσεως9×
- γνῶσιν4×
- γνώσει,4×
- γνώσει4×
- γνῶσιν,2×
- γνώσεως,2×
- γνῶσις·1×
- γνῶσις,1×
- γνῶσις1×
- γνώσεως.1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 3:8
Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ
Paul ranks this knowledge above all earthly gains, showing it is the supreme value for Christian life.