γνωστός, γνώριμος (gnōstos, gnōrimos)
gnōstos, gnōrimos
acquainted with
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective gnostos describes something that is known or well-known, often carrying the sense of being notable or evident to many people. In the New Testament, it frequently modifies signs or events that have become public knowledge, as when the healed man’s miracle becomes a widely recognized fact in Acts 4:16.
It also functions as a substantive noun for acquaintances or those who are personally known, such as the women followers of Jesus mentioned in Luke 23:49. The word derives from the verb ginosko, meaning to know or perceive, and emphasizes the state of being familiar rather than the act of learning. This distinction highlights how certain truths or individuals become established in the community’s awareness.
Translators often render it as "known," "notable," or "acquaintances" depending on context. Its usage underscores the importance of shared understanding within early Christian communities, where personal connections and public testimonies played vital roles in spreading the message.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gnostos points to a simple but powerful reality: things become known through shared experience and community. In the early church, miracles were not kept secret; they were public facts that drew people together. When a healing happened in Jerusalem, it was 'known' to everyone, turning private grace into public testimony. This transparency helped build trust among believers who relied on one another for support and encouragement.
Personal connections also mattered deeply. Jesus’ followers stood by him even in his darkest hour, recognized as acquaintances who had walked with him from Galilee. These relationships show that faith is lived out in the company of others. We are not meant to journey alone but to be known and to know those around us.
God’s wisdom is also described as known to Him from eternity. This offers comfort when we face uncertainty. What seems confusing now is part of a larger picture He holds. Trusting in His plan allows us to rest in the knowledge that our lives are seen and understood by the One who created us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- known9×
- Known3×
- knew1×
- acquaintances.1×
- a noteworthy1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γνωστὸν8×
- γνωστὸς2×
- Γνωστὸν2×
- γνωστὰ1×
- γνωστοῖς.1×
- γνωστοὶ1×
Key Verses
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Acts 4:16
saying, “What shall we do to these men? Because indeed a notable miracle has been done through them, as can be plainly seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can’t deny it.
This verse highlights how public miracles become undeniable evidence of God's power, anchoring the early church's witness in visible reality.
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Luke 23:49
All his acquaintances and the women who followed with him from Galilee stood at a distance, watching these things.
It identifies the loyal followers who remained present at the cross, showing that true discipleship is often demonstrated through quiet, steadfast presence.
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Acts 15:18
“All of God’s works are known to him from eternity.
This reference emphasizes God's eternal knowledge of His own works, providing a foundation for trust in His sovereign plan despite current confusion.
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John 18:15
Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered in with Jesus into the court of the high priest;
The disciple being 'known' to the high priest illustrates how personal connections could open doors for ministry even in hostile environments.