ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis)
epignōsis
knowledge
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 20 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun epignōsis denotes a precise, full recognition or deep discernment of truth. While it shares a root with the common word for knowledge, the prefix adds a sense of thoroughness and accuracy. In the New Testament, this term moves beyond simple information to describe a complete understanding of divine realities, often used in contexts where superficial awareness is insufficient.
Scripture applies this rich understanding specifically to God and Christ. Paul prays that believers might attain "the knowledge of God" (Ephesians 1:17) and grow into the full measure of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). It also describes the accurate acknowledgment of truth, as seen in the call to repentance with full understanding (Romans 10:2) or the precise recognition of sin’s nature (Romans 3:20).
This word appears twenty times in the New Testament, with a notable concentration in Second Peter and Colossians. Its usage suggests that true spiritual maturity involves not just knowing facts about God, but possessing a clear, accurate, and comprehensive grasp of His character and will.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epignōsis points to a deep, accurate understanding of God that goes beyond simple facts. It is not just knowing that God exists, but truly recognizing His character and will in your daily life. This kind of knowledge transforms how you see the world and yourself, grounding your faith in reality rather than guesswork.
When Paul prays for believers to have this knowledge, he asks for wisdom and revelation. He wants us to know God clearly, so our love can grow with discernment. It is a gift that helps us walk worthily of the Lord, bearing fruit in every good work. This understanding is not static; it grows as we spend time with Him.
Even when life feels confusing, this knowledge offers stability. It reminds us that God desires all people to be saved and come to the truth. As we seek Him, He grants us a spirit of wisdom. This deep recognition of Christ anchors our hearts, making us less idle and more fruitful in our service to others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- knowledge8×
- [the] knowledge5×
- knowledge.2×
- a knowledge2×
- knowledge,1×
- [the] acknowledgment1×
- [is] knowledge1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπίγνωσιν8×
- ἐπιγνώσει6×
- ἐπιγνώσεως2×
- ἐπίγνωσις1×
- ἐπίγνωσιν.¶1×
- ἐπίγνωσιν.1×
- ἐπιγνώσει,1×
Key Verses
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Ephesians 1:17
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him,
Paul explicitly links this knowledge to a spirit of wisdom and revelation, showing it is a divine gift rather than human achievement.
-
Colossians 1:9
For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don’t cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
The prayer here connects knowing God's will directly with spiritual wisdom and understanding, highlighting the practical nature of this knowledge.
-
II Timothy 2:25
in gentleness correcting those who oppose him. Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,
This verse shows that such knowledge can lead to repentance, indicating its role in bringing people to a saving relationship with God.
-
II Peter 1:3
seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue,
Peter states that divine power grants all things for life and godliness through this specific knowledge, emphasizing its essential role in Christian living.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between epignōsis and regular knowledge?
How can I grow in this kind of knowledge?
Why is this knowledge important for Christian life?
Every Occurrence (20 verses across 10 books)
Romans 3 verses
Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are…
Romans 3:20Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight; for through the law comes the knowledge of…
Romans 10:2For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.