καρδιογνώστης (kardiognōstēs)
kardiognōstēs
heart-knower
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kardiognōstēs literally means "knower of hearts." It combines the words for heart and knowledge to describe one who perceives the deepest inner motives of people. In the New Testament, this title is applied exclusively to God, emphasizing His ability to see beyond outward actions to the true intentions of the human soul.
This specific term appears only twice in Scripture, both in the Book of Acts. The early believers use it when praying for guidance in choosing a replacement for Judas (Acts 1:24), asking God to show which candidate He has chosen. Later, Peter uses it to explain how God gave the Holy Spirit to Gentiles like Cornelius, noting that God accepted them because He knows their hearts (Acts 15:8).
Unlike general words for knowledge, this compound highlights intimate, perfect understanding. It suggests that no secret thought or hidden desire remains unknown to Him. The term reinforces the biblical view that God’s judgment is based on internal reality rather than external appearance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kardiognōstēs means 'heart-knower.' It appears only twice in the New Testament, both in Acts. In Acts 1:24, believers pray to God as the one who knows all hearts, asking Him to choose a replacement for Judas. Later, in Acts 15:8, Peter calls God the heart-knower to explain why He gave the Holy Spirit to Gentiles like Cornelius.
This title reminds us that God sees beyond our outward actions. He understands our deepest motives and intentions. When we feel misunderstood by others, this truth brings comfort. No secret thought or hidden desire remains unknown to Him.
Knowing that God knows our hearts allows us to approach Him with honesty. We do not need to hide our struggles or pretend to be perfect. His judgment is based on internal reality, not external appearance. This intimate knowledge invites us into a relationship built on trust and transparency.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- knower of the hearts1×
- heart-knowing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καρδιογνῶστα1×
- καρδιογνώστης1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 1:24
They prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen
The early church addresses God as the heart-knower while praying for guidance in choosing Matthias, highlighting His role in discerning true calling.
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Acts 15:8
God, who knows the heart, testified about them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just like he did to us.
Peter uses this title to explain why God gave the Holy Spirit to Gentiles, showing that divine acceptance depends on internal faith rather than external law-keeping.