ἐπιγινώσκω

I come to know, discern, recognize

Definition

ἐπιγινώσκω means to come to know, recognize, or understand fully, often implying a deeper or more complete knowledge than the simple γινώσκω. It can denote recognizing someone or something (Matthew 14:35), perceiving or discerning thoughts or facts (Mark 2:8, 5:30), and in a theological sense, it signifies knowing God or divine truth in a relational, experiential way (Matthew 11:27; Luke 1:4). The word sometimes carries the sense of acknowledging or coming to a realization, as in recognizing false prophets by their fruits (Matthew 7:16, 20).

Biblical Usage

This verb appears 38 times in the New Testament, used across the Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles. In the Gospels, it often describes physical recognition (Matthew 14:35) or Jesus perceiving thoughts (Mark 2:8). In Luke 1:4 and Acts, it relates to knowing or ascertaining truth. Paul uses it for relational knowledge, such as knowing God (2 Corinthians 6:9) or recognizing apostolic authority (1 Corinthians 16:18). It appears in contexts of moral discernment, like recognizing good and evil (Hebrews 10:26).

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon,' 'over,' or 'in addition to') combined with the verb γινώσκω (ginōskō, 'to know'). The prefix ἐπί intensifies or completes the action, suggesting a fuller, more accurate, or definitive knowing. It implies knowledge that goes upon or beyond mere surface awareness to a deeper recognition or understanding.

Semantic Range

ἐπιγινώσκω is theologically significant as it often denotes the kind of knowledge that leads to salvation or a personal relationship with God. In Matthew 11:27, Jesus says no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him, using ἐπιγινώσκω to indicate this profound, revelatory knowledge. It underscores that knowing God is not merely intellectual but involves personal revelation and acknowledgment. This enriches reading by highlighting the depth of relational knowledge in passages about recognizing Christ or divine truth.

In the Greco-Roman world, knowledge (γνῶσις) was highly valued, and ἐπιγινώσκω's emphasis on full recognition or acknowledgment would resonate in contexts of legal testimony, personal relationships, and philosophical inquiry. The prefix ἐπί could imply authoritative or confirmatory knowledge, which in biblical usage aligns with the certainty of faith or divine revelation, differing from modern casual uses of 'know' that may lack this depth of commitment or certainty.

γινώσκω (ginōskō, G1097) — general knowing; often less intensive. οἶδα (oida, G1492) — to know intuitively or be aware of; often implies factual knowledge without the process of learning. ἐπίσταμαι (epistamai, G1987) — to understand or know how; focuses on skill or comprehension.

Word Details

Scripture References