γνωρίζω

I make known, declare, know

Definition

The verb γνωρίζω (gnōrizō) primarily means 'to make known' or 'to reveal' information that was previously hidden or unknown. In the New Testament, it often describes God's act of disclosing His will, character, or plans to humanity, as seen in John 15:15 where Jesus tells his disciples, "I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father." It can also carry the sense of 'to declare' or 'to proclaim' a truth publicly, such as in Romans 16:26 where the mystery of the gospel is now 'made known' to all nations. In a few instances, like Luke 2:15, it conveys the idea of 'coming to know' or 'perceiving' something through experience or revelation.

Biblical Usage

γνωρίζω is used 23 times in the New Testament, appearing most frequently in the writings of John and Paul. In John's Gospel and letters (e.g., John 17:26, 1 John 1:2), it emphasizes the intimate revelation of God the Father through Jesus Christ. In Paul's epistles (e.g., Romans 9:22-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3, Ephesians 1:9), it often refers to God making known the mysteries of His will, His power, or the gospel itself. The word is used in both divine and human contexts, but its most theologically significant uses pertain to divine self-disclosure.

Etymology

Derived from the root γνω- (gnō-), related to knowledge and knowing, which is also the root of γινώσκω (ginōskō, G1097, 'to know'). The -ίζω suffix often indicates causation, so γνωρίζω essentially means 'to cause to know' or 'to bring to knowledge.' It is related to the noun γνῶσις (gnōsis, G1108, 'knowledge').

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the core biblical concept of revelation. It highlights that true knowledge of God is not discovered by human effort but is graciously 'made known' by God Himself. In passages like John 15:15 and Ephesians 3:3-5, it underscores the privilege of believers being brought into the confidence of God's plans. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing that the gospel is a disclosed mystery, not a human invention.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'making known' secret or divine knowledge (sometimes called 'mysteries') was common in various religious and philosophical circles. The New Testament's use of γνωρίζω for divine revelation would resonate in this context, but it distinctly applies it to the one true God's self-revelation in Christ, contrasting with esoteric or hidden knowledge available only to a select few.

ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō, G601) — emphasizes uncovering or unveiling something hidden, often with a dramatic sense of revelation. γινώσκω (ginōskō, G1097) — focuses on the act of knowing, perceiving, or recognizing, rather than the act of making something known. λαλέω (laleō, G2980) — means 'to speak' or 'to say,' a more general term for communication that may or may not involve revealing new information.

Word Details

Scripture References