from ἐπί and γινώσκω; to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge:--(ac-, have, take)know(-ledge, well), perceive.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginṓskō, `{{G1921}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon," "over," or "in addition to," and the verb γινώσκω (ginōskō, `{{G1097}}`), meaning "to know," "to learn," or "to come to know." The prefix ἐπί serves to intensify or add a nuance of thoroughness to the base verb. Thus, ἐπιγινώσκω signifies a more complete, accurate, or experiential form of knowing. Its semantic range extends beyond mere acquaintance or intellectual apprehension to include:
1. **Recognition:** To know someone or something again, to identify clearly after a previous encounter or observation. This often implies a process of discernment leading to identification.
2. **Full or Accurate Knowledge:** To come to a thorough understanding, to know well, to apprehend fully. This implies a deeper, more comprehensive grasp of a subject or truth than what γινώσκω might convey alone.
3. **Acknowledgment:** To recognize the truth or reality of something, often with the implication of accepting or confessing it. This can involve a moral or volitional aspect, where knowledge leads to an admission or affirmation.
4. **Perception/Discovery:** To find out, to ascertain, to perceive clearly, or to become fully aware of a fact or situation.
The nuance of ἐπιγινώσκω often suggests a progression from partial or superficial knowledge to a more profound, certain, or personally appropriated understanding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐπιγινώσκω appears frequently in the New Testament, with its specific meaning often determined by context:
* **Recognition of Persons:** In the Gospels, it is often used for recognizing individuals. For instance, after Jesus broke bread with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, "their eyes were opened and they recognized Him" ([[Luke 24:31]]). Similarly, in the account of Peter's miraculous release from prison, Rhoda "recognized Peter's voice" ([[Acts 12:14]]). This highlights a moment of clear identification and understanding of identity.
* **Full Understanding or Perception:** The term can denote a deep apprehension of truth or reality. In Mark's Gospel, Jesus "perceiving in Himself that power had gone out from Him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, 'Who touched My garments?'" ([[Mark 5:30]]). Here, ἐπιγινώσκω indicates a clear, internal awareness or discernment. Paul uses it in 2 Corinthians, expressing his hope that believers "will understand fully, just as you have understood us in part" ([[2 Corinthians 1:13]]), pointing to a complete and shared understanding. In Acts 28:1, when shipwrecked on Malta, Paul and his companions "found out that the island was called Malta," indicating a discovery or full ascertainment of a fact.
* **Acknowledgment or Confession:** In some contexts, ἐπιγινώσκω carries the weight of acknowledging or confessing a truth. While the noun ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis, `{{G1922}}`) more explicitly conveys "full knowledge" or "acknowledgment" in theological contexts (e.g., "knowledge of God's will" in [[Colossians 1:9]]), the verb can imply this. In Romans 1:32, speaking of those who suppress the truth, Paul states that "though they know God’s righteous decree," they persist in sin. Here, "know" (ἐπιγνόντες) implies a culpable awareness and acknowledgment of God's moral standard, making their actions inexcusable.
* **Spiritual Discernment:** In 1 Corinthians 14:37, Paul states, "If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are a command of the Lord." This usage calls for a spiritual discernment and acknowledgment of the divine authority behind Paul's words.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relative is γινώσκω (ginōskō, `{{G1097}}`), the base verb for general knowing. The addition of ἐπί elevates γινώσκω from a simple "to know" to "to know fully," "to recognize," or "to acknowledge." This distinction is crucial, as ἐπιγινώσκω often implies a deeper, more certain, or more personally appropriated knowledge.
Another closely related term, and perhaps the most significant for theological discussion, is the noun ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis, `{{G1922}}`), which means "full knowledge," "accurate knowledge," or "acknowledgment." This noun is frequently used in the Pauline epistles to describe the profound, saving knowledge of God or Christ, which goes beyond mere intellectual assent to encompass personal experience and transformation (e.g., [[Ephesians 4:13]], [[Philippians 1:9]], [[2 Peter 1:2-3]]). While ἐπιγινώσκω is the verb form, it shares this emphasis on comprehensive and transformative knowledge.
Other related concepts include:
* οἶδα (oida, `{{G1492}}`): To know by perception, often implying an intuitive or inherent knowledge.
* συνίημι (syniēmi, `{{G4920}}`): To understand, comprehend, or put together concepts.
* ἀναγνωρίζομαι (anagnōrizomai, `{{G308}}`): To recognize, specifically to be recognized, as in the Lukan account of Joseph making himself known to his brothers ([[Acts 7:13]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐπιγινώσκω lies in its emphasis on a complete and transformative knowledge, particularly in relation to God and spiritual truth.
1. **Culpable Knowledge:** As seen in [[Romans 1:32]], the term highlights humanity's inherent knowledge of God's righteous decrees. This is not simply an intellectual awareness but a deep-seated understanding that renders humanity without excuse for its rebellion against God. It underscores divine justice and human responsibility.
2. **Experiential and Transformative Knowledge:** In contexts where believers are called to "know" God or Christ, ἐπιγινώσκω often implies a knowledge that leads to spiritual growth and ethical living. It is not merely knowing *about* God, but truly knowing Him in a way that impacts one's life. This is the kind of knowledge that leads to walking "in a manner worthy of the Lord" ([[Colossians 1:9-10]], using the noun ἐπίγνωσις).
3. **Future Fullness of Knowledge:** The verb points to an eschatological hope. In [[1 Corinthians 13:12]], Paul contrasts our current partial knowledge with the future state where "then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known" (ἐπιγνώσομαι). This refers to a perfect, unhindered, and complete knowledge of God that believers will experience in glory, mirroring God's perfect knowledge of them. It speaks to the ultimate intimacy and clarity of relationship with God.
4. **Recognition of Divine Presence and Authority:** The use of ἐπιγινώσκω in recognizing Jesus (e.g., [[Luke 24:31]]) or His apostles (e.g., [[Acts 4:13]]) signifies a crucial moment of spiritual insight. This recognition often precipitates faith, obedience, or a deeper understanding of God's work.
### Summary
ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginṓskō, `{{G1921}}`) signifies a profound and comprehensive form of knowing, transcending mere acquaintance. It encompasses recognition, full understanding, and acknowledgment. In biblical usage, this verb often denotes a decisive moment of identification (e.g., recognizing Jesus), a deep apprehension of truth (e.g., perceiving divine power), or a culpable awareness of God's standards. Theologically, ἐπιγινώσκω underscores the depth of humanity's responsibility before God, the transformative nature of true spiritual knowledge, and the glorious hope of a future, complete knowledge of God that will mirror His perfect knowledge of us. It is a knowledge that is not just intellectual but experiential, volitional, and ultimately, revelatory.
TRV