### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epígnōsis**, represented by `{{G1922}}`, signifies a precise and full **knowledge**. It appears **20 times** across **20 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from ἐπιγινώσκω, its definition implies a form of recognition, full discernment, or **acknowledgement** that is deeper than simple awareness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, `{{G1922}}` is presented as a vital component of the Christian life. Believers are called to be **increasing** `{{G837}}` in the **knowledge** of God, which is part of a worthy **walk** `{{G4043}}` [[Colossians 1:10]]. The will of God is for all people to be **saved** `{{G4982}}` and to **come** `{{G2064}}` to the **knowledge** of the **truth** `{{G225}}` [[1 Timothy 2:4]]. Conversely, to reject this understanding carries grave implications. When humanity did not **like** `{{G1381}}` to retain God in their **knowledge**, God **gave** `{{G3860}}` them over to a **reprobate** `{{G96}}` **mind** `{{G3563}}` [[Romans 1:28]]. This **knowledge** is also a key element of the new man, which is **renewed** `{{G341}}` in **knowledge** after the image of his creator [[Colossians 3:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of `{{G1922}}`:
* `{{G225}}` **alḗtheia** (truth): This is a frequent object of `{{G1922}}`, indicating that genuine **knowledge** is an **acknowledging** of divine **truth** `{{G225}}`. Gaining this is presented as a core aspect of salvation and repentance ([[1 Timothy 2:4]], [[2 Timothy 2:25]]).
* `{{G2316}}` **theós** (God): The ultimate subject of **epígnōsis** is often **God** `{{G2316}}` himself. Through the **knowledge** of **God** `{{G2316}}` and Jesus our Lord, **grace** `{{G5485}}` and **peace** `{{G1515}}` are **multiplied** `{{G4129}}` to believers [[2 Peter 1:2]].
* `{{G2150}}` **eusébeia** (godliness): This **knowledge** is directly tied to practical Christian living. All things pertaining to life and **godliness** `{{G2150}}` are **given** `{{G1433}}` through the **knowledge** of Him who called us [[2 Peter 1:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1922}}` is significant and multifaceted:
* **Foundation for Spiritual Growth:** `{{G1922}}` is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Paul prays for believers' **love** `{{G26}}` to **abound** `{{G4052}}` in **knowledge** `{{G1922}}` and **judgment** `{{G144}}` [[Philippians 1:9]]. This increasing **knowledge** is what allows believers to be fruitful and not barren [[2 Peter 1:8]].
* **A Component of Renewal:** The new self is explicitly described as being **renewed** `{{G341}}` in **knowledge** `{{G1922}}` [[Colossians 3:10]]. This contrasts sharply with the unapproved, **reprobate** `{{G96}}` **mind** `{{G3563}}` that results from rejecting the **knowledge** of God [[Romans 1:28]].
* **The Path to Unity and Maturity:** The ultimate goal for the church is to come into the **unity** `{{G1775}}` of the **faith** `{{G4102}}` and of the **knowledge** `{{G1922}}` of the **Son** `{{G5207}}` of God, reaching the **measure** `{{G3358}}` of the **stature** `{{G2244}}` of the **fulness** `{{G4138}}` of **Christ** `{{G5547}}` [[Ephesians 4:13]].
### Summary
In summary, **epígnōsis** `{{G1922}}` is far more than intellectual assent. It is a deep, personal, and precise **knowledge** of God and His **truth** `{{G225}}` that is essential for salvation, sanctification, and Christian maturity. It is the very means by which believers are **renewed** `{{G341}}`, grow in **godliness** `{{G2150}}`, and move toward the **unity** `{{G1775}}` and completeness found in **Christ** `{{G5547}}`.
TRV