### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term καρδιογνώστης (kardiognōstēs, `{{G2589}}`) is a compound noun derived from two significant Greek words: καρδία (kardia, `{{G2588}}`), meaning "heart," and γινώσκω (ginōskō, `{{G1097}}`), meaning "to know," "to perceive," or "to understand." Literally, therefore, kardiognōstēs translates to "heart-knower" or "one who knows hearts." This unique compound word encapsulates the profound concept of an entity possessing perfect and exhaustive knowledge of the innermost thoughts, intentions, motives, and character of individuals. In the biblical context, this attribute is exclusively ascribed to God, signifying His divine omniscience, particularly as it pertains to the hidden depths of the human psyche. It implies a knowledge that transcends mere observation of outward actions, penetrating to the very core of one's being where true moral and spiritual disposition resides.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term kardiognōstēs appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in the book of Acts, and in both instances, it refers directly to God.
1. **[[Acts 1:24]]**: Following the defection and death of Judas Iscariot, the remaining eleven apostles seek to choose a replacement to restore their number to twelve. Before casting lots between two candidates, Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias, they pray to the Lord, saying, "You, Lord, kardiognōstēs of all, show which one of these two you have chosen." Here, the apostles appeal to God's unique ability to discern the true character and spiritual fitness of each man. They acknowledge that only God possesses the infallible insight necessary to select the individual truly appointed by divine will for such a weighty apostolic office. This context highlights God's perfect knowledge as the ultimate basis for wise and righteous decision-making, especially in matters of spiritual leadership.
2. **[[Acts 15:8]]**: During the Jerusalem Council, a pivotal moment in early church history, Peter recounts his experience with Cornelius's household. He declares, "And God, kardiognōstēs, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us." Peter uses kardiognōstēs to underscore God's impartiality and His direct assessment of individuals' hearts. God's giving of the Holy Spirit to uncircumcised Gentiles demonstrated that He looked beyond external markers of identity (like circumcision or adherence to the Mosaic Law) and recognized the genuine faith and receptivity in their hearts. This divine "heart-knowing" validated the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community on the basis of faith alone, without requiring their prior conversion to Judaism.
In both occurrences, kardiognōstēs emphasizes God's absolute and unique capacity to perceive the inner spiritual state, intentions, and moral character of humanity, a knowledge that is foundational to His righteous judgment and providential guidance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept embedded in kardiognōstēs is deeply interwoven with several other significant biblical terms and theological ideas:
* **καρδία (kardia, `{{G2588}}`)**: The "heart" in biblical anthropology is not merely an organ but the seat of intellect, emotion, will, and moral character. It is the innermost being, the source of thoughts, intentions, and decisions. God's knowledge of the kardia means He knows us at our deepest level.
* **γινώσκω (ginōskō, `{{G1097}}`)**: This verb for "knowing" often implies an experiential, intimate, and comprehensive knowledge, distinct from mere intellectual apprehension (οἶδα, oida, `{{G1492}}`). When applied to God, it signifies His profound and personal understanding of every individual.
* **Old Testament Parallels**: The attribute of God as a "heart-knower" has deep roots in the Hebrew Scriptures.
* יָדַע (yada, `{{H3045}}`): The Hebrew equivalent of "to know," often used for God's intimate knowledge of His people (e.g., [[Psalm 139:1-4]]).
* חָקַר (chaqar, `{{H2713}}`): "to search out" or "to examine." [[Jeremiah 17:10]] powerfully states: "I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings." Similarly, [[1 Samuel 16:7]] reminds us that "man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
* לֵב (lev, `{{H3824}}`): The Hebrew word for "heart," carrying the same comprehensive meaning as kardia.
* **Divine Omniscience**: kardiognōstēs is a specific facet of God's omniscience, His attribute of knowing all things. It highlights His particular knowledge of human interiority, which is otherwise hidden from all but the individual themselves.
* **Divine Justice and Impartiality**: Because God knows hearts, His judgments are perfectly just, based on genuine faith and motive rather than outward conformity or social status. This concept undergirds the New Testament emphasis on salvation by grace through faith.
### Theological Significance
The designation of God as kardiognōstēs carries immense theological weight:
1. **Affirmation of Divine Omniscience**: It is a powerful declaration of God's absolute and perfect knowledge. He is not limited by human perception or outward appearances but sees into the deepest recesses of the human spirit. Nothing is hidden from Him—no thought, no motive, no secret intention.
2. **Basis for Righteous Judgment**: Because God knows the heart, His judgments are eternally just and true. He assesses individuals not by their external actions alone, but by the underlying motives and condition of their hearts. This provides both comfort for the truly righteous and conviction for the hypocritical.
3. **Source of Infallible Guidance**: As seen in [[Acts 1:24]], acknowledging God as the kardiognōstēs is crucial for seeking divine guidance, especially in matters of leadership and spiritual discernment. Only God can truly know who is fit for a particular calling.
4. **Foundation for Impartiality**: The use of kardiognōstēs in [[Acts 15:8]] underscores God's impartiality in salvation. He does not favor one ethnic group or social class over another but accepts all who come to Him in genuine faith, seeing the heart's disposition rather than external adherence to ritual or tradition.
5. **Profound Intimacy and Accountability**: This attribute speaks to the profound intimacy God has with His creation. He knows us more deeply than we know ourselves. This also entails profound accountability, as our inner life, often concealed from others, is fully exposed before Him. It calls believers to cultivate inner purity and sincerity, knowing that God sees beyond mere outward conformity.
### Summary
The Greek term καρδιογνώστης (kardiognōstēs, `{{G2589}}`) uniquely identifies God as the "heart-knower," the one who possesses perfect and exhaustive knowledge of humanity's innermost thoughts, intentions, and character. Appearing exclusively in the book of Acts ([[Acts 1:24]], [[Acts 15:8]]), this compound word highlights God's divine omniscience, particularly His ability to discern the true spiritual state and motives of individuals. Theologically, kardiognōstēs affirms God's absolute knowledge, serves as the basis for His righteous and impartial judgment, provides infallible guidance, and underscores the profound intimacy and accountability inherent in humanity's relationship with a God who sees and knows all. It reminds us that true faith and character are known to God, regardless of external perception.