### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term πρόγνωσις (prognōsis), transliterated as *prógnōsis*, is a noun derived from the verb προγινώσκω (proginōskō) `{{G4267}}`, which means "to know beforehand" or "to foreknow." Morphologically, it combines πρό (pro), meaning "before," and γνῶσις (gnōsis) `{{G1108}}`, meaning "knowledge." Thus, its core meaning is "foreknowledge" or "prior knowledge." While the base definition also includes "forethought," in its biblical usage, particularly concerning God, it almost exclusively carries the theological weight of divine foreknowledge. This is not merely a passive awareness of future events, but often implies an active, purposeful knowing that is intrinsically linked to God's sovereign will and plan.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πρόγνωσις appears only twice in the New Testament, both instances being highly significant and attributing this quality to God:
* **[[Acts 2:23]]**: In Peter's Pentecost sermon, he declares concerning Jesus: "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and **foreknowledge** of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain." Here, πρόγνωσις is explicitly coupled with βουλῇ (boulē) `{{G1012}}`, "determinate counsel" or "purpose." This pairing is crucial: it indicates that God's foreknowledge is not a detached observation of what humans would freely choose, but is intimately connected to His pre-ordained plan. The crucifixion, the most heinous act in human history, is presented as occurring within the boundaries of God's sovereign purpose and prior knowledge, demonstrating His ultimate control over all events, even those involving human sin.
* **[[1 Peter 1:2]]**: In the opening salutation, Peter addresses believers as "Elect according to the **foreknowledge** of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied." This verse directly links πρόγνωσις to the concept of election (ἐκλεκτοῖς from ἐκλέγομαι `{{G1586}}`). God's foreknowledge is presented as the foundational basis for His election of individuals for salvation. This challenges any notion that election is based on foreseen human merit or faith, instead grounding it in God's own eternal, sovereign knowledge and choice. It implies that God's foreknowledge is not merely predictive, but is intrinsically tied to His divine initiative in salvation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **προγινώσκω (proginōskō) `{{G4267}}`**: The verbal form, meaning "to know beforehand." This verb is also used in reference to God's foreknowledge (e.g., [[Romans 8:29]], [[Romans 11:2]]) and occasionally of human prior knowledge (e.g., [[2 Peter 3:17]]). Its theological usage often parallels that of πρόγνωσις, emphasizing God's prior knowledge of those He loves and has chosen.
* **γνῶσις (gnōsis) `{{G1108}}`**: The root word for "knowledge." While γνῶσις refers to knowledge in general, πρόγνωσις specifies the temporal aspect of knowing *beforehand*, highlighting God's eternal perspective.
* **βουλῇ (boulē) `{{G1012}}`**: "Counsel" or "purpose." As seen in [[Acts 2:23]], God's foreknowledge is often presented in conjunction with His divine counsel, indicating that His knowing is not passive but active and intentional, part of His overarching plan.
* **Election (ἐκλέγομαι `{{G1586}}` / ἐκλεκτοῖς `{{G1588}}`)**: The concept of God choosing individuals for salvation. πρόγνωσις is explicitly stated as the basis for election in [[1 Peter 1:2]], raising profound theological questions about divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
* **Predestination (προορίζω `{{G4309}}`)**: While distinct from πρόγνωσις, the two concepts are often discussed together in theological discourse. προορίζω means "to predetermine" or "to predestine." Many theological traditions understand God's foreknowledge as an aspect of His broader predestinating work, where His knowing is not merely observation but part of His prior decree.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πρόγνωσις is profound, particularly in its implications for understanding God's nature, His sovereignty, and the mechanics of salvation.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Purpose**: The use of πρόγνωσις consistently points to God's absolute sovereignty. He is not reactive, but proactive; His knowledge of future events, even those involving human sin (like the crucifixion), is not a surprise to Him but is part of His "determinate counsel" ([[Acts 2:23]]). This assures believers that God is working out His purposes in history, even through human opposition, towards His ultimate ends.
* **The Basis of Election**: Perhaps the most significant theological implication of πρόγνωσις is its role as the foundation for God's election of believers ([[1 Peter 1:2]]). This implies that God's choice of individuals for salvation is not contingent upon their foreseen faith or good works, but originates in His eternal, unconditioned knowledge and will. This perspective aligns with a monergistic view of salvation, where God's grace and initiative are primary and decisive.
* **More Than Mere Prescience**: While πρόγνωσις certainly encompasses the idea of knowing future events, its theological usage in the New Testament suggests more than mere prescience (a passive awareness of what will happen). When paired with "counsel" or as the basis for "election," it implies an active, purposeful knowing that is intricately tied to God's will and determination. It is a knowing that shapes and directs, particularly in the realm of His redemptive plan.
### Summary
The Greek word πρόγνωσις (prognōsis) `{{G4268}}` signifies "foreknowledge" or "prior knowledge." Though appearing only twice in the New Testament, its occurrences are foundational for understanding divine sovereignty and the nature of salvation. In [[Acts 2:23]], it reveals that even the crucifixion of Christ occurred according to God's "determinate counsel and foreknowledge," demonstrating His ultimate control over history. In [[1 Peter 1:2]], πρόγνωσις is presented as the basis for the election of believers, underscoring that salvation originates in God's eternal, sovereign knowledge and choice, rather than in foreseen human merit. Theologically, πρόγνωσις is understood as more than a passive awareness of future events; it is an active, purposeful knowing that undergirds God's divine will and serves as the foundation for His redemptive plan, particularly His election of individuals for salvation.
TRV