ἀγνοέω

agnoéō /ag-no-eh'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom Α (as a negative particle) and νοιέω
Meaningnot to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)
KJV usage(be) ignorant(-ly), not know, not understand, unknown.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word agnoéō, represented by G50, means not to know or to ignore. Its definition, derived from a negative particle and the verb "to know," highlights a state of being without information or intelligence. It appears 25 times across 21 unique verses in Scripture, often used to describe a lack of spiritual understanding.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the Bible, G50 is used in several distinct ways. The Apostle Paul frequently employs the phrase "I would not have you to be ignorant" to introduce critical theological truths to the believers concerning spiritual gifts 1 Corinthians 12:1, the resurrection of the dead 1 Thessalonians 4:13, and God's plan for Israel Romans 11:25. The word also describes the condition of those who act without full knowledge, such as the rulers who condemned Jesus because they knew him not Acts 13:27, or Paul himself, who acted ignorantly in unbelief before his conversion 1 Timothy 1:13. In Athens, Paul encountered an altar to an "UNKNOWN God," whom the people ignorantly worshipped Acts 17:23.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of G50:

  • G1097 ginṓskō (to "know" (absolutely)): This is the direct counterpart to being ignorant. Paul uses it when speaking to those who know the law, contrasting them with those who might be ignorant of its spiritual implications Romans 7:1.
  • G57 ágnōstos (unknown): This adjective is a direct derivative and describes the object of ignorant worship. The Athenians worshipped an unknown God, whom Paul came to declare to them Acts 17:23.
  • G570 apistía (unbelief): This word is explicitly linked to ignorant actions. Paul explains he obtained mercy because he was a blasphemer and persecutor ignorantly in unbelief 1 Timothy 1:13.
  • G4457 pṓrōsis (blindness, hardness): This is presented as a cause of ignorance. Paul warns the Romans not to be ignorant of the mystery that a partial blindness has happened to Israel Romans 11:25.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G50 is significant, distinguishing between different states of unknowing.

  • A Condition for Mercy: Ignorance can be a mitigating factor in God's judgment. The high priest is able to have compassion on the ignorant because he himself is subject to G769 infirmity Hebrews 5:2. Paul's own testimony shows that he obtained G1653 mercy for his past sins because he did them ignorantly 1 Timothy 1:13.
  • Spiritual Deficit: To be ignorant of God's ways is a dangerous spiritual state. Israel, being ignorant of God's righteousness, sought to establish their own and did not submit to God's Romans 10:3. Those who do not understand are compared to natural G249 brute G2226 beasts that perish 2 Peter 2:12.
  • A Call to Understanding: The repeated apostolic plea, "I would not have you to be ignorant," functions as a command for believers to actively seek and embrace divine truth, moving from a state of not knowing to one of full assurance and G1680 hope.

Summary

In summary, G50 does not simply mean a lack of data. It describes a spectrum of spiritual awareness, from an unintentional lack of information to a willful disregard for divine truth. It is a critical concept for understanding sin, mercy, and the Christian's responsibility to grow in knowledge. The use of this word underscores the importance of moving beyond ignorance to a full and saving knowledge of God's character, plans, and righteousness.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 22 occurrences, inflected in 13 grammatical forms.

  • Present Active Infinitive 6×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Present Active Indicative 2nd Plural 2×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 2×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 1st Plural 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Participle Dative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Passive Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×

+ 1 rarer form

Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Dative
The indirect object — often "to" or "for".
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 21 verses across 11 books. Most frequent in Romans (6 verses).

1
Mark
1
Luke
2
Acts
6
Romans
3
1 Corinthians
3
2 Corinthians
1
Galatians
1
1 Thessalonians
1
1 Timothy
1
Hebrews
1
2 Peter

Verse Explorer

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