### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ágnōstos**, represented by `{{G57}}`, means **unknown**. It is formed from the negative particle Α and the word γνωστός. This term appears only **1 times** across **1 unique verses** in the Bible, making its single usage highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G57}}` is in [[Acts 17:23]], where the apostle Paul addresses the men of Athens. As he "passed by" and "beheld" their objects of worship, he found an altar bearing the inscription, "TO THE **UNKNOWN** GOD." Paul uses this acknowledgement of an **unknown** deity as the foundation for his sermon, stating that the very God they "ignorantly worship" is the one he has come to "declare" to them.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the immediate context clarify the meaning of `{{G57}}`:
* `{{G50}}` **agnoéō** (not to know): This is the verb form of the idea of "unknown." Paul uses it to describe the Athenians' worship, stating that the God "whom therefore ye **ignorantly** worship," he will declare to them [[Acts 17:23]].
* `{{G1041}}` **bōmós** (an altar): This word identifies the specific object of worship upon which Paul found the inscription. The existence of this **altar** provided the physical evidence for Paul's discourse [[Acts 17:23]].
* `{{G2316}}` **theós** (a deity, especially... the supreme Divinity): This word is the object of the adjective `ágnōstos`. The inscription identified not just an unknown entity, but specifically an "UNKNOWN **GOD**" [[Acts 17:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G57}}` is centered on its unique use in evangelism:
* **A Bridge to Revelation:** The altar to an **unknown** God served as a perfect starting point for Paul to introduce the God of the Bible. It showed a spiritual hunger and a recognition that their knowledge was incomplete, which Paul then addressed [[Acts 17:23]].
* **Humanity's Unknowing State:** The term captures the state of those who worship without full knowledge. Paul confirms this by stating they "ignorantly worship" the very God he proclaims, highlighting a universal human condition apart from divine revelation [[Acts 17:23]].
* **The Proclamation of the Knowable God:** The word `ágnōstos` sets the stage for a profound contrast. What was once **unknown** to the Athenians, Paul proceeds to "declare" unto them, shifting the focus from speculative worship to a revealed and knowable God [[Acts 17:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G57}}` is a singularly important word despite its rarity. It encapsulates the concept of being **unknown**. In its biblical context, it represents an admission of spiritual ignorance that the apostle Paul masterfully uses as a bridge to declare the truth of the one true God. The journey from an altar to an **unknown** God to the declaration of the Creator is a powerful illustration of the Gospel meeting human searching.
TRV