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ἐπίγνωσις

epígnōsis

G1922 noun

SILEX Entry

Root γνῶ- to know, to recognize, to ascertain

Definition

Precise and thorough knowledge, particularly knowledge achieved through direct experience or deeper acquaintance with a subject, person, or fact. In various contexts, refers to full or advanced understanding, clear recognition, or discernment, especially as contrasted with general or superficial knowledge. Can also denote acknowledgment or admission of something's reality or truth.

Semantic Range

precise knowledge, full understanding, thorough acquaintance, clear recognition, acknowledgment, confession

Root / Etymology

Formed from the preposition ἐπί (upon, on) and the verb γινώσκω (to know, perceive, recognize), meaning literally 'additional knowing' or 'on top of knowledge.' The prefix ἐπί- commonly intensifies or specifies the root verb.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἐπίγνωσις is comparatively rare, with most philosophers using γνῶσις for knowledge in general. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, including the Septuagint and the New Testament, ἐπίγνωσις is used to indicate thorough, authentic, or complete knowledge. In Pauline usage (e.g., Epistles), commonly carries the nuance of fully developed or experiential knowledge of God or moral truths. The distinction between γνῶσις ('knowledge') and ἐπίγνωσις (‘deeper/more complete knowledge’) is often contextual; in some passages, ἐπίγνωσις denotes not just familiarity, but true understanding or intimate acquaintance—often with transformative potential. English translations as 'knowledge' may not adequately signal this heightened or perfected sense. In some cases, ἐπίγνωσις also implies acknowledgment or confession rather than mere mental apprehension.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐπιγινώσκω; recognition, i.e. (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement:--(ac-)knowledge(-ing, - ment).

Root Family

ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis) — precise knowledge, full understanding, clear recognition, acknowledgment

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1922-03 ἐπίγνωσιν epignosin N ACC F SG knowledge thorough knowledge 10
G1922-01 ἐπιγνώσει epignosei N DAT F SG knowledge to thorough knowledge 7
G1922-02 ἐπιγνώσεως epignoseos N GEN F SG knowledge of full knowledge 2
G1922-04 ἐπίγνωσις epignosis N NOM F SG full knowledge 1

Occurrences in Scripture

20 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1922-01 Romans 1:28 ἐπιγνώσει epignosei N DAT F SG to thorough knowledge
G1922-04 Romans 3:20 ἐπίγνωσις epignosis N NOM F SG full knowledge
G1922-03 Romans 10:2 ἐπίγνωσιν epignosin N ACC F SG thorough knowledge
G1922-01 Ephesians 1:17 ἐπιγνώσει epignosei N DAT F SG knowledge to thorough knowledge
G1922-02 Ephesians 4:13 ἐπιγνώσεως epignoseos N GEN F SG knowledge of full knowledge
G1922-01 Philippians 1:9 ἐπιγνώσει epignosei N DAT F SG knowledge to thorough knowledge
G1922-03 Colossians 1:9 ἐπίγνωσιν epignosin N ACC F SG knowledge thorough knowledge
G1922-01 Colossians 1:10 ἐπιγνώσει epignosei N DAT F SG knowledge to thorough knowledge
G1922-03 Colossians 2:2 ἐπίγνωσιν epignosin N ACC F SG knowledge thorough knowledge
G1922-03 Colossians 3:10 ἐπίγνωσιν epignosin N ACC F SG knowledge thorough knowledge
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