Lexical Summary epiginóskó: To know, to recognize, to perceive, to understand fully. Original Word: ἐπιγινώσκω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance acknowledge, perceive. From epi and ginosko; to know upon some mark, i.e. Recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge -- (ac-, have, take)know(-ledge, well), perceive. see GREEK epi see GREEK ginosko HELPS Word-studies 1921 epiginṓskō (from 1909 /epí, "on, fitting" which intensifies 1097 /ginṓskō, "know through personal relationship") – properly, apt, experiential knowing, through direct relationship. This knowing builds on (epi, "upon") the verbal idea and hence is defined by the individual context. Example: 1 Cor 13:12: "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will aptly-experientially know (1921 /epiginṓskō) to the extent (2531 /kathṓs) I also have been aptly-experientially known (1921 /epiginṓskō)." [Believers then will personally (aptly) know the Lord throughout the aeons of eternity – in keeping with the extent (Gk kathōs) they allowed Him to personally (aptly) know them here on earth. "Been known" is the passive form of 1921 /epiginṓskō (aorist indicative, epegnōsthēn), indicating that the level we will experientially know (enjoy) God in eternity will "match" the level we were known by Him in this life (see also P. Hughs at 2 Cor 1:13). 1097 (ginōskō) is used once in this verse, and 1921 (epiginṓskō) twice. Both uses of 1921 (epiginṓskō) work in conjunction with the Greek adverb, 2531 /kathṓs ("to the extent of)." The "appropriate (apt)" knowledge matches the envisioned "contact" (note the root, 1097 /ginṓskō, "first-hand knowing").] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and ginóskó Definition to know exactly, to recognize NASB Translation acknowledge (1), ascertain (2), aware (2), find (1), found (2), fully known (1), know (7), know fully (1), known (2), knows (1), learned (3), perceiving (1), realized (1), recognize (5), recognized (6), recognizing (1), take note (1), taking note (1), understand (3), understood (1), well-known (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1921: ἐπιγινώσκωἐπιγινώσκω; (imperfect ἐπεγίνωσκον); future ἐπιγνώσομαι; 2 aorist ἐπέγνων; perfect ἐπέγνωκα; (passive, present ἐπιγνώσκομαι; 1 aorist ἐπεγνώσθην); ἐπί denotes mental direction toward, application to, that which is known); in the Sept. chiefly for יָדַע and נִכַּר, הִכִּיר; 1. to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly; to know accurately, know well (see references under the word ἐπίγνωσις, at the beginning): 1 Corinthians 13:12 (where γινώσκω ἐκ μέρους and ἐπιγινώσκω, i. e. to know thoroughly, know well, divine things, are contrasted (Winer's Grammar, § 39, 3 N. 2)); with an accusative of the thing, Luke 1:4; 2 Corinthians 1:13; τήν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ, Colossians 1:6; τήν ἀλήθειαν, 1 Timothy 4:3; τήν ὁδόν τῆς δικαιοσύνης, 2 Peter 2:21 (cf. Buttmann, 305 (262)); τό δικαίωμα τοῦ Θεοῦ, Romans 1:32; τί followed by ὅτι (by the familiar attraction (Winers Grammar, 626 (581); Buttmann, 376 (322); some bring this example under 2 a. in the sense of acknowledge)), 1 Corinthians 14:37; τινα, one's character, will, deeds, deserts, etc., 1 Corinthians 16:18; 2 Corinthians 1:14; (passive opposed to ἀγνωύμενοι, 2 Corinthians 6:9); τινα ἀπό τίνος (the genitive of a thing), Matthew 7:16, 20 (Lachmann ἐκ) ("a Gallicis armis atque insignibus cognoscere," for the more common ex, Caesar b. g. 1, 22, 2 (cf. Buttmann, 324 (278f); Winer's Grammar, 372 (348))); by attraction τινα, ὅτι etc. 2 Corinthians 13:5; ἐπιγινώσκει τόν υἱόν, τόν πατέρα, Matthew 11:27. 2. universally, to know; a. to recognize: τινα, i. e. by sight, hearing, or certain signs, to perceive who a person is, Matthew 14:35; Mark 6:54; Luke 24:16, 31; Mark 6:33 (R T, but G WH marginal reading without the accusative); by attraction, τινα, ὅτι, Acts 3:10; Acts 4:13; τινα, his rank and authority, Matthew 17:12; with the accusative of the thing, to recognize a thing to be what it really is: τήν φωνήν τοῦ Πέτρου, Acts 12:14 τήν γῆν, Acts 27:39. b. to know equivalent to to perceive: τί, Luke 5:22; ἐν ἑαυτῷ, followed by the accusative of the thing with a participle (Buttmann, 301 (258)), Mark 5:30; followed by ὅτι, Luke 1:22; τῷ πνεύματι followed by ὅτι, Mark 2:8. c. to know i. e. to find out, ascertain: namely, αὐτό, Acts 9:30; followed by ὅτι, Luke 7:37; Luke 23:7; Acts 19:34; Acts 22:29; Acts 24:11 L T Tr WH; d. to know i. e. to understand: Acts 25:10. (From Homer down.) Strong’s Greek 1921 (epiginōskō) expresses an intensive, often relational knowledge: the movement from mere awareness to full recognition, acknowledgement, or discernment. Its occurrences sweep from immediate, sense-based recognition in the Gospels to profound theological insight in the Epistles, portraying a progressively deepening grasp of Christ, truth, and one another. Recognition of Jesus’ Person and Works In the Synoptic narratives the verb underscores moments when Jesus’ identity or authority becomes unmistakably clear. After healings at Gennesaret, “the men of that place recognized Jesus” (Matthew 14:35), rushing to Him for wholeness. The Emmaus disciples’ hearts burn as “their eyes were opened and they recognized Him” (Luke 24:31), situating epiginōskō at the pivot between despair and resurrection faith. Such episodes reveal that true recognition of Christ is divinely granted yet demands human response. Discernment of Character by Fruit Jesus applies the verb to moral testing: “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16, 20). The instruction equips believers to evaluate prophets and teachers by observable outcomes, linking recognition to ethical evidence and safeguarding the flock from deception. Apostolic Insight and Evangelistic Credibility In Acts, epiginōskō illustrates the credibility of the church before a watching world. The Jerusalem crowd “recognized him as the same man who had sat begging at the Beautiful Gate” (Acts 3:10), authenticating the apostles’ miracle. Authorities “recognized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13), conceding an undeniable transformation. Sailors in crisis fail to “recognize the land” (Acts 27:39), contrasting human uncertainty with apostolic certainty derived from divine revelation. Pastoral Discernment and Congregational Relationships Paul urges the Corinthians to esteem faithful workers: “Therefore recognize such men” (1 Corinthians 16:18). Mutual recognition fosters unity and affirms Spirit-wrought service. Likewise, the participle in 2 Corinthians 6:9 (“known, yet regarded as unknown”) highlights apostolic authenticity misread by the world but accurately discerned by spiritual eyes. Doctrinal Depth and Redemptive Knowledge Epiginōskō shades into epignōsis (full knowledge) in the Epistles, stressing the transformative comprehension of gospel truth. The Colossians “heard and understood the grace of God in truth” (Colossians 1:6), a recognition bearing fruit and growth. False teachers in 1 Timothy 4:3 stand opposed to “those who believe and know the truth,” marking saving recognition as the dividing line within the church. Warning against Rejected Knowledge Peter exposes apostasy: “It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away” (2 Peter 2:21). Romans 1:32 portrays humanity that “although they know God’s righteous decree,” still embraces sin. Epiginōskō therefore carries solemn accountability; fuller light intensifies judgment when spurned. Future Consummation of Knowledge The hope of perfected recognition shines in 1 Corinthians 13:12: “Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” Present partiality yields to eschatological completeness, assuring believers that God’s exhaustive knowledge of them will be mirrored in their perfected knowledge of Him and His purposes. Historical and Ministry Significance Across centuries the church has leaned on epiginōskō to articulate assurance of salvation, criteria for discernment, and the balance between divine revelation and human responsibility. Early creeds, Reformation emphasis on verbum Dei, and contemporary discipleship all trace the path from initial awareness to mature recognition. Pastoral ministry today continues to call congregations from superficial acquaintance with gospel facts to deep, relational knowledge that bears fruit, guards against error, and anticipates the day when “we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” Englishman's Concordance Matthew 7:16 V-FIM-2PGRK: καρπῶν αὐτῶν ἐπιγνώσεσθε αὐτούς μήτι NAS: You will know them by their fruits. KJV: Ye shall know them by INT: fruits of them you will know them not Matthew 7:20 V-FIM-2P Matthew 11:27 V-PIA-3S Matthew 11:27 V-PIA-3S Matthew 14:35 V-APA-NMP Matthew 17:12 V-AIA-3P Mark 2:8 V-APA-NMS Mark 5:30 V-APA-NMS Mark 6:33 V-AIA-3P Mark 6:54 V-APA-NMP Luke 1:4 V-ASA-2S Luke 1:22 V-AIA-3P Luke 5:22 V-APA-NMS Luke 7:37 V-APA-NFS Luke 23:7 V-APA-NMS Luke 24:16 V-ANA Luke 24:31 V-AIA-3P Acts 3:10 V-IIA-3P Acts 4:13 V-IIA-3P Acts 9:30 V-APA-NMP Acts 12:14 V-APA-NFS Acts 19:34 V-APA-NMP Acts 22:24 V-ASA-3S Acts 22:29 V-APA-NMS Acts 23:28 V-ANA Strong's Greek 1921 |
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