50. agnoeó
Lexical Summary
agnoeó: To be ignorant, to not know, to be unaware

Original Word: ἀγνοέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: agnoeó
Pronunciation: ag-no-eh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (ag-no-eh'-o)
KJV: (be) ignorant(-ly), not know, not understand, unknown
NASB: unaware, ignorant, know, knowing, understand, uninformed, unknown
Word Origin: [from G1 (α - Alpha) (as a negative particle) and G3539 (νοιέω - understand)]

1. not to know (through lack of information or intelligence)
2. (by implication) to ignore (through dislike, disinterest, or unwillingness)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
be ignorant, not know, not understand

From a (as a negative particle) and noieo; not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination) -- (be) ignorant(-ly), not know, not understand, unknown.

see GREEK a

see GREEK noieo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and the same as ginóskó
Definition
to be ignorant, not to know
NASB Translation
have no knowledge (1), ignorance (1), ignorant (2), ignorantly (1), know (2), knowing (2), recognize (1), recognized (1), recognizing (1), unaware (4), understand (2), uninformed (2), unknown (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 50: ἀγνοέω

ἀγνοέω (ΓΝΟ (cf. γινώσκω)), (ῶ (imperative, ἀγνοείτω 1 Corinthians 14:38 R G Tr text WH marginal reading); imperfect ἠγνόουν; 1 aorist ἠγνόησα; (passive, present ἀγνοοῦμαι, participle ἀγνοούμενος; from Homer down);

a. to be ignorant, not to know: absolutely, 1 Timothy 1:13; τινα, τί, Acts 13:27; Acts 17:23; Romans 10:3; ἐν τίνι (as in Test. Jos. § 14 Fabricii Pseudepigr. ii., p. 717 (but the reading ἠγνόουν ἐπί πᾶσι τούτοις is now given here; see Test. xii. Patr. ad fid. manuscript Cant. etc., Sinker edition, Cambr. 1869)), 2 Peter 2:12, unless one prefer to resolve the expression thus: ἐν τούτοις, ἀγνοοῦσι βλασφημοῦντες, Winers Grammar, 629 (584) (cf. Buttmann, 287 (246)); followed by ὅτι, Romans 2:4; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; 1 Corinthians 14:38 (where the antecedent clause ὅτι κτλ. is to be supplied again); οὐ θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν, a phrase often used by Paul (an emphatic)scitote: followed by an accusative of the object, Romans 11:25; ὑπέρ τίνος, ὅτι, 2 Corinthians 1:8; περί τίνος, 1 Corinthians 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:13; followed by ὅτι, Romans 1:13; 1 Corinthians 10:1; in the passive ἀγνοεῖται 'he is not known' i. e. according to the context 'he is disregarded,' 1 Corinthians 14:38 L T Tr marginal reading WH text; ἀγνωύμενοι (opposed to ἐπιγινωσκόμενοι men unknown, obscure, 2 Corinthians 6:9; ἀγνοούμενος τινι unknown to one, Galatians 1:22; οὐκ ἀγνοεῖν to know very well, τί, 2 Corinthians 2:11 (Wis. 12:10).

b. not to understand: τί, Mark 9:32; Luke 9:45.

c. to err, sin through mistake, spoken mildly of those who are not high-handed or willful transgressors (Sir. 5:15; 2 Macc. 11:31): Hebrews 5:2, on which see Delitzsch.

Topical Lexicon
Definition and Scope

The verb agnoeō (Strong’s Greek 50) describes a state of not knowing, failing to perceive, or being unaware of spiritual or factual realities. Twenty–two New Testament occurrences span the Gospels, Acts, the Pauline and General Epistles, and Hebrews, displaying both culpable and excusable ignorance.

Ignorance as a Root of Unbelief

Ignorance explains Jewish rejection of Messiah (Acts 13:27) and pagan idolatry (Acts 17:23). In both scenes the gospel confronts misplaced worship by unveiling the long-hidden plan of God. Paul affirms that even blasphemous opposition can be “shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief” (1 Timothy 1:13), echoing the Old Testament category of “sins committed unintentionally” yet requiring atonement.

Paul’s Formula “I Do Not Want You to Be Ignorant”

Five times Paul introduces vital instruction with this phrase:
• Redemptive history (1 Corinthians 10:1)
• Spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1)
• Apostolic suffering (2 Corinthians 1:8)
• Israel’s future (Romans 11:25)
• The state of the dead in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

In each case ignorance threatens assurance, unity, or holiness, so the apostle remedies it with Spirit-given revelation.

Ignorance and Self-Righteousness

Romans 10:3 warns that “because they were ignorant of the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.” Here ignorance is neither innocent nor harmless; it hardens into self-reliance and unbelief. Romans 2:4 adds that failing to recognize God’s kindness leads to presuming upon His patience.

The Disciples’ Misunderstanding of Jesus

Mark 9:32 and Luke 9:45 record the Twelve as “not understanding” Jesus’ prediction of the cross. Their ignorance is temporary, dispelled after the resurrection, yet it illustrates the blindness even sincere followers may experience before the Spirit’s illumination.

The Compassionate High Priest Toward the Ignorant

Hebrews 5:2 portrays the Levitical high priest as “able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided,” prefiguring Christ’s perfect sympathy. The passage underscores pastoral gentleness toward believers who err from lack of understanding.

Apostolic Ministry: Turning Ignorance to Knowledge

Paul aims that “we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes” (2 Corinthians 2:11). Ministry exposes satanic devices, clarifies hardships (2 Corinthians 6:9), and guards doctrine (Galatians 1:22). Peter contrasts false teachers who “blaspheme in matters they do not understand” (2 Peter 2:12) with believers growing in knowledge of the Lord.

Pastoral Application

1. Preaching must unveil Christ from all Scripture, dispelling ignorance that obscures the gospel.
2. Christian education nurtures informed worship and safeguards against error.
3. Compassion rather than condemnation guides shepherds when believers falter through ignorance.
4. Evangelism recognizes that unbelief often springs from genuine unawareness; clarity and patience are essential.

Doctrinal Reflection

Ignorance is a moral and spiritual deficiency healed only by divine revelation. Scripture, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, replaces darkness with light, rescues sinners from self-made righteousness, and equips saints for mature service. Thus every occurrence of agnoeō ultimately drives the church to proclaim and embody the saving knowledge of God in Jesus Christ.

Forms and Transliterations
αγνοει αγνοεί ἀγνοεῖ αγνοειν αγνοείν ἀγνοεῖν αγνοειται ἀγνοεῖται αγνοειτε αγνοείτε ἀγνοεῖτε αγνοείτω αγνοησαντες αγνοήσαντες ἀγνοήσαντες αγνοήση αγνοουμεν αγνοούμεν ἀγνοοῦμεν αγνοουμενοι αγνοούμενοι ἀγνοούμενοι αγνοουμενος αγνοούμενος ἀγνοούμενος αγνοούν αγνοουντες αγνοούντες ἀγνοοῦντες αγνοουσι αγνοούσι ἀγνοοῦσι ἀγνοοῦσιν αγνοων αγνοών ἀγνοῶν ηγνόηκα ηγνόηκας ηγνοήσαμεν ηγνόησε ηγνόησεν ηγνοουν ηγνόουν ἠγνόουν agnoei agnoeî agnoein agnoeîn agnoeitai agnoeîtai agnoeite agnoeîte agnoesantes agnoēsantes agnoḗsantes agnoon agnoôn agnoōn agnoō̂n agnooumen agnooûmen agnooumenoi agnooúmenoi agnooumenos agnooúmenos agnoountes agnooûntes agnoousin agnooûsin egnooun egnóoun ēgnooun ēgnóoun
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Mark 9:32 V-IIA-3P
GRK: οἱ δὲ ἠγνόουν τὸ ῥῆμα
NAS: But they did not understand [this] statement,
KJV: But they understood not that saying,
INT: and they understood not the saying

Luke 9:45 V-IIA-3P
GRK: οἱ δὲ ἠγνόουν τὸ ῥῆμα
NAS: But they did not understand this
KJV: But they understood not this saying,
INT: but they understand not the word

Acts 13:27 V-APA-NMP
GRK: αὐτῶν τοῦτον ἀγνοήσαντες καὶ τὰς
NAS: and their rulers, recognizing neither Him nor
KJV: him not, nor yet
INT: of them him not having known and the

Acts 17:23 V-PPA-NMP
GRK: ὃ οὖν ἀγνοοῦντες εὐσεβεῖτε τοῦτο
NAS: you worship in ignorance, this
KJV: therefore ye ignorantly worship,
INT: Whom therefore not knowing you worship him

Romans 1:13 V-PNA
GRK: δὲ ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν ἀδελφοί ὅτι
NAS: I do not want you to be unaware, brethren,
KJV: have you ignorant, brethren, that
INT: moreover you to be ignorant brothers that

Romans 2:4 V-PPA-NMS
GRK: μακροθυμίας καταφρονεῖς ἀγνοῶν ὅτι τὸ
NAS: and patience, not knowing that the kindness
KJV: longsuffering; not knowing that
INT: patience despise you not knowing that the

Romans 6:3 V-PIA-2P
GRK: ἀγνοεῖτε ὅτι ὅσοι
NAS: Or do you not know that all of us who
KJV: Know ye not, that so many of us
INT: Or are you ignorant that as many as

Romans 7:1 V-PIA-2P
GRK: ἀγνοεῖτε ἀδελφοί γινώσκουσιν
NAS: Or do you not know, brethren
KJV: Know ye not, brethren, (for
INT: or Are you ignorant brothers to those knowing

Romans 10:3 V-PPA-NMP
GRK: ἀγνοοῦντες γὰρ τὴν
NAS: For not knowing about God's
KJV: For they being ignorant of God's
INT: being ignorant of indeed the

Romans 11:25 V-PNA
GRK: θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν ἀδελφοί τὸ
NAS: you, brethren, to be uninformed of this
KJV: that ye should be ignorant of this
INT: do I wish you to be ignorant brothers the

1 Corinthians 10:1 V-PNA
GRK: γὰρ ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν ἀδελφοί ὅτι
NAS: For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren,
KJV: that ye should be ignorant, how that
INT: now you to be ignorant brothers that

1 Corinthians 12:1 V-PNA
GRK: θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν
NAS: I do not want you to be unaware.
KJV: have you ignorant.
INT: I do wish you to be ignorant

1 Corinthians 14:38 V-PIA-3S
GRK: δέ τις ἀγνοεῖ ἀγνοεῖται
NAS: anyone does not recognize [this], he is not recognized.
KJV: if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
INT: however any be ignorant let him be ignorant

1 Corinthians 14:38 V-PIM/P-3S
GRK: τις ἀγνοεῖ ἀγνοεῖται
NAS: does not recognize [this], he is not recognized.
KJV: be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
INT: any be ignorant let him be ignorant

2 Corinthians 1:8 V-PNA
GRK: θέλομεν ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν ἀδελφοί ὑπὲρ
NAS: For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren,
KJV: have you ignorant of our
INT: do we wish you to be ignorant brothers as to

2 Corinthians 2:11 V-PIA-1P
GRK: τὰ νοήματα ἀγνοοῦμεν
NAS: of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
KJV: we are not ignorant of his
INT: thoughts are we ignorant

2 Corinthians 6:9 V-PPM/P-NMP
GRK: ὡς ἀγνοούμενοι καὶ ἐπιγινωσκόμενοι
NAS: as unknown yet well-known,
KJV: As unknown, and [yet] well known;
INT: as being unknown and well-known

Galatians 1:22 V-PPM/P-NMS
GRK: ἤμην δὲ ἀγνοούμενος τῷ προσώπῳ
NAS: I was [still] unknown by sight
KJV: was unknown by face
INT: I was moreover unknown by face

1 Thessalonians 4:13 V-PNA
GRK: δὲ ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν ἀδελφοί περὶ
NAS: But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren,
KJV: you to be ignorant, brethren,
INT: but you to be ignorant brothers concerning

1 Timothy 1:13 V-PPA-NMS
GRK: ἠλεήθην ὅτι ἀγνοῶν ἐποίησα ἐν
NAS: I acted ignorantly in unbelief;
KJV: I did [it] ignorantly in
INT: I was shown mercy because being ignorant I did [it] in

Hebrews 5:2 V-PPA-DMP
GRK: δυνάμενος τοῖς ἀγνοοῦσιν καὶ πλανωμένοις
NAS: deal gently with the ignorant and misguided,
KJV: have compassion on the ignorant, and
INT: being able with those being ignorant and erring

2 Peter 2:12 V-PIA-3P
GRK: ἐν οἷς ἀγνοοῦσιν βλασφημοῦντες ἐν
NAS: where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction
KJV: the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish
INT: in what they are ignorant of speaking evil in

Strong's Greek 50
22 Occurrences


ἀγνοήσαντες — 1 Occ.
ἀγνοεῖ — 1 Occ.
ἀγνοεῖν — 6 Occ.
ἀγνοεῖται — 1 Occ.
ἀγνοεῖτε — 2 Occ.
ἀγνοῶν — 2 Occ.
ἀγνοοῦμεν — 1 Occ.
ἀγνοούμενοι — 1 Occ.
ἀγνοούμενος — 1 Occ.
ἀγνοοῦντες — 2 Occ.
ἀγνοοῦσιν — 2 Occ.
ἠγνόουν — 2 Occ.

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