Lexical Summary agnoia: Ignorance Original Word: ἀγνοία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ignorance. From agnoeo; ignorance (properly, the quality) -- ignorance. see GREEK agnoeo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom agnoeó Definition ignorance NASB Translation ignorance (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 52: ἄγνοιαἄγνοια, (ας, ἡ (from Aeschylus down), want of knowledge, ignorance, especially of divine things: Acts 17:30; 1 Peter 1:14; such as is inexcusable, Ephesians 4:18 (Wis. 14:22); of moral blindness, Acts 3:17. (Cf. ἀγνοέω.) Topical Lexicon Overview In the apostolic writings, ἀγνοία describes a state of spiritual and moral unawareness that leaves a person estranged from God’s will. While sometimes rooted in simple lack of information, it is never morally neutral; it exposes a heart that has not yet come under the transforming light of the gospel. Usage in the New Testament • Acts 3:17 shows Peter interpreting the crowd’s complicity in Jesus’ crucifixion as having occurred “in ignorance,” yet he immediately calls them to repentance, proving that ignorance does not excuse sin. Relationship to Old Testament Themes The Old Testament often pairs ignorance with sin offerings (Leviticus 4) and with prophetic calls to hear and understand (Isaiah 6:9–10). Paul’s mention of “times past” that God “overlooked” echoes these sacrificial and prophetic concessions. Yet the gospel fulfils what sacrifices and prophets merely anticipated: the definitive revelation of God in Christ removes every excuse for remaining in darkness. Theological Implications 1. Universal Accountability—Ignorance delays immediate judgment (Acts 17:30) but never removes culpability (Romans 1:20). Christological and Missional Dimensions Jesus’ prayer, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” surfaces the theme of ignorance even at Calvary. Luke records it not to lessen guilt but to magnify grace. Post-resurrection mission, therefore, targets ignorant peoples with urgent proclamation, trusting the Spirit to open eyes (Acts 26:18). Pastoral and Discipleship Applications • Preaching must expose ignorance while offering the remedy of Christ’s truth. Doctrinal Safeguard Against Willful Blindness Biblical authors refuse to separate ignorance from responsibility. Any teaching that lessens the demand for faith and repentance on the grounds of unawareness contradicts apostolic witness. The church must therefore hold together God’s compassionate patience and His unchanging call to repentance. Summary Ἀγνοία pinpoints humanity’s tragic yet culpable estrangement from God. Scripture portrays this ignorance as pardoned in Christ yet perilous if unrepented. The gospel alone shatters the darkness, summons obedience, and establishes a people who once were ignorant but now live in the radiant knowledge of their Lord. Forms and Transliterations αγνοια αγνοία άγνοια ἀγνοίᾳ αγνοιαν άγνοιαν ἄγνοιαν αγνοιας αγνοίας ἀγνοίας agnoia agnoíāi agnoian ágnoian agnoias agnoíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 3:17 N-AFSGRK: ὅτι κατὰ ἄγνοιαν ἐπράξατε ὥσπερ NAS: that you acted in ignorance, just KJV: that through ignorance ye did [it], as INT: that in ignorance you acted as Acts 17:30 N-GFS Ephesians 4:18 N-AFS 1 Peter 1:14 N-DFS Strong's Greek 52 |
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