The term "acknowledgeth" is an archaic form of the verb "acknowledge," which means to recognize, admit, or confess. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to the act of recognizing God's sovereignty, confessing one's faith, or admitting one's sins. The concept of acknowledging is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's authority and truth.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty: Throughout Scripture, believers are called to acknowledge the Lord as the supreme authority over all creation. This acknowledgment is not merely intellectual but involves a heartfelt submission to His will. Proverbs 3:6 states, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This verse underscores the importance of recognizing God's guidance in every aspect of life, promising divine direction in return.

2. Confession of Faith: Acknowledging Christ as Lord is central to the Christian faith. In the New Testament, the act of confessing Jesus as Lord is a declaration of belief and allegiance. Romans 10:9 affirms, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." This acknowledgment is both a verbal confession and a deep-seated belief in the heart.

3. Admission of Sin: Acknowledging one's sins is a crucial step in the process of repentance and forgiveness. The Bible teaches that confession leads to cleansing and restoration. 1 John 1:9 assures believers, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This acknowledgment of sin is an essential part of maintaining a right relationship with God.

4. Recognition of Truth: The Bible also speaks of acknowledging the truth as revealed in God's Word. This involves accepting the teachings of Scripture and living in accordance with them. In 2 Timothy 2:25 , Paul advises Timothy to correct opponents with gentleness, "in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth." Here, acknowledgment is linked to a transformative understanding of divine truth.

Theological Implications

Acknowledging God and His truth is foundational to the Christian life. It involves a comprehensive recognition of His authority, a confession of faith in Jesus Christ, an admission of personal sin, and an acceptance of biblical truth. This acknowledgment is not a one-time event but a continual posture of the heart and mind, reflecting a life lived in submission to God.

In summary, "acknowledgeth" in the biblical sense encompasses recognizing God's sovereignty, confessing faith in Christ, admitting sin, and embracing truth. These elements are integral to a vibrant and authentic Christian walk, as they align the believer with God's purposes and promises.

Julian the Apostate.
... (2) He acknowledgeth that, for three hundred years or more, Jesus had been celebrated;
which regard for him was founded upon the works done by him in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/julian the apostate.htm

1 John ii. 18-27
... that denieth the Father and the Son.] [2133] Whosoever denieth the Son, the same
hath neither the Father nor the Son: and he that acknowledgeth the Son hath ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily iii 1 john ii.htm

That God is So Angry against Idolatry, that He Has Even Enjoined ...
... reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us." [3730] John too: "Whosoever
denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father; he that acknowledgeth the Son ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/5 that god is so.htm

1 John ii. 22, 23
... the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father; but he
that acknowledgeth the Son, hath the Father also." By the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john ii 22 23.htm

Psalm CIX.
... 1. Every one who faithfully readeth the Acts of the Apostles, acknowledgeth that
this Psalm containeth a prophecy of Christ; for it evidently appeareth that ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cix.htm

Psalm CXLI.
... as incense, and the lifting up of my hands an evening sacrifice" (ver.2). That this
is wont to be understood of the Head Himself, every Christian acknowledgeth ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxli.htm

Psalm XCVI.
... 1. My lord and brother Severus [4414] still defers the pleasure we shall feel in
his discourse, which he oweth us; for he acknowledgeth, that he is held a ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xcvi.htm

An Explanation of Acts ii. ...
... learn what is the sense of the words, "The Lord created Me." [1844] It is not "the
Father created," but "the Lord created Me." The flesh acknowledgeth its Lord ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xv an explanation of.htm

Of the Trinity and a Christian
... "Righteous art thou, O God," saith Jeremiah, "yet let me plead with thee; Wherefore
do the wicked live?" Mark, first he acknowledgeth that God's way with the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/miscellaneous pieces/of the trinity and a.htm

Introduction.
... So that there are but Seven General Councils that the whole Church
acknowledgeth, called to determine matters of faith and manners. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/introduction.htm

Acknowledgeth (2 Occurrences)
...Acknowledgeth (2 Occurrences). 1 John 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath
not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. ...
/a/acknowledgeth.htm - 7k

Acknowledging (7 Occurrences)

/a/acknowledging.htm - 8k

Acknowledges (10 Occurrences)

/a/acknowledges.htm - 9k

Denieth (5 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). 1 John 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father:
he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/d/denieth.htm - 7k

Strongholds (44 Occurrences)
... Daniel 11:39 And he will practise in the strongholds of fortresses with a strange
+god: whoso acknowledgeth him will he increase with glory; and he shall cause ...
/s/strongholds.htm - 19k

Practise (52 Occurrences)
... Daniel 11:39 And he will practise in the strongholds of fortresses with a strange
+god: whoso acknowledgeth him will he increase with glory; and he shall cause ...
/p/practise.htm - 22k

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