Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Scope God's intimate knowledge refers to His complete and perfect understanding of all things, including the innermost thoughts, desires, and actions of every individual. This attribute of God underscores His omniscience, highlighting His ability to know everything that can be known, both actual and potential, across all time and space.
Biblical Foundation The Bible provides numerous passages that affirm God's intimate knowledge of His creation. One of the most profound expressions of this is found in
Psalm 139, where David marvels at God's comprehensive understanding of his life: "O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar" (
Psalm 139:1-2). This passage illustrates that God's knowledge is not limited to external actions but extends to the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
God's Knowledge of Individuals God's intimate knowledge is personal and specific. In
Jeremiah 1:5, God tells the prophet, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations" . This indicates that God's knowledge of individuals precedes their existence and encompasses their purpose and destiny.
Jesus Christ and Divine Knowledge The New Testament further reveals God's intimate knowledge through the person of Jesus Christ. In
John 2:24-25, it is written, "But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all men. He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man" . Jesus' ability to discern the thoughts and hearts of people demonstrates His divine nature and omniscience.
Implications for Believers For believers, God's intimate knowledge is both comforting and convicting. It assures them that they are fully known and loved by their Creator. As expressed in
Matthew 10:30, "And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered" , God's knowledge is so detailed that it encompasses every aspect of their being. This intimate awareness provides assurance of God's care and involvement in their lives.
Moral and Ethical Dimensions God's intimate knowledge also carries moral and ethical implications.
Hebrews 4:13 states, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account" . This awareness calls believers to live lives of integrity and accountability, knowing that their thoughts and actions are fully visible to God.
Prayer and Relationship Understanding God's intimate knowledge enhances the believer's prayer life and relationship with Him. In
Matthew 6:8, Jesus teaches, "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him" . This knowledge encourages believers to approach God with confidence, trusting that He is already aware of their needs and concerns.
Conclusion God's intimate knowledge is a profound aspect of His nature, revealing His omniscience and personal involvement with His creation. It is a source of comfort, guidance, and accountability for believers, encouraging them to live in a manner that honors the God who knows them completely.