The phrase "knowledge is power" is not directly found in the Bible, but the concept is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. The Bible emphasizes the importance of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding as gifts from God that empower individuals to live righteous and effective lives.

Biblical Foundation

1. Proverbs and Wisdom Literature: The Book of Proverbs is replete with references to the value of knowledge and wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This verse highlights that true knowledge begins with a reverence for God, suggesting that spiritual understanding is foundational to all other forms of knowledge.

2. Hosea's Warning: In Hosea 4:6 , the prophet declares, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." This passage underscores the peril of ignorance, particularly in spiritual matters, and implies that knowledge is crucial for the survival and prosperity of God's people.

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is described as a source of divine knowledge and wisdom. John 14:26 says, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." Here, the Holy Spirit empowers believers by imparting knowledge and understanding of God's truth.

4. Pauline Epistles: The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of the importance of knowledge in the life of a believer. In Colossians 1:9-10 , Paul prays for the Colossians to be "filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord." This passage links knowledge with living a life that pleases God, suggesting that knowledge empowers believers to fulfill their divine purpose.

Practical Implications

1. Discernment and Decision-Making: Knowledge equips believers with the ability to discern right from wrong and make wise decisions. Philippians 1:9-10 states, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best." Knowledge, therefore, is a tool for moral and ethical discernment.

2. Teaching and Edification: Knowledge is also essential for teaching and edifying others within the Christian community. In 1 Corinthians 12:8 , Paul lists "a message of knowledge" as a gift of the Spirit, indicating its role in building up the church.

3. Defense of the Faith: Knowledge empowers believers to defend their faith against false teachings and misconceptions. 1 Peter 3:15 encourages believers to "always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you." A well-grounded knowledge of Scripture and doctrine is vital for this task.

Warnings Against Misuse

While knowledge is powerful, the Bible also warns against its misuse. 1 Corinthians 8:1 cautions, "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." This warning serves as a reminder that knowledge should be tempered with love and humility, ensuring it is used for edification rather than arrogance.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly state "knowledge is power," it consistently portrays knowledge as a divine gift that empowers believers to live according to God's will, make wise decisions, and effectively serve and edify others.Proverbs 3:20
By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 24:5
A wise man is strong; yes, a man of knowledge increases strength.
Nave's Topical Index

4599. sthenoo -- to strengthen
... From sthenos (bodily vigor; probably akin to the base of histemi); to strengthen,
ie (figuratively) confirm (in spiritual knowledge and power) -- strengthen. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4599.htm - 6k

4135. plerophoreo -- to bring in full measure, to fulfill
... 4135 ("fully carry through") is used of God's power bringing the believer to potential,
"matching" their true knowledge of Him (cf. 1 Cor 12:13). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4135.htm - 8k

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... F. Bruce, , 279). "Faith is knowing what is ; therefore, we hold faith to be the
knowledge of God's will ... do not struggle in the power of the will . . . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

4486. manda -- knowledge, the power of knowing
... 4485, 4486. manda. 4487 . knowledge, the power of knowing. Transliteration:
manda Phonetic Spelling: (man-dah') Short Definition: knowledge. ...
/hebrew/4486.htm - 6k

Synopsis. --A Clearer Conception of Miracle Approached. --Works of ...
... Works of Jesus once reputed miraculous not so reputed now, since not now transcending,
as once, the existing range of knowledge and power."This transfer of ...
/.../miracles and supernatural religion/iv synopsis a clearer conception of.htm

Of the Subject of the Power of the Keyes, to whom they are ...
... CHAP. III. Of the subject of the power of the keyes, to whom they are
committed: and first of the key of knowledge, and Order. AS ...
/.../chap iii of the subject.htm

The Power of Meditation
... The use of meditation is the acquirement of a knowledge of eternal principles, and
the power which results from meditation is the ability to rest upon and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/the power of meditation.htm

Knowledge and Obedience.
... all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge
of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/v knowledge and obedience.htm

Of the Distribution of the Keys, and their Power, or of the ...
... Now such a knowledge whereby a man hath power to enter into heaven, is onely
faith, which is often therefore called knowledge, as Isa.53.11. ...
/.../chap ii of the distribution.htm

Introduction
... presence, and not only ask, but claim a Covenant right through Christ Jesus to all
the spiritual searching, and cleansing, and knowledge, and power promised in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/introduction.htm

The Way to Divine Knowledge
... [Way-2-102] And thus, from this knowledge of the magic nature of things? ... [Way-2-104]
Academicus.? [Way-2-105] For this magic power of everything, that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/law/the way to divine knowledge/

Tillotson -- the Reasonableness of a Resurrection
... and had them not always in His view, and perfectly under His command; and as if
it were a trouble and burden to infinite knowledge and power to understand and ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/tillotson the reasonableness of.htm

Man's Place in the World.
... If so, how? Questions for Further Consideration. Is man's possession of knowledge
and power the ultimate object of creation? If not, what is? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study i mans place in.htm

Books and Reading.
... A reading people will always be a knowing people." Reading makes one mighty in action
when it gives one knowledge, since "knowledge is power," and since power ...
/.../judy/questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/vi books and reading.htm

Did Adam and Eve know what death was when God commanded them not to eat from the tree of knowledge? | GotQuestions.org

How did the knowledge of good and evil make man like God (Genesis 3:22)? | GotQuestions.org

What is Molinism and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Knowledge: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus