Knowing and Knowing Are Two

Yesterday in The Hague I spoke in a gathering about the above theme. I paused at the meaning of the Greek word epi-gnosis that is often used in the “New Testament” and translated with: acknowledgment, recognition, full knowledge, true knowledge, etc. It relates to something that presupposes knowledge, but goes beyond it. It is more than information or theory. It denotes awareness, being-aware, or realization of information.

An example: I know that Mont Blanc is nearly 5 kilometers high. That is information. But this knowledge becomes epi-gnosis when I become aware of it. When I, for example, imagine what it is like to climb a mountain of 5 kilometers. How long would it take me? What would the view be like when I would stand on the top? Etc. Knowledge begins with taking in information. But as long as it is merely information, it will have no impact. It only gains that when the information is “processed.” Made one’s own. When one begins to realize (epi-gnosis) what this information means.

It is one thing to know that Jesus Christ overcame death on the third day. But do we also realize it? That Christ Jesus is the Saviour of the world every believer knows (well, do they?). But do we also realize it? That God has everything in His hand every Christian knows. But do we also realize it? That God’s love is without limits is ABC Bible knowledge. But do we also realize it?

And it is about this epi-gnosis ultimately. That is why it was Paul’s prayer, after he had opened the doors of God’s treasury,

“…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of the glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the recognition of him, (literally in realization of Him > epi-gnosis!) the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, for your knowing what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what the exceeding greatness of His power…” (YLT)
Ephesians 1:17–19

Delen: