What Is the Word of Knowledge?
What Is the Word of Knowledge? The word of knowledge is a spiritual gift by which the Holy Spirit reveals facts or truth not learned through natural means, for the building up of the church.
Key verse: 1 Corinthians 12:8 (KJV)
The word of knowledge is a spiritual gift by which the Holy Spirit reveals facts or truth not learned through natural means, for the building up of the church.
The word of knowledge is a spiritual gift by which the Holy Spirit reveals facts or truth not learned through natural means, for the building up of the church.
"For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit." — 1 Corinthians 12:8 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
Paul lists 'the word of knowledge' alongside 'the word of wisdom' as gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:8. While wisdom deals with the application of truth, knowledge deals with the reception of truth — a supernatural insight into facts, circumstances, or people's hearts that the recipient could not know by ordinary means. In Acts, Peter knew that Ananias and Sapphira had lied about the price of their land. Jesus demonstrated this gift repeatedly, knowing Nathanael's character before meeting him, the Samaritan woman's marital history, and the thoughts of the scribes. The word of knowledge is not human intuition, psychic ability, or natural intelligence — it is the Spirit's revelation for the purpose of edification, conviction, guidance, or confirmation. It is always subject to the authority of Scripture and must be exercised with humility and love. Like all spiritual gifts, it is given 'for the profit of all' — not for personal glory or manipulation but for the building up of Christ's body.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Worship?
What the Bible teaches about worship, praise, and honoring God with our whole lives.
Key Scripture References
"For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit."
"But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God."
"The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Gift of Prophecy?
The gift of prophecy is the Spirit-empowered ability to speak God's Word for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the church.
What Is the Word of Wisdom?
The word of wisdom is a supernatural spiritual gift by which the Holy Spirit grants a believer divine insight to rightly apply God's truth to specific situations, revealing the hidden wisdom that dwells in Christ alone.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — fully God, who indwells, guides, and empowers believers.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 1 Corinthians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Corinthians on day 324 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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