Know
γινώσκω (Ginōskō)
To know through experience, relationship, or personal discovery.
The Greek word ginōskō means to know through personal experience and relationship, describing intimate knowledge that goes beyond intellectual awareness.
"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." — John 17:3 (KJV)
Key Verses
John 17:3
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”Read in context
Philippians 3:10
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G1097 — Know (γινώσκω (Ginōskō))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where γινώσκω (Ginōskō) appears.
Open Strong's G1097The Meaning of Ginōskō
Ginōskō means to know through experience, observation, or personal relationship. Unlike oida (which refers to innate or intuitive knowledge), ginōskō implies knowledge gained through encounter and engagement. When Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God (John 17:3), He uses ginōskō — indicating that salvation involves experiential, relational knowledge of God, not merely intellectual belief.
Knowing God Personally
Paul's burning ambition was 'that I may know Him' (Philippians 3:10). This was not a quest for information about God but for intimate experience of God — His resurrection power, His sufferings, His very life. Biblical knowledge of God transforms the knower. It is participatory, not spectatorial.
Knowledge and Love
John declares that anyone who does not love 'does not know God.' This reveals that true ginōskō knowledge produces transformation. To genuinely know the God who is love is to become loving. Knowledge of God that does not result in Christlike character is not biblical knowing — it remains mere information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ginōskō mean in Greek?
Ginōskō means to know through personal experience and relationship. It describes intimate, experiential knowledge gained through encounter, not just intellectual awareness.
What is the difference between ginōskō and oida?
Ginōskō refers to knowledge gained through experience and relationship, while oida refers to innate, intuitive, or absolute knowledge. Ginōskō implies an ongoing process of discovery.
What is the Greek word for "Know" in the Bible?
γινώσκω (Ginōskō), pronounced "gih-NOHS-koh." It means to know through experience, relationship, or personal discovery. Its Strong's number is G1097. It is the word behind "Know" in the New Testament, for example in John 17:3.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Know"?
John 17:3 — "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (KJV). It also appears in Philippians 3:10, 1 John 4:8.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Know (γινώσκω (Ginōskō))
To know through experience, relationship, or personal discovery.
Strong's G1097 — Know
γινώσκω (Ginōskō) • To know through experience, relationship, or personal discovery.
John 17:3 Commentary
In-depth study • Eternal Life & Knowledge of God
Biblical Meaning of Water in a Dream (KJV)
Cleansing, the Spirit, and the Word of God.
Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)
Life, atonement, and covenant with God.
Hosea 4:6 Commentary
In-depth study • Knowledge & Faithfulness
Where to go next
Studied the meaning of Know? Continue with these word-study and Scripture pages.
- Bible word meanings A–ZHebrew and Greek words explained in plain English.Continue
- Go deeper with word studiesStrong's numbers, usage and every KJV occurrence.Continue
- Bible questions answered from ScriptureStraight KJV answers to common questions.Continue
- Read the KJV Bible online freeFull text, chapter by chapter.Continue