Brief Overview of ἄγνωστος (Strong’s G57: Agnōstos)

ἄγνωστος (Agnōstos):
The Greek word “ἄγνωστος” (agnōstos) translates to “unknown” or “not known.” It denotes something or someone that is not recognized, identified, or familiar. This term emphasizes a state of being unfamiliar or not acknowledged, often used in contexts where knowledge or recognition is absent.

Detailed Overview Incorporating Other Concordances

ἄγνωστος (Agnōstos):

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1. Strong’s Concordance:

• Meaning: According to Strong’s Concordance (G57), “ἄγνωστος” means “unknown” or “not known.” It describes something or someone that is not known or recognized. This term is used to indicate a lack of familiarity or identification. For example, in Acts 17:23, Paul refers to an altar to an “unknown god,” indicating that the god was not known to the Athenians.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Meaning: Thayer’s Lexicon defines “ἄγνωστος” as “unknown” or “not known.” Thayer’s notes that this term is used to describe entities that are unfamiliar or not previously recognized. The term is often employed to refer to objects, concepts, or deities that are not known or understood by people. The Lexicon highlights its use in Acts 17:23, where it signifies the lack of knowledge or recognition of the deity.

1. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words:

• Meaning: Vine’s Dictionary describes “ἄγνωστος” as “unknown” or “not known.” Vine’s explains that the term is used to denote something that lacks recognition or familiarity. It emphasizes that “ἄγνωστος” refers to things or beings that are not acknowledged or understood. In Acts 17:23, it refers to an altar dedicated to an unknown god, illustrating the concept of divine beings or entities that are not known or comprehended.

1. Louw-Nida Greek-English Lexicon:

• Meaning: The Louw-Nida Lexicon categorizes “ἄγνωστος” as a term meaning “unknown” or “not known.” It defines the term as describing something or someone that is unfamiliar or not recognized. The Lexicon notes that this term is used in contexts where there is a lack of identification or awareness, as in Acts 17:23, where the unknown god represents something beyond the Athenians’ understanding.

1. Moulton-Milligan Vocabulary of the Greek New Testament:

• Meaning: Moulton-Milligan defines “ἄγνωστος” as “unknown” or “not known.” The vocabulary highlights that this term refers to things or beings that are unfamiliar or not previously recognized. It is used to describe a state of lack of knowledge or recognition, as exemplified in Acts 17:23, where Paul mentions the altar to the “unknown god,” indicating a deity not known to the Athenians.

Summary:
“ἄγνωστος” (agnōstos) translates to “unknown” or “not known,” referring to something or someone that lacks recognition or familiarity. According to Strong’s, Thayer’s, Vine’s, Louw-Nida, and Moulton-Milligan, the term emphasizes a state of unawareness or unfamiliarity. It is used in contexts where there is a lack of knowledge or identification, such as in Acts 17:23, where Paul refers to an altar dedicated to an “unknown god.” The term underscores the absence of recognition or understanding, highlighting the need for knowledge and familiarity.