Brief Overview of γνωστός (G1110: gnōstós)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word γνωστός (transliterated as gnōstós and pronounced as “gno-STOS”) is derived from the root word γινώσκω (ginṓskō), which means “to know.” The primary meaning of γνωστός is “known” or “acquainted.” It can also refer to someone who is “familiar” or “well-known.” The word emphasizes the idea of recognition or being identified as something familiar or acknowledged by others. In different contexts, it can describe things, places, or people that are widely recognized or understood.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In biblical lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, and Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, γνωστός is typically associated with something or someone that is known, familiar, or recognized. BDAG highlights that γνωστός is used in both the passive sense (something that is known) and the active sense (a person who knows). Thayer’s Lexicon agrees with this interpretation, noting that the word can refer to a person who is familiar or well-known to others.

The word γνωστός appears in several New Testament passages, where it often conveys the idea of something being commonly known or understood. For example, in Acts 1:19, it is used to describe how the field purchased with the betrayal money of Judas became widely known among the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Another instance is in Acts 15:18, where it emphasizes that the works of God are known from ancient times. The word captures the sense of collective recognition or awareness within a community.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:
In classical Greek literature, γνωστός also appears with a similar range of meanings. For example, in the works of Plato, γνωστός is used to describe concepts or individuals that are recognized or acknowledged within a philosophical discourse. It can refer to ideas that are familiar to an audience or to persons who are well-known in a particular context.

Another example can be found in the writings of Aristotle, where γνωστός is used to describe the process of coming to know something that was previously unknown, thus making it “known” or “familiar.” This use emphasizes the transition from ignorance to knowledge, highlighting the importance of familiarity in understanding.

In general, γνωστός was commonly used in various genres of classical Greek literature, from philosophical treatises to historical narratives, to indicate recognition, acquaintance, or widespread knowledge.

Summary:
The Greek word γνωστός (G1110), transliterated as gnōstós, primarily means “known” or “familiar.” Derived from the root word γινώσκω (ginṓskō), it conveys the idea of something or someone being recognized, acknowledged, or well-known. In the New Testament, γνωστός is used to describe collective awareness or familiarity within a community, such as in Acts 1:19 and Acts 15:18. Classical Greek literature also uses γνωστός to indicate recognition or familiarity, whether it be in the context of philosophical ideas or well-known persons. The word carries the connotation of widespread recognition and collective understanding, making it a term that emphasizes the importance of being known or familiar in various contexts.