Understanding γνωστός (gnostos) Strong’s G1110: Known, Notable, and Recognized in God’s Divine Revelation

Pronunciation Guide: gnō-STOS (with the “g” pronounced)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1110: The Greek word γνωστός (gnostos) means “known,” “knowable,” or “notable.” It describes something or someone that is recognized, understood, or familiar. In biblical contexts, it often refers to that which is made known by God, emphasizing divine revelation rather than merely human knowledge or recognition.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Word: From γινώσκω (ginōskō, G1097), meaning “to know” or “to become aware of”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative sections, particularly in Luke-Acts, and in teaching passages

γνωστός Morphology:

• γνωστός (nominative masculine singular) – known
• γνωστή (nominative feminine singular) – known
• γνωστόν (nominative neuter singular) – known, knowable thing
• γνωστοῦ (genitive masculine/neuter singular) – of the known
• γνωστῇ (dative feminine singular) – to/with the known
• γνωστοί (nominative masculine plural) – known ones
• γνωστά (nominative neuter plural) – known things

Origin & History

The term γνωστός derives from the verb γινώσκω (ginōskō), which has roots in Proto-Indo-European language. In classical Greek literature, the term appears in the works of Plato, where it is used to describe things that are intellectually perceivable or knowable to the human mind. In Plato’s “Republic” (Book V), he discusses the distinction between that which is γνωστός (knowable) and that which is unknowable, establishing an epistemological framework for knowledge.

In the Septuagint (LXX), γνωστός appears in passages like Psalm 75:1 (76:1), “God is known (γνωστός) in Judah,” signifying divine revelation and relationship rather than merely intellectual knowledge. This shift from purely intellectual knowledge to relational knowledge becomes significant in understanding the New Testament usage, particularly in Luke-Acts, where γνωστός often carries connotations of divine revelation and recognition of God’s activity.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Knowledge that is accessible or perceivable
• That which is well-known or notable
• A person who is recognized or familiar
• Something made known through divine revelation
• That which is manifested or revealed

γνωστός Translation Options:

• Known – Emphasizes recognition or familiarity, most appropriate when referring to something widely recognized (Acts 1:19)
• Notable – Highlights distinction or prominence, useful when the context suggests something standing out (Acts 4:16)
• Recognized – Suggests deliberate acknowledgment, appropriate when the context involves formal recognition (Acts 19:17)
• Familiar – Emphasizes relationship and personal acquaintance, fitting when referring to people who know each other (Luke 2:44)
• Manifest – Underscores divine revelation, suitable when God is making something known (Acts 2:14)

Biblical Usage

The word γνωστός appears 15 times in the New Testament, with 14 of those occurrences in the Lukan writings (Gospel of Luke and Acts). This concentration suggests the concept of “known” or “knowable” things—especially divine revelation—was a significant theme for Luke. The first appearance is in Luke 2:44, where it refers to “acquaintances” or those who were “known” to Joseph and Mary.

In Acts, γνωστός takes on greater theological significance, often referring to that which God has made known or revealed. The apostolic proclamation in Acts frequently declares what God has “made known” (γνωστόν) through the Messiah, emphasizing divine revelation as the foundation of the early messianic community’s faith and practice.

• “Supposing Him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey; and they sought Him among their known ones [γνωστοῖς].” Luke 2:44
• “Therefore let it be known [γνωστὸν] to you, men of Israel, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins.” Acts 13:38
• “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” (Here “know assuredly” translates γνωστὸν) Acts 2:36
• “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” (Here “know” includes γνωστὸν) Acts 3:16
• “For indeed, a notable [γνωστὸν] miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.” Acts 4:16
• “This became known [γνωστὸν] to all the Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.” Acts 19:17
• “And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.” (Here Paul was not yet “known” [γνωστός] to the Jerusalem disciples) Acts 9:26-27

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Near Eastern world, “knowing” someone carried deeper connotations than in modern Western thought. To be γνωστός to someone implied a relationship, not merely recognition or intellectual awareness. This helps explain the usage in Luke 2:44, where Joseph and Mary searched for Jesus among their γνωστοῖς (known ones or acquaintances). They weren’t merely looking among people they could recognize visually, but among their network of relationships—those with whom they had meaningful connection.

This relational understanding of knowledge aligns with the Hebrew concept of ידע (yada), which often implies intimate relationship rather than mere intellectual awareness. When something or someone is described as γνωστός in the New Testament, particularly in contexts of divine revelation, it carries this Hebrew sense of relational knowledge—God making Himself known in relationship, not merely providing information. The declaration that something is γνωστόν (known) in Acts often signals not merely intellectual acknowledgment but an invitation to relationship with the God who reveals Himself.

Theological Significance

The concentration of γνωστός in Luke-Acts points to a crucial theological theme: God makes Himself known. While Greek philosophy often portrayed divine reality as ultimately unknowable or accessible only through human reason, the biblical narrative presents a God who actively reveals Himself. The repeated use of γνωστόν in apostolic proclamations (particularly in Acts) emphasizes that the good news about the Messiah Jesus is founded on divine revelation, not human speculation.

This understanding of γνωστός connects with the broader biblical theology of revelation, where God’s self-disclosure is an act of grace. What we know about God is not primarily what we have discovered, but what He has graciously made known. In Acts 2:14-36, Peter’s declaration that God has made Jesus “both Lord and Messiah” (γνωστὸν) frames salvation history as God’s initiative in making Himself known, culminating in the revelation of the Messiah.

The use of γνωστός reminds us that the God of Israel is not distant or disinterested, but One who desires to be known by His people. Unlike the hidden mysteries of pagan cults or the abstract concepts of Greek philosophy, the God revealed in Scripture takes the initiative to make Himself γνωστός—knowable, recognizable, and accessible through relationship.

Personal Application

When we encounter γνωστός in Scripture, we’re reminded that our knowledge of God is not primarily the result of our spiritual searching or intellectual effort, but of His gracious self-revelation. Just as Jesus was sought among the γνωστοῖς (known ones) in Luke 2:44, we too are invited to seek Him among the relationships and revelations He has established.

Consider how God has made Himself γνωστός (known) to you. What aspects of His character has He revealed? How has He made His will γνωστόν (knowable) in your circumstances? The biblical concept of γνωστός challenges us to move beyond abstract theological knowledge to relational knowledge—not merely knowing about God, but knowing Him personally through His self-revelation in the Messiah Jesus and through His Word. As we embrace what God has made γνωστόν, we participate in the transformative knowledge that isn’t merely intellectual but life-changing.

Related Words

• γινώσκω (ginōskō) – to know, recognize, understand. While γνωστός is what is known, γινώσκω is the act of knowing. This verb encompasses experiential, relational knowledge rather than merely intellectual awareness. See G1097
• ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginōskō) – to know fully, recognize, acknowledge. This intensified form of γινώσκω suggests complete or accurate knowledge, often implying recognition based on previous knowledge. While γνωστός refers to what can be known, ἐπιγινώσκω emphasizes thorough understanding. See G1921
• γνῶσις (gnōsis) – knowledge, understanding. As a noun, gnōsis refers to the content of what is known, while γνωστός describes the state of being known or knowable. See G1108
• ἄγνωστος (agnōstos) – unknown, unknowable. This is the direct opposite of γνωστός, formed by adding the negative prefix “a-” to create the meaning “not known.” Famously used in Acts 17:23 referring to the altar “To the Unknown God.” See G57
• πρόγνωσις (prognōsis) – foreknowledge, prescience. Related to γνωστός through its root, this term specifically refers to knowledge in advance. While γνωστός refers to what is known generally, πρόγνωσις emphasizes divine foreknowledge in particular. See G4268

Did you Know?

• Did you know? The English word “gnostic” derives from the same Greek root as γνωστός, although ironically, Gnosticism as a religious movement emphasized “secret knowledge” (gnosis) that was not γνωστός (generally known) but restricted to spiritual elites. This contrasts sharply with the New Testament emphasis on God making truth γνωστόν (known) to all through public proclamation rather than secret initiation.
• Did you know? In Acts 4:16, the Jewish leaders acknowledge that a γνωστόν (notable) miracle had occurred through Peter and John, highlighting an interesting irony: those opposed to the message of the Messiah were forced to acknowledge what God had made γνωστόν (known) through His apostles. This passage illustrates how divine revelation often challenges human authority structures.
• Did you know? The concept of γνωστός appears in a pivotal moment in Acts 15:18, where James declares that the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s people has been “known from of old.” This usage emphasizes that what appears new in salvation history (Gentile inclusion) was actually γνωστόν (known) to God from ancient times, highlighting divine sovereignty and the consistency of God’s redemptive plan.

Remember This

γνωστός reminds us that the magnificent reality of who God is and what He has done in the Messiah Jesus is not hidden in mystery or reserved for spiritual elites, but has been made known through His gracious self-revelation, inviting all who hear to enter into relationship with the God who makes Himself known.