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What Does the Bible Say About Knowledge? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Knowledge?

Introduction

As Christians, we believe that the Bible is the Word of God, and it contains everything we need to know about God and our relationship with Him.

One of the essential themes in the Bible is knowledge and how it relates to our faith and spiritual growth. Knowledge helps us to understand God’s will, His character, and His plans for our lives.

The Bible uses different words to describe knowledge, depending on the context and the original language. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for knowledge is “yada,” which means “to know, to understand, or to have intimate knowledge.”

In the New Testament, the Greek word for knowledge is “gnosis,” which means “knowledge, understanding, or insight.” These words are used to describe both intellectual knowledge and experiential knowledge, which comes from a personal relationship with God.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible has to say about knowledge, its value, and its relationship to faith. We will examine how the Old Testament and the New Testament approach knowledge, and the examples of knowledge and wisdom found in each.

We will also look at the relationship between faith and knowledge, and how knowledge can help us to grow in our faith and love for God.

knowledge in the Bible

The Old Testament Perspective on Knowledge

The Hebrew word for knowledge in the Old Testament is “yada,” which means “to know, to understand, or to have intimate knowledge.” In the Old Testament, knowledge is highly valued and is often associated with wisdom and understanding.

The Value of Knowledge in the Old Testament

In Proverbs 1:7, we read that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” This verse tells us that true knowledge begins with the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the recognition of God’s sovereignty and power, and it is the foundation of all knowledge.

In Proverbs 2:1-6, we see that knowledge is something that must be actively pursued:

“My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Examples of Knowledge in the Old Testament

There are numerous examples of knowledge in the Old Testament, including:

  • Proverbs: The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings that provide guidance on how to live a life that is pleasing to God. Proverbs 2:10-11 states, “When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you.”
  • The Wisdom Literature: The Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament, including the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon, contains many examples of knowledge and wisdom.
  • Historical Narratives: The historical narratives in the Old Testament, such as the stories of Joseph, Moses, and David, demonstrate the value of knowledge and wisdom in navigating difficult situations.

The New Testament Perspective on Knowledge

The Greek word for knowledge in the New Testament is “gnosis,” which means “knowledge, understanding, or insight.” In the New Testament, knowledge is also highly valued and is associated with spiritual growth and maturity.

The Value of Knowledge in the New Testament

In Colossians 1:9-10, we read,

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

This passage tells us that knowledge is essential for spiritual growth and maturity.

In 2 Peter 1:5-8, we read that knowledge is one of the qualities that we should strive to develop as believers:

“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This passage emphasizes the importance of knowledge in our pursuit of spiritual growth and maturity.

Examples of Knowledge in the New Testament

The New Testament contains numerous examples of knowledge and wisdom, including:

  • The Teachings of Jesus: Jesus’ teachings are full of wisdom and knowledge. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” This passage shows us that true knowledge and understanding come from loving and obeying God.
  • Paul’s Letters: Paul’s letters contain many examples of knowledge and wisdom. In 1 Corinthians 2:6-7, Paul writes, “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory.” This passage tells us that true wisdom and knowledge come from God, not from the wisdom of this world.
  • The Book of James: The book of James contains practical wisdom for everyday living. In James 1:5, we read, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” This verse tells us that God is the source of all wisdom and knowledge, and that we can ask Him for wisdom whenever we need it.

The Relationship between Faith and Knowledge

As Christians, we understand that faith is essential for salvation. However, the Bible also tells us that knowledge is important for our faith.

The Role of Knowledge in Faith

In Romans 10:17, we read, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” This verse tells us that our faith is strengthened by hearing the Word of God. The more we know and understand God and His Word, the stronger our faith will become.

The Danger of Knowledge without Faith

While knowledge is important for our faith, it is also important to understand that knowledge alone is not enough.

In 1 Corinthians 8:1-3, Paul writes,

“Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.”

This passage tells us that knowledge without love and faith can be dangerous.

Examples of the Relationship between Faith and Knowledge in the Bible

There are numerous examples of the relationship between faith and knowledge in the Bible, including:

  • Abraham: Abraham’s faith was strengthened by his knowledge of God’s promises. In Romans 4:20-21, we read, “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”
  • The Bereans: In Acts 17:11, we read, “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” This passage tells us that the Bereans had a strong faith because they were diligent in studying and understanding the Scriptures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible tells us that knowledge is essential for our faith and spiritual growth. The Old Testament emphasizes the value of knowledge and wisdom, while the New Testament emphasizes the importance of spiritual knowledge and understanding.

The Bible also tells us that true knowledge and wisdom come from God and that we should actively pursue it.

As Christians, we must understand that knowledge alone is not enough. We must also have faith and love, which are the foundations of our relationship with God. Therefore, we should strive to develop a balanced and holistic approach to our faith, one that integrates knowledge, wisdom, faith, and love.

As we continue to study and understand the Bible, we should remember that our ultimate goal is to know and love God more deeply. As we grow in our knowledge of Him, we will also grow in our love and faith and become more like Him in every way.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.