γνώστης
gnṓstēs
G1109 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A person who possesses knowledge or understanding, especially one recognized for expertise or specialized knowledge in a particular field or subject. The term designates someone who knows, is well-acquainted, or is learned; can refer both to general expertise or to knowledge of specific matters, whether secular or religious.
Semantic Range
one who knows, expert, person with knowledge, authority, connoisseur, cognoscente, learned person, one acquainted with a matter
Root / Etymology
From the verb γινώσκω (to know, to perceive), with the agent suffix -της, forming a noun indicating 'one who knows.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
γνώστης appears rarely in Greek literature and is only found once in the New Testament (Acts 1:24, in the phrase καρδιογνώστης), where it forms a compound meaning 'knower of hearts,' i.e., one who perceives the inner motives or character. In wider Hellenistic usage, γνώστης functions as a general term for an expert or authority—sometimes in judicial, technical, or philosophical contexts—without the religious overtones that later English translations like 'knower of hearts' may imply. The contrast with the more common σοφός (wise/learned) is that γνώστης emphasizes the possession (or act) of knowledge rather than wisdom in judgment or moral skill. The King James and other English translations often render it as 'knower' or 'expert,' but in NT use, the context may introduce a nuance of deeper or perceptive knowledge. The word is also attested in Philo and other Hellenistic Jewish writings, typically denoting someone with particular insight or understanding, but not necessarily implying spiritual or metaphysical knowledge.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from γινώσκω; a knower:--expert.
Root Family
γνώστης (gnōstēs) — to know, to perceive, to be acquainted with
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1109-01 |
γνώστην | gnosten | N ACC M SG |
an expert | a knower | an expert | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1109-01 |
Acts 26:3 | γνώστην | gnosten | N ACC M SG |
an expert | a knower | an expert |