(30.) K is for Knowledge

(30.) K is for Knowledge

Here’s a basic question, but if we don’t get it right, we’ll never even leave the station. One’s knowledge is made up of whatever one knows, right? So what does it mean to know something? The Bible has a lot to say about the meaning of know, including the usual suspects: memory of a fact or event; possession of a technical skill; a perception of a piece of reality; an intuitive awareness; a mastery of a particular subject; an understanding of something; a personal familiarity with something. That’s all good. Nothing new there. But now the fun begins.

The biblical view of knowing also includes images of intimacy, of union with something, of personal commitment and intense focus, of a literal participation and involvement in something. In fact, to know means to have intercourse, sex, “carnal knowledge.” Check out Genesis 4:1, “Adam knew Eve,” and Matthew 1:25, Joseph did not know Mary until she gave birth to a son, Jesus.” So knowledge in the biblical sense is a two-edged sword: the expected mental activity, and the personal involvement.

To know something is to care for it, to give oneself over to it, to be responsible for whatever is known. Knowledge is something known and loved, understood and embraced, perceived and done. Knowledge is a personal experience of knowing and doing. Something isn’t truly known unless it changes the knower. Knowledge involves the knower’s heart and head and actions and choices.

If we accept that definition of knowledge, here’s a pop quiz question: What did Hosea mean when he quoted the Lord as saying, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge?” (Hosea 4:6). Some answers could include   memory; information; skill; data. No, I don’t think so. But try these on for size: intimate involvement with Me; a heartfelt focus on Me; a life-changing union with Me; a committed understanding of Me. True knowledge is relationship with truth. That’s the ticket! Now we can leave the station.