# know, knowledge, unknown, distinguish

## Definition:

The term “know” and “knowledge” means generally to understand something or someone. It can also mean to be aware of a fact or to be familiar with a person. The expression “to make known” means to tell information.

* The term “knowledge” refers to information that people know. It can apply to knowing physical concepts or abstract concepts.
* To “know about” God means to understand facts about him because of what he has revealed to us.
* To “know” God means to have a relationship with him. This also applies to knowing people.
* To know God’s will means to be aware of what he has commanded, or to understand what he wants a person to do.
* To “know the Law” means to be aware of what God has commanded or to understand what God has instructed in the laws he gave to Moses.
* Sometimes “knowledge” is used as a synonym for “wisdom,” which includes living in a way that is pleasing to God.
* The “knowledge of God” is sometimes used as a synonym for the “fear of Yahweh.”
* When used of a man and a woman to “know” is often an euphemism that refers to having sexual intercourse.

## Translation Suggestions

* Depending on the context, ways to translate “know” could include “understand” or “be familiar with” or “be aware of” or “be acquainted with” or “be in relationship with.”
* In the context of understanding the difference between two things, the term is usually translated as “distinguish.” When used in this way, the term is often followed by the preposition “between.”
* Some languages have two different words for “know,” one for knowing facts and one for knowing a person and having a relationship with him.
* The term “make known” could be translated as “cause people to know” or “reveal” or “tell about” or “explain.”
* To “know about” something could be translated as “be aware of” or “be familiar with.”
* The expression “know how to” means to understand the process or method of getting something done. It could also be translated as “be able to” or “have the skill to.”
* The term “knowledge” could also be translated as “what is known” or “wisdom” or “understanding,” depending on the context.

(See also: [law](../kt/lawofmoses.md), [reveal](../kt/reveal.md), [understand](../other/understand.md), [wise](../kt/wise.md))

## Bible References:

* [1 Corinthians 2:12-13](rc://en/tn/help/1co/02/12)
* [1 Samuel 17:46](rc://en/tn/help/1sa/17/46)
* [2 Corinthians 2:15](rc://en/tn/help/2co/02/15)
* [2 Peter 1:3-4](rc://en/tn/help/2pe/01/03)
* [Deuteronomy 4:39-40](rc://en/tn/help/deu/04/39)
* [Genesis 19:5](rc://en/tn/help/gen/19/05)
* [Luke 1:77](rc://en/tn/help/luk/01/77)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H1843, H1844, H1847, H1875, H3045, H3046, H4093, H4486, H5046, H5234, H5475, H5869, G00500, G00560, G10970, G11070, G11080, G14920, G19210, G19220, G19870, G24670, G25890, G42670, G48940