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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Aug 1511 min read

How Can We Know Anything at All?

Examining the Biblical Perspective on Knowledge


The Importance of Knowledge in Daily Life and Faith


In our everyday lives, knowledge plays a crucial role in guiding our decisions and actions. Whether it's trusting a dentist to perform a procedure, relying on a weather forecast, or evaluating the evidence in a legal case, we depend on accurate and reliable knowledge. Similarly, in matters of faith, Christianity emphasizes the importance of true knowledge over mere belief or emotion. Christianity claims that certain truths can be known with certainty, providing a firm foundation for faith.


In John 17:3, Jesus emphasizes that "eternal life is knowing you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." This knowledge is not just intellectual but relational, involving a deep, personal acquaintance with God and His Son. It also encompasses understanding certain truths about Jesus' identity and mission. Thus, Christian faith involves both propositional knowledge—knowing facts about God and Jesus—and knowledge by acquaintance, which refers to a personal, experiential relationship with them.



The Different Types of Knowledge in Christianity


Christianity encompasses various types of knowledge, each of which plays a significant role in the believer's life. These types include propositional knowledge (knowing facts), knowledge by acquaintance (knowing someone personally), and skill knowledge (know-how).


Propositional Knowledge: Propositional knowledge refers to knowing facts or truths. For example, a believer might know that Jesus was crucified, died, and rose again on the third day. This type of knowledge is foundational to the Christian faith, as it involves understanding the core doctrines and teachings of the Bible.


Knowledge by Acquaintance: This type of knowledge goes beyond mere facts. It involves a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As Jesus said, "This is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" (John 17:3). Knowing God in this way is more than just knowing about Him; it involves a deep, personal connection that transforms one's life.


Skill Knowledge: While salvation is not based on works or skills, growing in the Christian faith involves learning certain skills, such as studying the Bible, praying, and sharing one's faith. These skills are developed over time and are crucial for spiritual growth and maturity.



The Nature of Propositional Knowledge: Justified True Belief


Propositional knowledge, which constitutes the bulk of what we know, can be defined as "justified true belief." This definition highlights three essential components:


  1. Belief: To know something, you must believe it.

  2. Truth: The belief must be true to count as knowledge.

  3. Justification: The belief must be supported by the right kinds of reasons or evidence.


For example, if you believe the sun is shining because you see and feel its warmth, your belief is justified and true. Similarly, if you believe in the historical figure of Jesus Christ because of the evidence found in the Bible and other historical records, your belief is both justified and true.


The Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking true knowledge and avoiding falsehood. In Proverbs 2:6, it is written, "For Jehovah gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." This verse underscores that true knowledge originates from God and is revealed through His Word.



Can We Know Anything Without Using Our Senses?


While much of our knowledge is gained through sensory experience, the Bible and Christian theology also affirm the possibility of non-empirical knowledge. This includes knowledge gained through introspection, reason, and divine revelation.


Introspection and Reason: Introspection allows us to know ourselves—our thoughts, emotions, and desires—without relying on our senses. For example, you can know that you are thinking about a particular subject without observing it with your eyes or hearing it with your ears. This self-awareness is a form of non-empirical knowledge.


Divine Revelation: The Bible teaches that certain truths about God and His will are revealed to us directly by God, rather than through sensory experience. Romans 1:19-20 states, "For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made." This passage suggests that knowledge of God can be inferred from creation, but it also points to a deeper, non-empirical understanding of God's nature that is revealed through Scripture.


Religious Experience: Just as sensory experiences provide knowledge of the physical world, religious experiences can provide knowledge of spiritual realities. The Bible describes various instances where individuals encountered God or received visions and revelations, which provided them with knowledge that could not be obtained through ordinary sensory means (e.g., Acts 9:3-6; Revelation 1:10-11).



The Source of True Knowledge: Jehovah as the Foundation


The Bible teaches that Jehovah is the ultimate source of all true knowledge. Life itself comes from God, and without life, there can be no knowledge (Psalm 36:9; Acts 17:25, 28). Furthermore, since God created all things, human knowledge is based on the study of His creation (Psalm 19:1-2). The Bible, inspired by God, is the primary source from which we can learn about His will and purposes (2 Timothy 3:16-17).


Proverbs 1:7 declares, "The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." This verse emphasizes that true knowledge begins with a reverence for God and a desire to live in accordance with His will. Those who do not consider God in their pursuit of knowledge are prone to draw wrong conclusions and fall into error.


Throughout Scripture, Jehovah is repeatedly associated with knowledge. He is described as "a God of knowledge" (1 Samuel 2:3) and "perfect in knowledge" (Job 36:4; 37:16). The role of Jesus Christ in God's plan of salvation is so central that it is said of Him, "In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). Without faith in Jesus as the Son of God, it is impossible to fully grasp the meaning of the Scriptures or understand how God's purposes are being fulfilled.



The Biblical Meaning of Knowledge


The Hebrew and Greek words translated as "knowledge" in the Bible convey a range of meanings, from knowing facts to having a deep, personal acquaintance with someone or something. In Hebrew, the word "daʹath" (knowledge) is related to the verb "ya·dhaʽʹ," which can mean to know by being told, by observing, or by personal experience. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but often involves a personal relationship or deep understanding.


For example, in Genesis 18:19, God says that He "knew" Abraham, meaning that He was well-acquainted with Abraham's character and faithfulness. This knowledge was based on God's observation of Abraham's actions over time, demonstrating that true knowledge often involves a relational aspect.


In the New Testament, the Greek word "gnoʹsis" (knowledge) is commonly used, along with "e·piʹgno·sis," which often denotes a more complete or accurate knowledge. Paul prayed that the believers in Colossae would be "filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Colossians 1:9). This prayer reflects the importance of not just having information but possessing a deep and accurate understanding of God's will.



The Relationship Between Knowledge and Other Attributes


In the Bible, knowledge is often linked with wisdom, understanding, discernment, and thinking ability. Each of these attributes has its own significance, but they are interconnected and together form a comprehensive approach to living a life that pleases God.


Wisdom: Wisdom is the practical application of knowledge. It involves the ability to make sound decisions and live in a way that honors God. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to those who ask. Wisdom is often described as the "principal thing" (Proverbs 4:7) because, without it, knowledge alone can be misapplied or ineffective.


Understanding: Understanding is the ability to see how different pieces of information fit together. It involves perceiving the relationships between facts and applying them to real-life situations. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This verse highlights the importance of understanding in the context of knowing God and His ways.


Discernment: Discernment involves evaluating and distinguishing between different options, often with a focus on moral or spiritual matters. It is the ability to judge what is right and what is wrong, what is true and what is false. Hebrews 5:14 describes mature believers as those "who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."


Thinking Ability: Thinking ability, or insight, involves the capacity to think critically and make wise decisions. It is related to discernment but emphasizes the process of reasoning and decision-making. Proverbs 2:10-12 describes how wisdom, knowledge, and thinking ability work together to protect a person from making foolish or immoral choices.



The Role of Knowledge in Spiritual Growth


Knowledge plays a vital role in the spiritual growth of a believer. The Bible urges Christians to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). This growth is not just about accumulating information but about deepening one's understanding of God's character, His will, and His purposes.


Knowledge and Faith: Faith is closely connected to knowledge. Romans 10:17 states, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." As believers grow in their knowledge of God's Word, their faith is strengthened, and they are better equipped to trust in God's promises and live according to His will.


Knowledge and Love: Knowledge, when properly applied, leads to love for God and others. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 8:1, "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." This verse warns against the danger of knowledge leading to pride. True knowledge should result in a deeper love for God and a greater desire to serve others.


Knowledge and Obedience: Obedience to God's commands is a natural outgrowth of knowledge. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). As believers grow in their knowledge of God's will, they are better able to obey His commands and live in a way that pleases Him.



The Caution in Gaining Knowledge


While knowledge is highly valued in the Bible, there is also a caution against the misuse or overemphasis of knowledge. Solomon, known for his wisdom, observed that "in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow" (Ecclesiastes 1:18). This statement reflects the reality that knowledge, especially when gained apart from God, can lead to frustration, disillusionment, and even despair.


The pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, without a focus on God's purposes, can become wearisome and ultimately unfulfilling. Ecclesiastes 12:12 warns, "Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh." This does not mean that knowledge is inherently bad, but rather that it must be pursued with the right motives and within the context of a relationship with God.



The Limits of Human Knowledge


The Bible also teaches that human knowledge is limited. While we can know much about God, His creation, and His will, there are mysteries that remain beyond our comprehension. Deuteronomy 29:29 states, "The secret things belong to Jehovah our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law." This verse acknowledges that there are aspects of God's plan and purposes that are not revealed to us, and we must trust Him even when we do not fully understand.


Paul also reflects on the limitations of human knowledge in 1 Corinthians 13:9-12, where he writes, "For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away... For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known." This passage reminds us that our current knowledge is incomplete, but one day we will have a fuller understanding when we are with God in eternity.



The Role of the Holy Spirit in Guiding Us to Knowledge


While the article focuses on the role of knowledge and its importance, it is crucial to acknowledge the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers to knowledge. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers through the inspired Word of God. As we pray and seek God's direction, it is essential to immerse ourselves in the Scriptures to understand His will. For example, in Psalm 119:105, we read, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This verse emphasizes the importance of Scripture in providing guidance and clarity in our lives. Just as praying for a job requires taking action by filling out applications, seeking God's guidance through the Holy Spirit involves diligently studying His Word and applying its truths to our circumstances.


The Holy Spirit teaches and reminds us of God's commands, as illustrated in the Old Testament. Nehemiah 9:20 says, "You gave your good Spirit to instruct them and did not withhold your manna from their mouth and gave them water for their thirst." This verse highlights the instructional role of the Holy Spirit in guiding God's people. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we allow the Holy Spirit to teach and remind us of God's truths, leading us to live in obedience.


Understanding how we receive illumination and guidance from God is rooted in the inspired, inerrant Word of God. According to 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, the process involves more than merely acquiring a mental grasp of biblical truths; it requires embracing these truths as divinely revealed. The expressions "does not accept," "folly," and "not able to understand" highlight how unbelievers critique and reject divine revelation. This passage does not imply that unbelievers are incapable of understanding the Bible's content; rather, they view it as foolishness. Christians, however, are guided by having the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), achieved through being biblically minded. This necessitates a careful analysis of the Bible's genres, historical context, and language, employing the conservative, objective historical-grammatical method of interpretation while avoiding the speculative fallacies of modern biblical criticism.


The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in counseling, providing guidance, comfort, and conviction through the Spirit-inspired Word of God. We are guided when we act on behalf of our prayers by digging into the Scriptures and determining what the authors meant by the words they used. To illustrate, if we were praying for a job but never went out and filled out job applications, how would God feel about our prayers? If we were praying about the shame we feel over something, yet we never investigated what the Scriptures had to say about shame so as to apply them, how would Gold feel about our prayer?



The Ultimate Goal of Knowledge: Glorifying God


Finally, the ultimate goal of all knowledge is to glorify God. Knowledge, whether it be of the natural world, Scripture, or God's character, should lead to worship and adoration of the Creator. Paul, after reflecting on the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, bursts into praise, saying, "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33).


As believers grow in their knowledge of God, they are drawn closer to Him and more deeply appreciate His greatness, wisdom, and love. This knowledge should inspire worship, obedience, and a life that reflects God's glory to the world.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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