To know through experience, observation, or relationship — a knowing that involves personal engagement, not just intellectual awareness. Distinguished from oida (intuitive knowledge), ginōskō implies a process of coming to know, discovering, and recognizing.
Biblical knowing is relational, not merely cognitive. 'This is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God' (John 17:3). Paul's burning desire: 'I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection' (Philippians 3:10). To ginōskō God is to be in covenant relationship with Him. Jesus warns some will hear, 'I never knew you' (Matthew 7:23) — not ignorance but lack of relationship.