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G1110 · Greek · New Testament
γνωστός
gnostos
Adjective
known, notable, acquaintance

Definition

Gnostos (γνωστός) means known, notable, or familiar — either publicly known or personally acquainted. It appears about 15 times in the New Testament. It is used both of personal acquaintances of the disciples (the 'other disciple' who was known to the high priest, John 18:15) and of God's acts being made known publicly (Acts 2:14; 4:10).

Usage & Theological Significance

Acts uses gnostos repeatedly to frame the proclamation of the early church: 'Let it be known [gnostos] to all of you and to all the people of Israel' (Acts 4:10). Peter's Pentecost sermon launches with the same structure: 'let this be known [gnostos] to you.' The early church was announcing that what was previously hidden — the resurrection, the identity of Jesus — had become gnostos, publicly known and testable. The gospel is not a private experience but a public truth claim. What God has made known in Christ cannot be kept secret — it must be declared (Luke 12:2–3).

Key Bible Verses

Acts 4:10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. [be it known — gnostos]
Acts 2:14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: 'Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you [gnostos]...'
John 18:15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known [gnostos] to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard.
Acts 19:17 When this became known [gnostos] to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear...
Luke 2:17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.

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