The Greek verb epiginosko is an intensified form of ginosko (G1097), prefixed with epi- (upon, over, fully). It denotes a thorough, full, or precise knowledge that goes beyond surface recognition — knowledge that grasps the full reality of its object. It appears in Matthew 7:16 ('by their fruit you will recognize them'), Luke 24:31 ('their eyes were opened and they recognized him'), and 1 Corinthians 13:12.
The most theologically freighted use of epiginosko is in 1 Corinthians 13:12: 'Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.' The eschatological promise of the gospel is complete, mutual knowing between God and His people — not the fragmentary, shadowy knowledge of this age but the face-to-face recognition of eternity. On the road to Emmaus, the disciples' eyes were opened (epiginosko) when Jesus broke bread — the fullest possible knowing, embodied in the Eucharist.