What is the Gift of the 'Word of Knowledge' in Scripture?

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presidente

Senior Member
May 29, 2013
9,161
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#1
I Corinthians 12 mentions the 'word of knowledge' among the gifts of the Spirit? What is this gift? How does it differ from the gift of prophecy?

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

What is a 'word of knowledge?' Some people believe the gifts in this list are no more, and others of us see it as a practical thing to know and understand what the passage means so we can understand what God has revealed about spiritual gifts. The Bible doesn't use the phrase 'word of knowledge' elsewhere. It does use 'word' and it does use 'knowledge.' The Greek is λόγος γνώσεως (logos gnōseōs). The word translated 'word' here shows up elsewhere, and so does the word translated 'knowledge.'

We should not think that 'word' here means just one word in a sentence.

This is a list of definitions for the word in Ancient Greek from this Wiktionary site.:
λόγος (lógos) m (genitive λόγου); second declension

  1. That which is said: word, sentence, speech, story, debate, utterance.
  2. That which is thought: reason, consideration, computation, reckoning.
  3. An account, explanation, or narrative.
Typically, in Charismatic and sometimes Pentecostal churches, a 'word of knowledge' is understood to be some fact that someone gets about someone or something, or any fact at all, through the Spirit. For example, one American preacher stood in front of an audience in Britain and said that there was a man who had gotten a certain injury from falling on icy slushy stuff, and asked him to come forward for prayer. This was a word of knowledge. Then he got another word of knowledge. "Your name is George." After this, George came forward for prayer.

I think of the word of knowledge as being a bit broader than that. Paul had supernatural knowledge of doctrine also. The word translated 'knowledge' in the previously quoted verse shows up in the following chapter, in I Corinthians 13:2 (in the accusative rather than the genitive case this time.)

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

Paul had revelatory understanding of mysteries, and it may be that he gained this through the gift of the word of knowledge.

There are times in the Bible when prophets or apostles just knew certain things. Elisha knew that Gehazi had received gifts from Naaman. According the the servants of the king of Syria, Elisha also knew things the king of Syria had said in his bedchamber, and told the king of Israel. Peter knew that Ananias and Saphira had lied to the Holy Spirit.

If the Holy Spirit reveals some information to you, does that mean you have to tell everyone? Not necessarily. He could tell you so that you can pray about it, or make plans, or for some other reason.

But prophesying involves speaking. In Deuteronomy 18, we read that God would put His word into the prophets mouth. Peter, describing prophesying in Old Testament times says that 'holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.' It was typical for prophets to begin their utterances with, "Thus saith the Lord' and quote God in the first person. A prophecy is a message from the Spirit of God spoken (written or communicate) to others. A prophecy can be about the future, or about the pastor or the present. It can tell detailed facts about others, the secrets of their hearts. Prophecy exhort, edifies, and encourages believers in Jesus and testify about Jesus.

You could get a word of knowledge about someone, hypothetically, and not share it or share it with that person and pray for them. You may have to pray about what to do with the knowledge. A prophecy is a message from the Spirit of God spoken through one person to another or others (usually people.)
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,428
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#2
The gift of knowledge is when a person, in this instance Jesus, tells a nother things only the other knows, such as the woman was told all about her marital status by our Lord, Jesus Yeshua. Of course Yeshua knows all, however the family in Him is sometimes given this gift.

I know of somone who was given to wait at a place on a deserted stretch of highway for someone to be dropped off. The person was dropped off, the one waaiting waved the person to come to his truck. The other person shook the head as saying no, but came anad entered the truck regardless.

The driver said dto the hitcher where she was going, then turned back on the fork in the highway proceeding to tell her what to do with her Bible when she got home.. The driver stopped at her turn off to let her out but had to tell her she could get out for whe too was being guided by the Holy Spirit. It is not being psychic by any means it is being guided bythe Holy Spirit.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
#3
I Corinthians 12 mentions the 'word of knowledge' among the gifts of the Spirit? What is this gift? How does it differ from the gift of prophecy?

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

What is a 'word of knowledge?' Some people believe the gifts in this list are no more, and others of us see it as a practical thing to know and understand what the passage means so we can understand what God has revealed about spiritual gifts. The Bible doesn't use the phrase 'word of knowledge' elsewhere. It does use 'word' and it does use 'knowledge.' The Greek is λόγος γνώσεως (logos gnōseōs). The word translated 'word' here shows up elsewhere, and so does the word translated 'knowledge.'

We should not think that 'word' here means just one word in a sentence.

This is a list of definitions for the word in Ancient Greek from this Wiktionary site.:


Typically, in Charismatic and sometimes Pentecostal churches, a 'word of knowledge' is understood to be some fact that someone gets about someone or something, or any fact at all, through the Spirit. For example, one American preacher stood in front of an audience in Britain and said that there was a man who had gotten a certain injury from falling on icy slushy stuff, and asked him to come forward for prayer. This was a word of knowledge. Then he got another word of knowledge. "Your name is George." After this, George came forward for prayer.

I think of the word of knowledge as being a bit broader than that. Paul had supernatural knowledge of doctrine also. The word translated 'knowledge' in the previously quoted verse shows up in the following chapter, in I Corinthians 13:2 (in the accusative rather than the genitive case this time.)

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

Paul had revelatory understanding of mysteries, and it may be that he gained this through the gift of the word of knowledge.

There are times in the Bible when prophets or apostles just knew certain things. Elisha knew that Gehazi had received gifts from Naaman. According the the servants of the king of Syria, Elisha also knew things the king of Syria had said in his bedchamber, and told the king of Israel. Peter knew that Ananias and Saphira had lied to the Holy Spirit.

If the Holy Spirit reveals some information to you, does that mean you have to tell everyone? Not necessarily. He could tell you so that you can pray about it, or make plans, or for some other reason.

But prophesying involves speaking. In Deuteronomy 18, we read that God would put His word into the prophets mouth. Peter, describing prophesying in Old Testament times says that 'holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.' It was typical for prophets to begin their utterances with, "Thus saith the Lord' and quote God in the first person. A prophecy is a message from the Spirit of God spoken (written or communicate) to others. A prophecy can be about the future, or about the pastor or the present. It can tell detailed facts about others, the secrets of their hearts. Prophecy exhort, edifies, and encourages believers in Jesus and testify about Jesus.

You could get a word of knowledge about someone, hypothetically, and not share it or share it with that person and pray for them. You may have to pray about what to do with the knowledge. A prophecy is a message from the Spirit of God spoken through one person to another or others (usually people.)
Romans 10:1-3 - In verse 1, the word "saved" = delivered. The word "Israel" = Jacob, (who represents God's elect) & whose name was changed by God to be called Israel.

Paul is praying that these born again christians, who have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge, and are going about to establish their own righteousness, by the deeds of the old law, might be saved (delivered here in time) from their ignorance of God's righteousness. Phil 3:9 will harmonize with Rom 10:3.
 

presidente

Senior Member
May 29, 2013
9,161
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#4
Romans 10:1-3 - In verse 1, the word "saved" = delivered. The word "Israel" = Jacob, (who represents God's elect) & whose name was changed by God to be called Israel.

Paul is praying that these born again christians, who have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge, and are going about to establish their own righteousness, by the deeds of the old law, might be saved (delivered here in time) from their ignorance of God's righteousness. Phil 3:9 will harmonize with Rom 10:3.
I am unclear on how this connects to my post that you responded to.
 

presidente

Senior Member
May 29, 2013
9,161
1,789
113
#5
Basically I see a word of knowledge as a word from God to the individual. Prophecy is a message from God spoken through the individual to others under the moving of the Holy Spirit.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,008
5,685
113
#6
I Corinthians 12 mentions the 'word of knowledge' among the gifts of the Spirit? What is this gift? How does it differ from the gift of prophecy?

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

What is a 'word of knowledge?' Some people believe the gifts in this list are no more, and others of us see it as a practical thing to know and understand what the passage means so we can understand what God has revealed about spiritual gifts. The Bible doesn't use the phrase 'word of knowledge' elsewhere. It does use 'word' and it does use 'knowledge.' The Greek is λόγος γνώσεως (logos gnōseōs). The word translated 'word' here shows up elsewhere, and so does the word translated 'knowledge.'

We should not think that 'word' here means just one word in a sentence.

This is a list of definitions for the word in Ancient Greek from this Wiktionary site.:


Typically, in Charismatic and sometimes Pentecostal churches, a 'word of knowledge' is understood to be some fact that someone gets about someone or something, or any fact at all, through the Spirit. For example, one American preacher stood in front of an audience in Britain and said that there was a man who had gotten a certain injury from falling on icy slushy stuff, and asked him to come forward for prayer. This was a word of knowledge. Then he got another word of knowledge. "Your name is George." After this, George came forward for prayer.

I think of the word of knowledge as being a bit broader than that. Paul had supernatural knowledge of doctrine also. The word translated 'knowledge' in the previously quoted verse shows up in the following chapter, in I Corinthians 13:2 (in the accusative rather than the genitive case this time.)

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

Paul had revelatory understanding of mysteries, and it may be that he gained this through the gift of the word of knowledge.

There are times in the Bible when prophets or apostles just knew certain things. Elisha knew that Gehazi had received gifts from Naaman. According the the servants of the king of Syria, Elisha also knew things the king of Syria had said in his bedchamber, and told the king of Israel. Peter knew that Ananias and Saphira had lied to the Holy Spirit.

If the Holy Spirit reveals some information to you, does that mean you have to tell everyone? Not necessarily. He could tell you so that you can pray about it, or make plans, or for some other reason.

But prophesying involves speaking. In Deuteronomy 18, we read that God would put His word into the prophets mouth. Peter, describing prophesying in Old Testament times says that 'holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.' It was typical for prophets to begin their utterances with, "Thus saith the Lord' and quote God in the first person. A prophecy is a message from the Spirit of God spoken (written or communicate) to others. A prophecy can be about the future, or about the pastor or the present. It can tell detailed facts about others, the secrets of their hearts. Prophecy exhort, edifies, and encourages believers in Jesus and testify about Jesus.

You could get a word of knowledge about someone, hypothetically, and not share it or share it with that person and pray for them. You may have to pray about what to do with the knowledge. A prophecy is a message from the Spirit of God spoken through one person to another or others (usually people.)
knowledge is one thing wisdom another

knowledge is “to know “

and wisdom is to Know and properly understand and apply it to one’s life exercising in the knowledge that it becomes effective to change and redeem us

knowledge is like a seed and wisdom is the fruit
 

presidente

Senior Member
May 29, 2013
9,161
1,789
113
#7
knowledge is one thing wisdom another

knowledge is “to know “

and wisdom is to Know and properly understand and apply it to one’s life exercising in the knowledge that it becomes effective to change and redeem us

knowledge is like a seed and wisdom is the fruit
Solomon was the wisest man alive, but fell into idolatry. Does that fit your definition of wisdom?

Solomon apparently knew how to run the economy well and researched the natural world and had knowledge about it. Two men had the s/Spirit of wisdom in the Old Testament to make the ark of the covenant, the construction and clothing and skin type stuff for the tabernacle. Either my Hebrew Bible or Hebrew professor said it was 'practical skill.'
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,008
5,685
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#8
Solomon was the wisest man alive, but fell into idolatry. Does that fit your definition of wisdom?

Solomon apparently knew how to run the economy well and researched the natural world and had knowledge about it. Two men had the s/Spirit of wisdom in the Old Testament to make the ark of the covenant, the construction and clothing and skin type stuff for the tabernacle. Either my Hebrew Bible or Hebrew professor said it was 'practical skill.'

Solomon was the wisest man alive, but fell into idolatry. Does that fit your definition of wisdom?

yeah it actually does , what Solomon lacked was the gospel and the actual wisest man who ever lived

“The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12:42‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon was indeed the wisest man in the Old Testament because he asked shod for wisdom when God told him he could have anything he wanted he asked for wisdom so he could lead Gods people well

Solomon lacked the rebirth we can only find in Christ d eas a sinner just like everyone else was

if your defining wisdom as “ anyone who’s never sinned “ you won’t find any wisdom but from Christ. Yet your acknolwedging Solomon was the wisest in the ot so I’d say yeah it sure fits for me

Noah got drunk , Abraham lied , Moses killed a man , David committed adultery and plotted a man’s murder and ordere it carried out to cover his sins , and sure Solomon followed in his fathers steps yet he was wise

because they sinned doesn’t mean they weren’t all wise men or didn’t apply thoer knowledge in tbier lives they all also did great things for God they simply didn’t have the gospels fulfillment t and knowledge of Christ yet
 

presidente

Senior Member
May 29, 2013
9,161
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113
#9
Solomon was the wisest man alive, but fell into idolatry. Does that fit your definition of wisdom?

yeah it actually does , what Solomon lacked was the gospel and the actual wisest man who ever lived

“The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12:42‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Solomon was indeed the wisest man in the Old Testament because he asked shod for wisdom when God told him he could have anything he wanted he asked for wisdom so he could lead Gods people well

Solomon lacked the rebirth we can only find in Christ d eas a sinner just like everyone else was

if your defining wisdom as “ anyone who’s never sinned “ you won’t find any wisdom but from Christ. Yet your acknolwedging Solomon was the wisest in the ot so I’d say yeah it sure fits for me

Noah got drunk , Abraham lied , Moses killed a man , David committed adultery and plotted a man’s murder and ordere it carried out to cover his sins , and sure Solomon followed in his fathers steps yet he was wise

because they sinned doesn’t mean they weren’t all wise men or didn’t apply thoer knowledge in tbier lives they all also did great things for God they simply didn’t have the gospels fulfillment t and knowledge of Christ yet
Did Solomon apply his knowledge in a way that redeemed him?

David did fall into adultery, but he stayed away from idolatry, and reading through kings, we are reminded of David's faithfulness to the Lord. He also discovered blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute sin. Paul used him as an example in a chapter on salvation by faith, in Romans 4.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,008
5,685
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#10
Did Solomon apply his knowledge in a way that redeemed him?

David did fall into adultery, but he stayed away from idolatry, and reading through kings, we are reminded of David's faithfulness to the Lord. He also discovered blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute sin. Paul used him as an example in a chapter on salvation by faith, in Romans 4.
“Did Solomon apply his knowledge in a way that redeemed him?”

Solomon didn’t have the gospel of Jesus Christ which is the only redemption under heaven

wisdom without Christ is nothing , wisdom in Christ is strength of faith
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
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#11
I am unclear on how this connects to my post that you responded to.

I fully understand why you are unclear about my comment, and scriptural references.

To my understand, by the revelation of the Holy Spirit, the gift of knowledge is given to only a "remnant" of God's born again children, and with all due respect, does not fit your interpretation of it, but is a gift of the righteousness of God (Rom 10:3) revealing what his Son actually accomplished on the cross, for those that his Father gave him in putting their sins as far away from then as the east is from the west, and securing them an inheritance of heaven. (John 6:39).



Isaiah 10:20-22 - And it shall come to pass in that day, that the REMNANT of Israel, and such as are escaped OF THE HOUSE OF JACOB, (Jacob's name was changed by God to be called Israel - Gen 32:28 who is representative of God's elect, (Rom 9:11 & Rom 8:33) shall no more again stay upon him that smot them, but shall stay upon the Lord, the holy one of Israel, in truth. The REMNANT shall return, even THE REMNANT OF JACOB, unto the mighty God, for though thy people Israel (all of the elect) be as the sand of the sea, yet a REMNANT of them shall return.

Zephaniah 3:12-13 - I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, they shall trust in the name of the Lord. the remnant of Israel (Jacob) shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies, neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth, for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

Rom 9:27 - Esaias also cryeth concerning Israel (all of the elect) though the number of the children of Israel (all Israel) be as the sand of the sea, a REMNANT shall be saved (saved=delivered here in time). All of Israel (house of Jacob) will be delivered to heaven. The REMNANT shall be delivered (saved here in time), from their ignorance of God's righteousness, in revealing to them what Christ accomplished on the cross.
 

wattie

Senior Member
Feb 24, 2009
3,230
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New Zealand
#12
Gotta be wary of counterfiets. Peter Popoff would speak about audience members in his 'service' .. knowing exactly their ailments and name... that he didn't know before the event.

This looks like supernatural knowledge being given..

The problem? His wife was feeding information to him about the audience thru a mic system to his ear!

They had pre interviewed audience members and then selected them out!

Also, there is a group who completely replicated a Pentecostal style, Benny Hinn type service...copied it to a T... and everything was fake.

They after the service explained to the audience what they had done. The audience were distraught... the people running the thing explained how the gospel is being made into a money making show.

They were waking people up to what goes on in many services to get money from people.

So beware counterfiets
 

Blade

Well-known member
Nov 19, 2019
1,776
624
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#14
Word of knowledge.....its the supernatural revelation by the Holy Spirit of certain facts in the mind of God. it happen to Peter in Acts I think Ch 10 and others in the word. Prophecy "But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.” Its not prediction but is speaking unto men this is what it does.

All in all its as He the holy Spirit moves not us. And in some way or another ALWAYS points to Christ never us.
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
8,275
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#15
What is the gift of the word of knowledge? If It exists, it exists for the benefit and building up of the body, like all spiritual gifts. Its purpose isn't to help someone make a name for him/herself or impress people so they'll throw money.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,428
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#16
I know someone who after spending a time sharing the Gospel, he closed being moved to say, "Now, when you go back to your home town, Haifa, say hello to all our friends there." The mouth of the person with whom he had been sharing the Word with dropped open, for he had not revealed to anyone his home town, and he was raised in Cairo, Illinois, so he had a bit of asouthern accent.
He then pulled out his identification card or residence card, I am not certain which, and showed that he was born in HAIFA, ISRAEL.
The person sharing the Word with him replied when asked how he knew, the response was simple, and he said, God told me.

Now that was not some kind of psychic revelation, nope, it was the Holy Spirit speaking through him. Oh, and that person never did anything for money. He ctually gave away all he had on at least two occasions.
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
8,275
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#17
I know someone who after spending a time sharing the Gospel, he closed being moved to say, "Now, when you go back to your home town, Haifa, say hello to all our friends there." The mouth of the person with whom he had been sharing the Word with dropped open, for he had not revealed to anyone his home town, and he was raised in Cairo, Illinois, so he had a bit of asouthern accent.
He then pulled out his identification card or residence card, I am not certain which, and showed that he was born in HAIFA, ISRAEL.
The person sharing the Word with him replied when asked how he knew, the response was simple, and he said, God told me.

Now that was not some kind of psychic revelation, nope, it was the Holy Spirit speaking through him. Oh, and that person never did anything for money. He ctually gave away all he had on at least two occasions.
It's an easy trick. I don't know how he did it but this has been a staple of fakes since the get-go.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,428
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#18
It's an easy trick. I don't know how he did it but this has been a staple of fakes since the get-go.
I was present and I know there was no slight of hand, no feigninging a revelation, it smply flowed out of his mouth, as when one opens his mouth and speaks by the Holy Spirit.

This same person gave his money to a group of "christiaanhs" so they could pay their rental, andwas told after they received d the oney that he was not welcome in their home due to not having the same understanding they had. He left them and blessed them.;;;;;;
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
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#19
Jim Jones used spies at his meetings who mingled and eavesdropped on people in the audience. There are all kinds of ways to do it.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,428
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#20
Jim Jones used spies at his meetings who mingled and eavesdropped on people in the audience. There are all kinds of ways to do it.
Yes, Satan is full of deceit and has many tricks to play on man, however you must learn to think on all things beautiful, not meaning to believe lies, but recognize that when we call our Father Almighty, He is All Mighty. If you cannot believe what I have shared, knowing it true, fine, but do not blindly disparage what I have said, for I know.

May God give you the innocence that comes with rebirth and the light of His presence always.