A Word From the Word: Know
Have you ever had a relationship that was so close that you actually knew the other person? Not knew ABOUT, but actually knew that person? A marriage, siblings, close friends—this relationship can happen in many settings. You experience the other’s personality and see it interact with others, and in different situations. You get to know their desires, drives, even thoughts and feelings. And as you come to really know the other, you find that you not only know, you are known.
In our society we have often thrown this deep relationship away in exchange for the opportunity to use the other rather than actually know the other. This is the difference between those who engage in sexual activity for the purpose of sex, instead of enjoying one another and actually experiencing the other—emotionally, even spiritually as well as physically—rather than simply using their body. Yet, for 50 years I have seen people struggle with the fact that they do this, while actually yearning for a friendship, a romantic relationship—even a relationship with God—that isn’t shallow. A relationship that is truly deep and personal. This is what Christians refer to when they speak of us having a personal relationship with Jesus. But is this really taught in scripture?
But is this actually in scripture? The answer is a resounding “Yes”. In both the Old Testament and the New Testament there are Hebrew and Greek words we translate “know” into English. But both words—“yada” in the Hebrew Old Testament and “epiyinosis” in the Greek New Testament—go beyond simple knowledge to include personal, experiential knowledge of the other. They denote a relationship that is so deep that it includes sexual intercourse. This is why in the King James translation the word “know” is used for sexual intercourse.
We could ask, “so what”? Why should I care that the Bible says God wants “epiyinosis”? Let me suggest a few reasons:
- The more we know God experientially, the more we trust God (witness how often God pointed Israel to their previous experiences with Him). Epiyinosis deepens our faith!
- The more we know God, the more we realize that He knows us, and is willing to listen to us. Instead of feeling we are “talking to a wall” we begin to feel heard.
- The more we know God, the more we realize our relationship with Him is based in His character, not ours. For example, we realize, with John (1 John 1:9) that our forgiveness is rooted in His faithfulness. Knowing God reassures us!
There are more, but hopefully you will experience them for yourself. With Paul (Philippians 1:9), I pray that you may grow more and more in your experiential knowledge of our God!
Know Jesus, and Be Faithful!