Mr Darby's Footnote to 1 Cor. 8:1 in the New Translation on Ginosko
The sermon explores the Greek words for 'to know' and their implications for Christian knowledge and faith.
John Nelson Darby explores the distinction between the Greek words 'ginosko' and 'oida' in the context of knowledge in the New Testament. He explains that 'ginosko' refers to objective knowledge, akin to being acquainted with something, while 'oida' signifies inward, intuitive knowledge that comes from within. Darby illustrates this difference using various scripture passages, emphasizing that true understanding involves both types of knowledge but highlights the importance of conscious knowledge in the believer's relationship with God. He concludes that while objective knowledge can inform us, it is the inward knowledge that truly shapes our faith and understanding of God.
Text
Two Greek words are used for 'to know' in the New Testament - ginosko and oida. The former signifies objective knowledge, what a man has learned or acquired. The English expression 'being acquainted with' perhaps conveys the meaning. Oida conveys the thought of what is inward, the inward consciousness in the mind, intuitive knowledge not immediately derived from what is external. The difference between the two words is illustrated in John 8:55, 'ye know (ginosko) him not, but I know (oida) him,' in John 13:7, 'What I do thou dost not know (oida) now, but thou shalt know (ginosko) hereafter,' and in Heb. 8:11, 'they shall not teach . . . saying, Know (ginosko) the Lord; because all shall know (oida) me.'
The word oida is used of Christ as knowing the Father, and as knowing the hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees, of Paul's knowledge of 'a man in Christ,' and of the Christian's knowledge that he has eternal life. 'I know whom I have believed,' 2 Tim. 1:12 - I have the inward conscious knowledge of who the person is: see also 1 Cor. 16:15, 2 Tim. 3:14 and 15 - all of these refer to inward conscious knowledge. The difference between the significance of the two words is often slight and objective knowledge may pass into conscious knowledge, but not vice versa.
The Greek for conscience is derived from oida: see ch. 4:4, 'I am conscious of nothing in myself,' that is, not conscious of any fault. In the present passage, 'We know that an idol is nothing' is conscious knowledge: 'we all have knowledge' and 'knowledge puffs up' is objective knowledge. 'If any one think he knows (conscious knowledge), he knows (objectively) nothing yet as he ought to know it (objectively):' 'he is known (objectively) of him,' so 'knowledge,' ver. 10.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the Greek words for 'to know'
- Importance of understanding ginosko and oida
- Contextual examples from scripture
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II
- Definition of ginosko
- Significance of objective knowledge
- Illustration through biblical references
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III
- Definition of oida
- Significance of inward consciousness
- Examples of oida in the life of Christ
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IV
- Comparison of ginosko and oida
- Implications for Christian knowledge
- How knowledge influences faith
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V
- Conscience and its relation to oida
- Understanding conscious knowledge
- Practical applications of these concepts
Key Quotes
“The former signifies objective knowledge, what a man has learned or acquired.” — John Nelson Darby
“Oida conveys the thought of what is inward, the inward consciousness in the mind.” — John Nelson Darby
“Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” — John Nelson Darby
Application Points
- Seek to deepen your understanding of both objective and subjective knowledge in your spiritual life.
- Reflect on how your knowledge of God influences your actions and relationships.
- Cultivate an awareness of your conscience as it relates to your understanding of truth.