γνώστ-ης G1109
Expert, one knowledgeable in a subject
Someone who possesses specialized knowledge or expertise in a particular field. Paul uses this term in Acts 26:3 when addressing King Agrippa, acknowledging him as exceptionally knowledgeable about Jewish customs and controversies. The word carries respect for genuine understanding gained through study or experience, distinguishing the expert from the casual observer or novice.
Senses
1. sense 1 — Designates a person with specialized knowledge or expertise in a domain. The multilingual evidence (Spanish 'conocedor', French 'expert') confirms the sense of mastery through knowledge. In Acts 26:3, Paul's rhetorical strategy includes flattering Agrippa as an expert in Jewish matters, which makes him the ideal judge of Paul's case and positions the apostle's defense as an appeal to someone capable of understanding the theological nuances of his Pharisaic background and Christian conversion. 1×
AR["عَارِفًا"]·ben["জাননেওয়ালা"]·DE["γνώστην"]·EN["an-expert"]·FR["expert"]·heb["בָּקִיא"]·HI["जाननेवाला"]·ID["ahli"]·IT["esperto"]·jav["ahli"]·KO["전문가인"]·PT["conhecedor"]·RU["знатоком"]·ES["conocedor"]·SW["mjuzi"]·TR["uzman"]·urd["واقف"]
Related Senses
H3045 1. Qal: to know, perceive, understand (829×)H5315 1. soul, inner being (647×)H3820a 1. heart, inner self (mind/will/emotion) (572×)H4672 1. Qal: find, discover (289×)G1492 1. know facts or truths (285×)H3824 1. heart, inner self (mind/will/emotion) (250×)H1245 1. seek, search for (200×)G1097 1. know, be acquainted with (196×)H2142 1. Qal: remember, recall (173×)G2588 1. heart (inner self, mind, will) (158×)H0977 1. choose, select (Qal active) (145×)G2147 1. find, discover (144×)G5590 1. soul, inner self (100×)H4672 2. Niphal: be found, be discovered (99×)H1875 1. seek, search for (96×)H5315 2. life, vitality (94×)H1847 1. knowledge, discernment (90×)H2450 1. wise, prudent (84×)H7911 1. Qal: to forget (83×)H3684 1. fool, dullard (70×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
γνώστ-ης, ου, ὁ, one that knows, τῶν ἐθῶν NT+3rd c.AD+: especiallyone who knows the future, diviner, LXX __II ={γνωστήρ}, surety, γ. τῆς πίστεως Refs 1st c.AD+; expert witness or valuer, Refs 1st c.AD+