Forty years ago I wrote a research paper on Plato, the Greek philosopher. I remember that he lived in Athens and was the student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle. I remember he wrote “The Cave” and, with a little review, I could list his other works. I believe there are three primary works that have stood the test of time. So it’s fair to say I “know” Plato. Four years before I wrote that college paper I started dating a girl in high school. Forty-four years later she is still the central (human) player in my life. So it’s also fair to say that I “know” Kelly. Readers, you probably recognize that there is a qualitative difference between the way I know Plato and the way I know my wife. Context, and a little knowledge, is what clued you in. It would probably be grammatically accurate to say that I know about Plato and I know my wife, but often we only get context, not grammar clues.
Attached is a great article about the Hebrew word for “knowledge” (Da’at). Turns out that in most cases when speaking of knowledge of God (as in Proverbs 1:7), or knowledge of the Bible (as in Psalm 119 where David uses “keep,” “meditate” and “understand” long before he uses da’at in verse 66), we are instructed to know experientially! Consider that definition of “knowing” as you contemplate your knowledge of God and His Word. It’s great that I can recite Genesis 1:1; it’s even better that I talked to my Creator just this morning! 🙂
Blessings,
Pastor Scott
Grace Notes 