G1922: Epignosis: Knowledge, recognition, full discernment

From epiginosko: to know exactly, to recognize

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<li>From epi (preposition): on, upon; superimposition of time, place, or order</li>

<li>From ginosko: to come to know, recognize, perceive

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<li>TDNT re the Greek usage of the word:  ginṓskō emphasizes understanding rather than sensory perception, and as distinct from dokeín it is a perception of things as they are, not an opinion about them.  Supremely, however, knowledge implies verification by the eye; hence the dominant concept is knowledge by objective observation.  This is related to the Greek view of reality.  (DS: Applied to the believer's relationship with Jesus, this knowledge would be obtained by experiencing this relationship, thus verifying the facts the head possesses with the real experiences the heart and soul experience.)</li>

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<li>Robertson's Word Pictures of the NT:  Full (additional, epi) knowledge as in 2 Peter 1:8 (only gnōsis in 2 Peter 1:5-6; 2 Peter 3:18), but epignōsin again in 2 Peter 1:3, 8; 2 Peter 2:20. As in Colossians, so here full knowledge is urged against the claims of the Gnostic heretics to special gnōsis.  </li>

<li>Complete WordStudy Dictionary (by Spiros Zodhiates Th.D.):  epígnōsis; gen. epignóseōs, fem. noun from epiginóskō, to recognize. It is more intens. than gnósis, knowledge, because it expresses a more thorough participation in the acquiring of knowledge on the part of the learner. In the NT, it often refers to knowledge which very powerfully influences the form of religious life, a knowledge laying claim to personal involvement.  AMG's Complete Word Study Dictionaries - The Complete Word Study Dictionary – New Testament.</li>

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Don's understanding of the word:

Gnosis + epi provides the meaning of knowledge (gnosis) specifically applied (epi); e.g. knowledge "on" something or "unto" some specific objective.

For example, epignosis is used in Col 2.2 where the knowledge in view is about a specific topic, the mystery of Christ Himself.  In Col 2.3 the word used is gnosis since general, or all knowledge is in view.

Colossians 2:1-3 (NASB)

1  For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face,

2  that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself,

3  in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Gnosis and Epignosis are very close in NT meaning and differences in their usages are often subtle or difficult to discern.