Experiencing Christ ∙
I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, . . . that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. – Philippians 3:8, 10
Psalms 25:4-5
4 Show me your ways, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.
5 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long, I put my hope in you.
The Nuances of “To know” in Different Languages
In many languages, a single English word can have multiple equivalents, each with distinct meanings. This is especially true for the verb “to know.” For instance, French and Spanish each have two words for “to know,” while Greek has three, all of which are translated as “know” in English. These linguistic nuances highlight the importance of understanding meaning rather than relying solely on direct word-for-word translations.
Understanding Saber and Conocer in Spanish
In Spanish, the verbs saber and conocer are both translated as “to know” in English, but they carry different meanings and are used in distinct contexts. Recognizing this distinction is essential for accurate communication and translation.
Saber: Knowledge and Facts
Saber refers to intellectual knowledge or the possession of information. It is used to express knowing facts, skills, or learned information. For example:
- I know the answer
- She knows how to swim
This verb emphasizes cognitive awareness and learned abilities, focusing on factual or technical knowledge.
Conocer: Knowing People
Conocer derives from the same root as “cognition” and “recognize,” emphasizing familiarity and personal connection. It is used to express knowledge of people, places, or things gained through experience. For example:
- I know Bobby
This verb implies a deeper, relational understanding. To conocer someone is to have interacted with them, understanding their character and personality, rather than merely knowing facts about them.
While saber is essential for acquiring and recalling information, it often lacks the relational depth implied by conocer. For instance, you might saber someone’s name or occupation, but without personal interaction, you cannot conocer who they truly are.
Knowing God: Beyond Facts to Intimacy
The distinction between saber and conocer provides a helpful framework for understanding how we “know” God. Scripture often speaks of knowing the Father, but this knowledge goes far beyond intellectual understanding or factual awareness. It involves a deep, personal, and relational connection with Him.
Knowing the Father’s Ways
David’s prayer in Psalms 25:4 captures this desire: “Show me your ways, O LORD.”
When Scripture refers to the Father’s “ways,” it encompasses more than His actions or attributes. His ways include His motivations, desires, thoughts, and purposes. To truly know the Father, we must move beyond simply understanding facts about Him, such as His omnipotence or historical acts, and seek to comprehend His heart and character.
Not knowing God’s ways can lead to discouragement and a lack of trust, especially during difficult times. As Charles Stanley notes, “As long as we remain ignorant of His ways as revealed in His Word, we won’t trust or know Him intimately.”
For example, it is one thing to know that God is love (a fact) and another to experience His love personally. The former is intellectual; the latter is relational. This intimate knowing transforms how we live, think, and trust in Him.
REFLECT & PRAY
The ultimate goal of trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ is to develop and experience a personal relationship with Him. This relationship isn’t based on mere intellectual knowledge but on close fellowship
Father, I aspire to know You and experience You. I do not want simple head knowledge. I want to know You and Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, personally and intimately. For me, nothing else will do.
INSIGHT
What Is Eternal Life?
Eternal life is not merely about living forever; it is about being united with the Father and the Son, the Source of all life.
The Apostle John defines eternal life in John 17:3: “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
The Greek verb translated as “know” in this verse is ginosko, which “conveys a deep, experiential knowledge,” much like the Spanish verb conocer. It suggests “understanding someone through firsthand personal experience, not merely through facts or information.”
To ginosko the Father is “to know Him relationally, to become acquainted with Him through a personal connection.” This is the essence of eternal life, knowing God intimately and experiencing His presence.
From Head Knowledge to Heart Knowledge
Learning facts about the Lord Jesus Christ gives us head knowledge. We may know about His life, teachings, and sacrifice. However, this intellectual understanding is not enough. Salvation occurs when head knowledge becomes heart knowledge, when we enter into a personal relationship with Him by faith.
It is the difference between knowing about Him and truly knowing Him.
Revelation 3:20: “I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in.”
Imagine the Lord Jesus Christ standing at the door of your heart, knocking and seeking to enter. When we open the door and invite Him in, we welcome Him into our lives forever. This act of faith transforms us, uniting us with Him in an everlasting relationship.
Becoming Children of God
When we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and accept Him as our Savior, we are adopted into the Father’s Forever Family. This is a profound and joyful reality: we become children of the King, heirs to His promises, and members of His eternal kingdom.
John 1:12: “To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”
This adoption is not based on our merit but on His grace. By believing the facts about Christ and accepting Him as Lord, we are welcomed into God’s family.
Knowing Through Understanding and Experience
The process of knowing God involves both intellectual understanding and experiential relationship. This dual aspect is beautifully illustrated in 1 John 5:20: “We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”
In this verse, two Greek words for “know” are used:
- Oida: Refers to “intellectual knowledge or understanding, gained through thought and reflection.”
- Ginosko: Refers to “experiential knowledge, the deeper relational knowing that comes from walking with Christ.”
The Scriptures show that head knowledge (oida) is the foundation, but it must lead to heart knowledge (ginosko), a personal, transformative relationship with the living God.
The Transformative Power of Knowing God
The journey from head knowledge to heart knowledge is the essence of the Christian faith. It begins with learning about God, His character, works, and promises, but culminates in a personal relationship with Him. This relationship allows us to experience His love, grace, and presence in our lives.
This transformation is not something we achieve on our own; it is a gift of grace, made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The more we learn about Him and experience Him personally, the closer we grow to the Father and the Son.
Knowing God intimately is the core of faith, the foundation of eternal life, and the ultimate fulfillment of our purpose as His children.
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© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 