Greek word · Strong's G50

ἀγνοέω

agnoéō · verb · “to be ignorant”

In a sentence

Agnoeō means to not know or be ignorant of something. Paul uses it to introduce truths he does not want believers to miss: “I do not want you to be ignorant.”

Agnoeō is the simple opposite of knowing. It can describe culpable ignorance — willful not-knowing — or simply the lack of information.

Paul’s favorite use is pastoral: “I do not want you to be ignorant (agnoein), brothers.” Romans, Corinthians, and Thessalonians each have moments where he stops to make sure believers grasp what matters — about Israel, the gifts, the dead in Christ, the return of Jesus.

Strong's reference

Definition: not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)

KJV usage: (be) ignorant(-ly), not know, not understand, unknown

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Romans 11:25 “I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.” 1 Corinthians 12:1 “Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13 “Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope.”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.