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The concept of To know in Christianity

In Christianity, the keyphrase "to know" encompasses several dimensions of understanding and insight. It involves the act of comprehending divine will, seeking truth, and acquiring knowledge about faith. This idea suggests that true knowledge is essential for spiritual growth and eternal life, as it connects believers to the divine. Furthermore, different branches of Christianity, including Eastern Orthodoxy and Catholicism, elaborate on the importance of knowing in relation to sacred truths, understanding, and the moral obligations of faith in action.1
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Synonyms: To understand, To learn, Comprehend, Recognize

In Malay: Untuk mengetahui; In Swedish: Att veta; In Spanish: Para saber; In Finnish: °Õ¾±±ð³Ùää°ì²õ±ð±ð²Ô; In German: Wissenswert; In Dutch: Om te weten; In French: Savoir

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'To know'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) This is what Christians should become able to do.[1] (2) This describes the act of having understanding, and a person who lacks this, yet acts as though they do, is compared to a drunk man who thinks he is sober.[2] (3) To understand.[3] (4) The text says that it is a greater thing to do this beforehand that which has not yet come to pass.[4] (5) This describes the secret longing of the Aeons, who want to know the Father, leading to internal desires and actions.[5]

From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary

(1) This refers to the act of acquiring knowledge, suggesting that understanding the truth is a continuous process, as the text implies.[6]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This is to have information, and is a key part of the text.[7] (2) The act of understanding, which Joseph was asked to do, when he was asked for forgiveness, according to the text.[8] (3) This is the quintessence of good, and this is life eternal, to know the divine, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.[9]

From: Hymns for Christian Devotion

(1) The speaker is expressing a desire to understand the divine will, indicating a wish to comprehend the principles and teachings of their faith.[10]

Significance in Eastern Orthodoxy (or the Eastern Orthodox Church):
Eastern Orthodoxy Books

From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite

(1) The author states that it is sufficient for him, first to know about truth, then, having known, to speak as it is fitting to speak.[11]

Eastern Orthodoxy, or Byzantine Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Christianity. It consists of independently governed churches with strong cultural ties to Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Eastern Orthodox theology focuses on the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believers strive for theosis, or becoming closer to God, through grace and spiritual practices.  

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: The city of God

(1) This is an action that Numa was unwilling for anyone else to do with the causes of the sacred rites.[12]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.