What does it mean to know him?
 

It is a big question, and certainly cannot be exhausted here - but it is a concept worth pursuing because Jesus in his John 17 prayer said this, ""Now, this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."

Jesus made this prayer just minustes before he was to be taken by the soldiers. What do you think he meant by knowing Him?

get a glimpse at the Daily God Walk blog: www.godwalk.wordpress.com

Re: What does it mean to know him?
 

first, acquainted with Him.
Job 22:21 says: "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee."

After we have been introduced to Him, our relationship grows and we become more familiar with His ways, His desires, and His thoughts by conversation with Him. His Word reveals His will, ways, desires and thoughts about certain things and situations. His voice (through His Word, through others, and through His still small voice, and through the nudges He gives us in our spirit) gives us added insight.


In John 17:3 the word used for knowing God is "ginosko" (Strongs number 1097). It is the word used in the Greek Old Testament in Genesis 4:1 where it says that Adam "knew" Eve and she bore a son. It is also used in Luke 1:34 when Mary asked how she could bear a son since she had never "known" a man. The Hebrew equivalent is "yada" (Strongs 3045). It has various meanings but can be used in the sense of knowing intimately, sexually.

Knowing God may start by becoming acquainted but can grow to much more.

Re: What does it mean to know him?
 

I think the most important question is instead, how does He know us? We may claim to know Him, but in the end He may say, "Depart from me, I never knew you." :sad

Re: What does it mean to know him?
 

Your post reminded me of the story my former pastor used to tell...

Seems in his youth there was this dude chasing his wife down the street with a butcher knife.

The woman was screaming, "JESUS!! JESUS!!"

To which her husband yelled, "You better call on somebody who knows ya!!"

Of the Scripture you quoted, one transalation reads...

Matt 7:22-23
22 At the Judgment many will tell me, 'Lord, Lord, we told others about you and used your name to cast out demons and to do many other great miracles.' 23 But I will reply, 'You have never been mine. Go away, for your deeds are evil.' TLB

Re: What does it mean to know him?
 

If we could pick and choose what translation is the one God chooses, I would choose that one. :-) In one sense it doesn't really make sense to say Jesus didn't know someone if he knows how many hairs are on our head.

Re: What does it mean to know him?
 

Spiritual intimacy.