Types of knowledge in the Bible

          The Bible is rich in its treatment of knowledge. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals that knowledge is not just about intellect or facts but a spiritual resource with moral, relational, and eternal dimensions. In the biblical sense, knowledge is the understanding that leads to wisdom, obedience, reverence, and a relationship with God. In this post, we will look into the major types of knowledge in the Bible, supported with scriptures, spiritual commentary, and rich insight for deeper comprehension.

1. Revealed Knowledge (Divine Revelation)

         This is the knowledge that comes directly from God through His Spirit, Word, or divine encounters.

● “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us...” (Deuteronomy 29:29)

● “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard...but God has revealed them to us by His Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:9–10)

         Revealed knowledge surpasses human reasoning. It includes dreams, visions, prophecy, and the deep truths of the Scriptures that can only be understood by divine illumination. Prophets like Isaiah, Daniel, and John the Revelator operated by this kind of knowledge. Jesus also thanked the Father for revealing divine things not to the wise but to “babes” (Matthew 11:25). This type of knowledge is central to the believer’s spiritual growth.

2. Experiential Knowledge (Gained Through Personal Encounters)

         This is knowledge gained through firsthand experience with God and life.

● “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good…” (Psalm 34:8)

● “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord…” (Hosea 6:3)

         Experiential knowledge is rooted in relationships. It comes from walking with God through life’s seasons—knowing His faithfulness in trials, His comfort in sorrow, His power in deliverance. Job, after all his trials, said, “My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you” (Job 42:5). The more believers walk with God, the deeper this knowledge becomes.

3. Intellectual Knowledge (Head Knowledge)

         This refers to learning through study, reading, and education—whether sacred or secular.

● “Much learning is driving you mad!” (Acts 26:24 – Festus speaking to Paul)

● “Study to show thyself approved unto God…” (2 Timothy 2:15)

        While intellectual knowledge is useful and even encouraged in the Bible (especially for rightly dividing the Word), it becomes dangerous when it leads to pride or a denial of God's power. Paul warns that “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). Intellectual knowledge must be submitted to the Holy Spirit to be effective and fruitful.

4. Moral Knowledge (Knowing Right from Wrong)

         This type of knowledge concerns the moral will of God—His commands, principles, and righteous standards.

● “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…because you have rejected knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6)

● “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)

         This is the kind of knowledge Adam and Eve gained in the fall—“the knowledge of good and evil.” However, without divine direction, moral knowledge can lead to guilt, self-righteousness, or legalism. In Christ, moral knowledge is restored and empowered by grace and the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live uprightly.

5. Relational Knowledge (Knowing God Personally)

         This is the intimate knowledge that comes from a relationship, not just facts about God.

● “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

● “This is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God…” (John 17:3)

         This is the highest and most desirable form of knowledge. It’s what Paul longed for when he said, “That I may know Him…” (Philippians 3:10). The Greek word ginosko often used in the New Testament implies an intimate, personal, relational knowledge like that between a husband and wife. It’s not about information, but connection.

6. Prophetic Knowledge (Foresight by the Spirit)

         This knowledge allows one to understand times, seasons, and God’s future intentions.

● “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7)

●“Men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do...” (1 Chronicles 12:32)

         Prophetic knowledge helps believers discern spiritual realities—what is happening behind the scenes. This is crucial in intercession, spiritual warfare, and leadership. Joseph and Daniel both exhibited this, interpreting dreams and giving insight for national direction.

7. Redemptive Knowledge (Knowing God’s Salvation Plan)

         This refers to the knowledge of Christ and His work of salvation.

● “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2)

● “Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)

         Knowing Jesus as Savior and understanding His atoning work is essential. This redemptive knowledge delivers from sin and death. It is not just about historical belief but living faith. Every gospel sermon is an invitation into this knowledge.

8. Spiritual Knowledge (Discernment of Spiritual Realities)

         This is the knowledge that enables believers to perceive spiritual truths.

● “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God… because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

● “We have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16)

         This knowledge is only accessible to those born of the Spirit. It includes discernment, understanding spiritual warfare, and recognizing the move of God. It is wisdom from above that helps Christians avoid deception and walk in truth.

9. Self-Knowledge (Understanding One’s Heart and Condition)

         This involves an accurate understanding of oneself in light of God’s truth.

● “Search me, O God, and know my heart…” (Psalm 139:23)

● “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith…” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

         Spiritual growth requires self-awareness. David was a man after God’s heart partly because he often invited God to examine him. This knowledge brings repentance, humility, and transformation.

10. Worldly Knowledge (Carnal or Earthly Wisdom)

         This is knowledge rooted in man’s fallen understanding and often opposed to God.

● “The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:19)

● “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 3:7)

         Not all knowledge is godly. Some forms—like occult knowledge, manipulative psychology, or prideful science—oppose God’s truth. The Bible warns against knowledge that leads away from godliness.

         The Bible is clear: knowledge is powerful—but only when it is rooted in God. Proverbs 1:7 declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Without God, knowledge becomes dangerous, deceptive, or even destructive. But with God, knowledge becomes light, life, and liberation.

         Let us seek not only to know about God but to truly know Him in all dimensions—relationally, spiritually, morally, and prophetically. That is the highest and most transforming knowledge.