Berean Strong's Lexicon agnóstos: Unknown, Unrecognized Original Word: ἄγνωστος Word Origin: Derived from the Greek prefix "a-" (meaning "not" or "without") and "gnostos" (meaning "known" or "familiar"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "agnóstos," as the concept of an "unknown god" is more specific to the Greco-Roman context. However, the Hebrew Bible often contrasts the true God, Yahweh, with the false gods of the nations, emphasizing the importance of knowing and worshiping the one true God. Usage: The term "agnóstos" is used to describe something that is not known or recognized. In the context of the New Testament, it is often used to refer to the concept of the "unknown" God, highlighting the lack of knowledge or recognition of the true God among certain groups. Cultural and Historical Background: In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the concept of an "unknown god" was not uncommon. Many cities, including Athens, had altars dedicated to unknown deities, reflecting a desire to honor all possible gods and avoid offending any deity that might have been overlooked. This cultural backdrop provides context for the Apostle Paul's address in Athens, where he uses the altar to an "unknown god" as a starting point to introduce the Athenians to the one true God. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and the same as ginóskó Definition unknown NASB Translation unknown (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 57: ἄγνωστοςἄγνωστος, (from Homer down), unknown: Acts 17:23 (cf. B. D. American edition under the word Strong's Exhaustive Concordance unknown. From a (as negative particle) and gnostos; unknown -- unknown. see GREEK a see GREEK gnostos Forms and Transliterations ΑΓΝΩΣΤΩ αγνώστω ἀγνώστῳ αγονος άγονος AGNoSTo AGNŌSTŌLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |