The Word of Knowledge
The word of knowledge is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8: "To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit." It imparts a supernatural knowledge of facts, situations, or persons that the one who receives it could not know by natural means. This gift operates to edify, heal, deliver, and confirm the love of God toward specific people. Jesus Himself manifested this gift when He told the Samaritan woman, "You have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband" (John 4:18). Likewise, Peter discerned by the Spirit the lie of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:3). In these accounts, the revealed knowledge is not given to condemn but to lead to truth and repentance, exposing the heart so that grace may do its work. The word of knowledge differs radically from divination. It comes from the Holy Spirit and always aims at edification, comfort, and encouragement (1 Corinthians 14:3), for the glory of God and the good of the person. Divination, by contrast, operates through evil spirits (Acts 16:16-18) and seeks control or dependence on occult means. This gift is exercised today in pastoral ministry, intercession, and evangelism, to reveal God's view of individuals and situations. It must always be exercised in love, subject to the discernment of the Church, and never set above the authority of Scripture.
Key verse snapshot
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Bible Verses about The Word of Knowledge
6 Scripture passages on this theme
John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
1 Corinthians 12:8
“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;”
1 Thessalonians 2:13
“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”
Colossians 1:9
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;”
Ephesians 1:17
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:”
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Apply These Verses to Your Life
Scripture comes alive when we meditate on it and apply it daily. Read these verses in full context, pray for understanding, and ask God how they speak to your situation with the word of knowledge.
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated:
- Category:
- Scripture Guidance