The word ignorance is certainly one that’s common today. Also, it still means the same thing. However, I love to do Hebrew and Greek studies because they give you background and a deeper understanding of the word. That’s why I wanted to study the word ignorance in Hebrew and Greek.
But first, let’s take a look at the 1828 Noah Webster’s dictionary definition of the word ignorance:
“1. Want, absence or destitution of knowledge; the negative state of the mind which has not been instructed in arts, literature or science, or has not been informed of facts. ignorance may be general, or it may be limited to particular subjects. ignorance of the law does not excuse a man for violating it. ignorance of facts if often venial.
Ignorance is preferable to error.
2. Ignorances, in the plural, is used sometimes for omissions or mistakes; but the use is uncommon and not to be encouraged.”
All scriptures are taken from NKJV unless otherwise marked.
What Does The Word ‘Ignorance’ Mean In Hebrew?
shegagah- mistake, transgression.
shagah- to transgress by mistake.
What Does The Word ‘Ignorance’ Mean In Greek?
agnoia- ignorance.
As a noun, this word means the “want of knowledge or perception.” It suggests that someone is ignorant. Agnoia is used of:
- Gentiles in regard to God (Ephesians 4:18)
- Jews regarding Christ
- the former unregenerate condition of those who became believers (1 Peter 1:14)
“This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.“
– Ephesians 4:17-19
agnosia- state of ignorance.
As a noun, it means ignorance which is directed opposed to gnosis which means “knowledge as a result of experience and observation.”
“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.“
– 1 Peter 2:15
Conclusion
That’s the definition of the word ignorance in Hebrew and Greek. I pray you found this article. If so, please share this content. Also, feel free to share any thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
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I would have appreciated the number for Strings concordance in your text. Thank you your article has been very helpful , Dawn