Those with the spiritual gift of knowledge, when prompted by the Holy Spirit, are uniquely able to gather, organize, and apply information. Their spiritual motivation drive them to explore matters of God and the Church at a deeper level than the average believer. They seek to understand not only the Bible but also the wisdom and teachings of others with gifts of teaching and wisdom. The Holy Spirit empowers them to grasp the profound truths of God’s Word and to apply them in ways that speak to specific situations within the church.
Like all spiritual gifts, the gift of knowledge is a divine enablement, not driven by personal interest or curiosity. When engaging with someone who possesses this gift, one quickly senses a passion and depth of understanding that transcends their everyday work or persona.
The gift of knowledge is the ability to grasp spiritual truths and insights that are beyond natural comprehension. It is a supernatural gift that provides a deep understanding of God’s will and purpose, which can then be used to help others. People with this gift are able to discern truth from falsehood, and they often have a unique ability to explain complex spiritual concepts in a way that is clear and accessible. They may also uncover hidden or obscure meanings in Scripture that help illuminate God’s message.
It’s important to note that the spiritual gift of knowledge does not imply that a person knows everything or possesses all wisdom. Rather, it is a specific gift that enables them to understand and communicate insights that are relevant to God’s kingdom and His purposes.
Knowledge vs. Wisdom
It is essential to distinguish between the gifts of knowledge and wisdom. W. Robertson Nicoll, in his The Expositor’s Greek Testament, Volume Two, explains the relationship between the two gifts:
“’Wisdom’ is the larger acquisition – the truth of God worked into man; ‘knowledge’ is that truth intellectually apprehended and objectified… Both gifts serve the church; they are the qualifications of pastor and teacher respectively. ‘The Spirit’ is the channel conveying Wisdom; ‘the same Spirit’ is the standard regulating knowledge.” (Nicoll, 888, emphasis added)
In this sense, knowledge serves as the foundation or fuel for wisdom. A person with the gift of knowledge seeks answers through study and investigation, while the person with the gift of wisdom can apply that knowledge to gain a deeper understanding of particular situations. These two gifts complement each other in ways that other gifts do not.
The balance of knowledge and wisdom is crucial for the well-being of the body. When there is an abundance of knowledge without wisdom, it can lead to confusion and conflicting directions. On the other hand, an excess of wisdom without the grounding of knowledge can result in misinterpreting guidance or misunderstanding the Holy Spirit’s will. While it is possible for the Holy Spirit’s will to be understood even with an imbalance in these gifts, such an imbalance can certainly hinder the church’s ability to interpret and act on that will effectively.
Martin Luther on The Gift of Knowledge
Luther believed that knowledge was a gift of the Holy Spirit that enabled believers to understand God’s truth as revealed in Scripture. He believed that this gift was particularly important for pastors and teachers, who were called to accurately interpret and explain the Bible to others.
In his writing and preaching, Luther emphasized the importance of a deep knowledge of Scripture and theology, and he believed that this knowledge was essential for a vibrant and growing faith. He emphasized the importance of sola scriptura—the belief that Scripture alone is the ultimate source of authority for Christians. In this context, knowledge was not merely intellectual or academic, but rather, it was rooted in the understanding of God’s Word. Luther believed that true knowledge came from the Holy Spirit, who illuminated the Scriptures for believers, enabling them to understand God’s will and purposes.
However, Luther also recognized that knowledge alone was not enough, and that it needed to be accompanied by faith and obedience. He emphasized that true knowledge of God was not a purely intellectual pursuit, but a matter of the heart, involving a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.e.
John Wesley on the Spiritual Gift of Knowledge
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, viewed the spiritual gift of knowledge as a special grace given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the building up of the church. He believed that this gift involved a deep understanding of the truths of the faith and the ability to communicate them to others.
For Wesley, the gift of knowledge was not about mere intellectualism but about spiritual insight into God’s truth, especially through the study of Scripture. He wrote extensively about the importance of Bible study, prayer, and reflection as means of gaining deeper knowledge of God’s Word and will. Wesley also emphasized the role of personal experience in knowledge, especially the transformative experience of the new birth and sanctification.
Wesley was particularly concerned with how knowledge was applied. He believed that the true gift of knowledge, guided by the Holy Spirit, would lead to a deeper love for God and others, which was the ultimate goal of the Christian life. In his Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and other writings, Wesley stressed that knowledge of God’s Word should lead to holy living, rather than to mere doctrinal accuracy or intellectual achievement.
Wesley also emphasized the importance of humility and love in the exercise of the gift of knowledge. He believed that those who possessed this gift should use it to build up the church and to serve others, rather than to elevate themselves or to engage in arguments and debates.
The Catholic Church on the Spiritual Gift of Knowledge
In the Catholic Church, the spiritual gift of knowledge is considered one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is viewed as a supernatural gift that enables the believer to understand the mysteries of faith and to see the world through the lens of God’s wisdom. The gift of knowledge is often associated with the intellectual life, particularly with theology and the study of Scripture. However, it is also seen as a gift that can be applied in a wide range of settings, from scientific research to the arts and humanities.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes the gift of knowledge as “the capacity to contemplate God in the created world, and to discern the supernatural in the midst of the natural” (CCC 1831). It is seen as a gift that allows the believer to recognize the goodness and beauty of God’s creation, and to understand the ways in which God is at work in the world. The Church also distinguishes between natural knowledge (the knowledge that comes from study, reason, and experience) and supernatural knowledge (the gift of knowledge that transcends natural abilities, which is inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit). The latter is what is referred to as a spiritual gift.
Those with the gift of knowledge are seen as able to discern truth, understand Scripture more deeply, and provide insight into God’s plan. However, it is important to note that this gift is not meant for personal glory or to create intellectual superiority, but for the good of the Church and the service of others. The ultimate purpose of this gift is to bring believers closer to the truth of God and help them live out His commandments, especially through acts of love and service.
Like all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the gift of knowledge is developed and exercised through prayer and the sacraments. Through prayer, the believer can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and receive the guidance and discernment needed to exercise this gift effectively. And through the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and Reconciliation, the believer can receive the grace needed to overcome obstacles to knowledge, such as pride and self-centeredness.
People with this Gift:
- Receive divine truth that enables them to serve the body of Christ more effectively
- Have a deep desire to study Scripture and the writings of other teachers to gain insight, understanding, and truth
- Acquire knowledge that often surpasses what can be attained through natural means
- Organize and apply information in a way that is practical, although not necessarily as teachers themselves
- Tend to have a love for reading and learning
- Are unafraid to research new insights or revelations from God
- Quickly seek to understand the meaning behind ideas, concepts, or challenges
- May be introverted and require encouragement to share their insights
- Often possess the gift of knowledge in conjunction with the gift of teaching, using their knowledge to instruct others
The Apostle Paul wrote extensively about this gift and others. Learn more by visiting our Bible study information by following this link -> Unpacking the Apostle Paul
Bible References
| 2 Chronicles 1:7-12 | Solomon Asks for wisdom and knowledge |
| Proverbs 2-4 | Solomon’s teaching on wisdom and knowledge |
| Proverbs 9:10 | “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” |
| Daniel 2:20-21 | Daniel’s praise to God for the knowledge given him |
| 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 | Paul’s mention of the spiritual gift of knowledge |
| 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 | Using your gift for others in love |
- Bryant, 108-110
- Nicoll, 888
Other Gifts
- Spiritual Gift of Discernment
- Spiritual Gift of Faith
- Spiritual Gift of Miracles
- Spiritual Gift of Tongues
- Spiritual Gift of Helping
- Spiritual Gift of Healing
- Spiritual Gift of Exhortation
- Spiritual Gift of Compassion and Mercy
- Spiritual Gift of Giving
- Spiritual Gift of Servanthood
- Spiritual Gift of Leadership
- Spiritual Gift of Wisdom
- Spiritual Gift of Administration
