In the context of the Bible, the term "acquaintance" refers to a person with whom one is familiar, but not necessarily in a close or intimate relationship. The concept of acquaintance is mentioned in various passages, often highlighting the nature of human relationships and the importance of discernment in choosing companions.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "acquaintance" is "madda," which can also mean knowledge or understanding. The Psalms frequently mention acquaintances in the context of social and spiritual relationships. For example, in Psalm 31:11 , David laments, "Because of all my enemies, I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors, I am dreaded—an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me on the street flee from me." Here, acquaintances are depicted as those who are aware of David's plight but choose to distance themselves from him.

The book of Job also provides insight into the nature of acquaintances. Job 19:13-14 states, "He has removed my brothers from me; my acquaintances have abandoned me. My kinsmen have failed me, and my close friends have forgotten me." This passage highlights the transient nature of human relationships, especially in times of suffering and adversity.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the Greek word "gnōstos" is used to describe acquaintances. The Gospel of Luke provides an example in Luke 2:44 , where it is written, "Thinking He was in their company, they traveled on for a day and then began to look for Him among their relatives and acquaintances." This passage illustrates the social structure of the time, where acquaintances were part of the extended community.

The concept of acquaintance in the New Testament also extends to the early Christian community. In Acts 1:21 , Peter speaks of the need to choose a new apostle from "those who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us." Here, the term implies a level of familiarity and shared experience, though not necessarily the deep intimacy of the inner circle of disciples.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the Bible's references to acquaintances underscore the importance of community and the discernment required in forming relationships. Proverbs 12:26 advises, "A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." This suggests that while acquaintances are a natural part of social life, believers are called to exercise wisdom in their associations, ensuring that their relationships align with their faith and values.

Furthermore, the transient nature of acquaintances, as seen in the experiences of David and Job, serves as a reminder of the impermanence of human relationships compared to the steadfastness of God's love and faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to seek deeper, more meaningful connections within the body of Christ, fostering relationships that are rooted in mutual faith and spiritual growth.1. (n.) A state of being acquainted, or of having intimate, or more than slight or superficial, knowledge; personal knowledge gained by intercourse short of that of friendship or intimacy; as, I know the man; but have no acquaintance with him.

2. (n.) A person or persons with whom one is acquainted.

ACQUAINT; ACQUAINTANCE

a-kwant', a-kwan'-tans (gnostoi): Terms referring to various degrees of knowledge, but implying more or less detailed information; applied to God's omniscience (Psalm 139:3), to the grief of the Suffering Servant of Yahweh (Isaiah 53:3), and to the knowledge which man should have of God. The noun in the concrete, unless limited by a qualifying term, means more than one who has been known simply in passing, and implies a degree of intimacy, as may be seen in Luke 2:44; Luke 23:49 2 Kings 12:5.

H. E. Jacobs

1110. gnostos -- known
... known. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: gnostos Phonetic Spelling:
(gnoce-tos') Short Definition: known, an acquaintance Definition: known, an ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1110.htm - 7k

2398. idios -- one's own, distinct
... Of uncertain affinity; pertaining to self, ie One's own; by implication, private
or separate -- X his acquaintance, when they were alone, apart, aside, due ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2398.htm - 8k

1097. ginosko -- to come to know, recognize, perceive
... learn; aor: I ascertained, realized. 1097 -- properly, , especially through (
acquaintance). 1097 ("experientially know") is used ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1097.htm - 12k

1987. epistamai -- to know, to understand
... 1987 (from 1909 , "fitting ," which intensifies 2476 , "stand") -- properly, ,
referring to gaining knowledge by prolonged acquaintance, ie , effort. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1987.htm - 7k

4378. makkar -- acquaintance, friend
... 4377, 4378. makkar. 4379 . acquaintance, friend. Transliteration: makkar
Phonetic Spelling: (mak-kawr') Short Definition: acquaintance. ...
/hebrew/4378.htm - 6k

4129. moda -- kinsman
... kinswoman. Or rather modao {mo-daw'}; from yada'; an acquaintance -- kinswoman.
see HEBREW yada'. 4128, 4129. moda or moda. 4130 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/4129.htm - 6k

4130. modaath -- kindred, kinship
... Word Origin from yada Definition kindred, kinship NASB Word Usage kinsman (1). kindred.
From yada'; acquaintance -- kindred. see HEBREW yada'. 4129, 4130. ...
/hebrew/4130.htm - 6k

3045. yada -- to know
... including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation,
punishment, etc.) (as follow) -- acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with ...
/hebrew/3045.htm - 8k

Self-Acquaintance.
... III. CONFLICT. Hymn 26 Self-acquaintance. William Cowper 8,6,8,6. Self-acquaintance.
Dear Lord accept a sinful heart,. Which of itself complains. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 26 self-acquaintance.htm

All My Acquaintance have the Same Complaint that I Here Make...
... [Way-2-2] All my acquaintance have the same complaint that I here make?
All my acquaintance have the same complaint that I here ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-2-2 all my acquaintance have.htm

Further Proof of Plato's Acquaintance with Scripture.
... Chapter XXXI."Further proof of Plato's acquaintance with Scripture. For from
what other source, if not from his reading the writings ...
/.../chapter xxxi further proof of platos.htm

Knowledge and Peace
... They mean little more than 'It pays to be religious.' What kind of notion of
acquaintance with God Eliphaz may have had, one scarcely knows, but at any rate ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/knowledge and peace.htm

Tennessee and Missouri.
... North Carolina "only on the ground of pure and unadulterated Evangelical Lutheranism,"
and added the comment: "We confess that a closer acquaintance has filled ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/tennessee and missouri.htm

Editor's Preface
... His intimate acquaintance with Egypt and its literature, and the opportunities of
discovery afforded him by his position for several years as director of the ...
/.../history of egypt chaldaea syria babylonia and assyria v 1/editors preface.htm

The Missionary in India.
... office? I, of course, use the word "worthy" in a relative sense, and I
remember our limited acquaintance with the human heart. It ...
/.../chapter xxiv the missionary in.htm

The Trial Before the High Priest.
... As an acquaintance he was at once admitted through the gates of the high priest's
palace, while Peter was refused admission. High priest. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the trial before the high.htm

Growth
... He might turn the injunction into"'Increase your acquaintance with your Saviour.'
Many Christians never get to be any more intimate with Him than they were ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/growth.htm

"A Fine, Generous Fellow. "
... a "fine, generous fellow." He valued money only as a means of obtaining what he
desired, and was always ready to spend it with an acquaintance for mutual ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/a fine generous fellow.htm

Acquaintance (16 Occurrences)
... superficial, knowledge; personal knowledge gained by intercourse short of that of
friendship or intimacy; as, I know the man; but have no acquaintance with him ...
/a/acquaintance.htm - 12k

Acquaintances (9 Occurrences)
... (WEB YLT NAS RSV). Psalms 88:8 Thou hast put mine acquaintance far from me; Thou
hast made me an abomination unto them; I am shut up, and I cannot come forth. ...
/a/acquaintances.htm - 9k

Ezekiel (4 Occurrences)
... 4,5, show his intimate acquaintance with the Levitical legislation. ... He shows also
an acquaintance with the writings of Hosea (Ezek. 37:22), Isaiah (Ezek. ...
/e/ezekiel.htm - 45k

Kinsman (29 Occurrences)
... 5:8 Ruth 2:20; Ruth 3:9, 12; 4:1, 3, 6, 8, 14; compare "performing the part of a
kinsman," Ruth 3:13); in Ruth 2:1, better rendered "acquaintance." Also qarobh ...
/k/kinsman.htm - 19k

Kinswoman (4 Occurrences)
... 5:8 Ruth 2:20; Ruth 3:9, 12; 4:1, 3, 6, 8, 14; compare "performing the part of a
kinsman," Ruth 3:13); in Ruth 2:1, better rendered "acquaintance." Also qarobh ...
/k/kinswoman.htm - 10k

Experience (28 Occurrences)
... event, whether witnessed or participated in; personal and direct impressions as
contrasted with description or fancies; personal acquaintance; actual enjoyment ...
/e/experience.htm - 17k

Cut (616 Occurrences)
... right angles. 9. (vt) To refuse to recognize; to ignore; as, to cut a person
in the street; to cut one's acquaintance. 10. (vt) To ...
/c/cut.htm - 45k

Acquaint (1 Occurrence)
... particulars of an act. 3. (vt) To familiarize; to accustom. Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia. ACQUAINT; ACQUAINTANCE. a-kwant', a-kwan ...
/a/acquaint.htm - 8k

Colossians (1 Occurrence)
... In Ignatius and in Polycarp we have here and there phrases and terminology that
suggest an acquaintance with Colossians but not much more (Ignat., Ephes., x.3 ...
/c/colossians.htm - 23k

Companions (58 Occurrences)
... Psalms 88:8 Thou hast put mine acquaintance far from me; Thou hast made me an
abomination unto them; I am shut up, and I cannot come forth. (See RSV). ...
/c/companions.htm - 23k

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