Bible Strands
Luke 1:4
so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The author Luke addresses his orderly account to Theophilus immediately after describing his careful investigation of events from the beginning. This statement concludes the prologue before the narrative of John the Baptist and Jesus begins.
The words — The term ἐπιγνῷς (epignōs) literally means "you may know thoroughly," paired with ἀσφάλειαν (asphaleian) for "certainty." These words directly translate the author's purpose to verify what the reader has already received.
The thread — The purpose clause "so that you may know/believe" parallels John 20:31, which states written accounts aim to produce belief. The concept of confirmed instruction echoes Acts 18:25 and 1 Corinthians 14:19, where teaching aims at accurate understanding.
Why it lands — The text demands verification of prior teaching rather than new revelation. It requires the reader to treat the forthcoming account as a reliable confirmation of established instruction.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
Cross-references
- John 20:31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.
- Acts 18:25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and was fervent in spirit. He spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.
- 1 Corinthians 14:19 But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
- Galatians 6:6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.
- Romans 2:18 if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;
- 2 Peter 1:15 And I will make every effort to ensure that after my departure, you will be able to recall these things at all times.