A Good Word – καρδιογνώστης (Heart-knower)

The contemporary worship song “Way Maker,” written by Nigerian songwriter Sinach, has spread to churches around the world. Part of the power of the song consists of pointing to who God is and not just what He does for us. While it is true that God makes a way for us, He is also the Way-maker. That is who He is.

Greek words can be used in a similar way—start with a noun, add a verb, and finish with an ending that makes it clear the word refers to a person or to people. The New Testament contains words like “God-worshiper” (θεοσεβής [John 9:31]) and “God-opposer” (θεομάχος [Acts 5:39]). Such words can also be used with reference to God. For example, He is the “Reward-giver” (μισθαποδότης [Hebrews 11:6]) to those who seek Him. Additionally—and this is the focus here—He is the Heart-knower (καρδιογνώστης). While it is true that God knows our hearts, He is also the Heart-knower. That is who He is, not just what He does.

The word Heart-knower (καρδιογνώστης) appears twice in the Book of Acts, once in the context of choosing a leader for the church (Acts 1:24) and once in the context of church conflict (Acts 15:8). According to Acts 1, the early church felt the need to replace Judas, who betrayed Christ, with someone who could take up his place of ministry and leadership. As part of the process, the church prayed to the Lord, “Heart-knower of all people,” to guide them in their choice. As a result of the Lord’s guidance, Matthias joined the apostles to provide leadership for the church.

Later in Acts, the church once again found it necessary to choose additional leaders (6:1–7), servants who would care for needy people, especially the widows in the church. In selecting these leaders, seven men were prayerfully chosen. Again, the Heart-knower guided the church in identifying godly servant-leaders—those who had a good reputation and were filled with the Holy Spirit, wisdom, and faith.

It is important to remember that God is the Heart-knower (καρδιογνώστης) when identifying leaders for the church. Since God is the only one who really knows people—all their thoughts and motivations—He knows who can best serve the church. Congregations need leaders who are filled with the Holy Spirit, wisdom, and faith. Therefore, we must fervently pray to the Heart-knower for His guidance; He sees what we can never adequately see.

As a body of believers, we should earnestly pray for our leadership—those to whom God has entrusted the care of our souls and spiritual maturation. Let’s pray that the Lord will shape their hearts and increase their faith, wisdom, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. May the Lord raise a new generation of servant-hearted leaders around the world, that each one might be dedicated to the heart and wisdom of the Heart-knower Himself. The church hungers for godly servant-leaders as it faces incredible opportunities and fearful challenges.

God, Heart-knower of all people, help us.