Science
Summary
In Scripture, a term meaning 'knowledge,' used by Paul to warn against false teachings that claimed superior spiritual insight.
☩Biblical Usage
The word 'science' appears in the King James Version in Daniel 1:4, where it simply means knowledge or wisdom. The more significant occurrence is in 1 Timothy 6:20, where Paul warns Timothy to avoid 'oppositions of science falsely so called.' Here 'science' translates the Greek gnosis, which elsewhere is rendered 'knowledge.'
☩The False Gnosis
Paul's warning refers to an incipient form of Gnosticism—the pretentious spiritual 'knowledge' that set itself against the simplicity of the gospel. These false teachers claimed superior insight into the nature of divine things, often through mystical interpretation of the Old Testament. The Gnostics later derived their name from this boasted gnosis, and they were among the earliest corrupters of Christianity.
☩True vs. False Knowledge
Scripture does not condemn genuine knowledge or learning. The wise are praised for seeking understanding, and Daniel and his companions excelled in learning and wisdom. Rather, Paul condemns the arrogant claim to spiritual knowledge that contradicts revealed truth. True knowledge builds up in love; false knowledge puffs up with pride.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Science," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Science," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).