Yada: To Know
The Hebrew word “Yada” means to know, but not just intellectually. It speaks of deep, personal, and experiential knowledge. In Scripture, yada is used for everything from knowing facts to knowing someone intimately, even describing the relationship between husband and wife.
But [the time is coming when] the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14
Yada Begins with
Thus says the Lord, “Let not the one who is wise and skillful boast in his insight; let not the one who is mighty and powerful boast in his strength; let not the one who is rich boast in his [temporal satisfactions and earthly] abundance; but let the one who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me [and acknowledges Me and honors Me as God and recognizes without any doubt], that I am the Lord who practices lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on the earth, for in these things I delight,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23-24
And then I will declare to them publicly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me [you are banished from My presence], you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].’ Matthew 7:23
Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors. Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. Deuteronomy 8:1-2
Yada
Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. Proverbs 3:5-6
Knowing God involves interpersonal experience with his character. God is allowing people to know him through experiencing his character. Knowing God, however, also involves our response to him. It is associated with one’s obedience to him (1 Sam. 2:12; Job. 18:21), fear of him (1 Ki. 8:43; II Chron. 6:33), serving him (1 Chron.28: 9), belief in him (Is. 43:10), trust in him (Ps. 9:10; Prov. 3:5-6), confession of one’s sin (Ps. 32:5), and knowledge of his Word (Ps. 119:79). It involves not just theoretical knowledge but acceptance of the divine will of God for your own life.
Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
Yada Leads to
Truly knowing God transforms our hearts, filling us with His love, grace, and truth. When we experience His goodness firsthand, we can’t help but share it with others. Just as light cannot be hidden, a genuine relationship with God naturally leads to a desire to tell others about Him.
But [the time is coming when] the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14
Digging Deeper in the App:
Discussion Guide: Yada – To Know God Deeply
Main Theme:
Yada (יָדַע) means more than intellectual knowledge—it speaks of deep, personal, and experiential knowing. God desires for us to know Him, not just know about Him. This knowledge transforms how we live and compels us to share His glory with the world.
Main Points:
1. Yada Begins with Relationship
📖 Jeremiah 9:23-24, Matthew 7:23, Deuteronomy 8:1-2
Knowing God is not about religion but relationship.
Jesus warns that some will think they know Him, but He will say, “I never knew you” (Matt. 7:23).
True knowledge of God comes through experiencing His character, His discipline, and His love.
Discussion Questions:
What’s the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him?
Have you ever experienced a time when God revealed His character to you personally?
2. Yada Transforms How We Live
📖 Proverbs 3:5-6, John 8:31-32, Psalm 9:10
True knowledge of God changes our decisions, relationships, and purpose.
Knowing God means trusting Him in every aspect of our lives.
It involves obedience, faith, fear of God, serving Him, and trusting His plan.
Discussion Questions:
How has your knowledge of God impacted the way you live?
What’s one area where you need to trust God more fully?
3. Yada Leads to Spreading His Glory
📖 Habakkuk 2:14, Isaiah 43:10, Psalm 32:5
A true experience of God’s presence stirs something in us that cannot be contained.
When we know Him deeply, we naturally want to share Him with others.
God’s desire is for the entire world to know Him personally.
Discussion Questions:
What’s one way you can share your experience of God with others this week?
How can we live in a way that reflects God’s glory?
Key Takeaways:
✅ Yada means knowing God personally and experientially, not just intellectually.
✅ A deep relationship with God changes how we live and shapes our decisions.
✅ When we truly know God, we are compelled to share His love with others.
Cross References:
Knowing God through experience: Psalm 119:79, 1 Chronicles 28:9
Trusting God in daily life: Psalm 9:10, Proverbs 3:5-6
Spreading God’s glory: Isaiah 43:10, Matthew 28:19-20
Next Steps:
🔹 Spend time daily in God’s presence—prayer, worship, and His Word.
🔹 Reflect on personal experiences where God revealed His character to you.
🔹 Ask God to show you opportunities to share His love with others.
🔹 Commit to trusting God in an area where you’ve struggled to surrender.
Final Reflection:
📖 Habakkuk 2:14—“The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”
Imagine a world where everyone knows God personally.
How can you be part of making this vision a reality?