Question: What is the subtle difference between the gift of the word of knowledge and the gift of discerning of spirits from a biblical perspective?
Subtle Differences Between the Gift of the Word of Knowledge and the Gift of Discerning of Spirits (Biblical Perspective):
Gift of the Word of Knowledge:
- Definition: The supernatural ability to receive specific, detailed knowledge from God about a person, event, or situation.
- Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:8 (ESV) – “For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit…”
- Characteristics:
- Involves receiving insights or information beyond natural knowledge.
- Focuses on the revelation of facts or details that are not known through ordinary means.
Gift of Discerning of Spirits:
- Definition: The supernatural ability to discern or recognize the spiritual origin, nature, or presence of entities such as angels, demons, or human spirits.
- Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV) – “to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits…”
- Characteristics:
- Involves perceiving and distinguishing spiritual entities or influences.
- Focuses on recognizing the source or nature of spiritual manifestations.
- It is the supernatural ability given to you by God to “see” in the spirit realm the ype of spirit behind a thing, place or person. Let’s explore the biblical account of Elisha and his servant when they faced the Syrian army to explain this point in 2 Kings 6:17-20. Early in the morning, Elisha’s servant saw the city surrounded by the Syrian army with their horses and chariots. Understandably, he was terrified by the overwhelming force arrayed against them. Elisha, however, remained calm and prayed to God. He said, “O LORD, please open my servant’s eyes so that he can see.” The LORD answered Elisha’s prayer, and the servant’s eyes were opened. To his astonishment, he saw in the spirit realm the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha! These were angelic forces, sent by God to protect His servants. Elisha’s servant therefore operated in the gift of discerning of spirits
Bible Cases or Characters Illustrating the Differences:
- Word of Knowledge:
- Case 1 – Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4): Jesus demonstrates the gift of the word of knowledge by revealing details about the Samaritan woman’s personal life and history that He wouldn’t have known naturally.
- Case 2 – Ananias and Saul (Acts 9): Ananias receives specific knowledge from God regarding Saul’s conversion and his role in laying hands on Saul for healing and receiving the Holy Spirit.
- Discerning of Spirits:
- Case 1 – Apostle Paul in Philippi (Acts 16:16-18): Paul discerns the spirit of divination in a slave girl and casts out the evil spirit.
- Case 2 – Elisha and the Aramean Army (2 Kings 6:15-17): Elisha prays for his servant’s eyes to be opened, enabling him to see the spiritual reality of God’s angelic army surrounding them, protecting them from the Aramean army.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
- The gift of the word of knowledge involves receiving specific information or insights beyond natural knowledge.
- The gift of discerning of spirits involves perceiving (or seeing into the spirit realm) and distinguishing the spiritual origin or nature of entities.
In summary, the gift of the word of knowledge focuses on supernatural insights, while the gift of discerning of spirits focuses on recognizing the spiritual origin or nature of entities. The biblical examples illustrate how these gifts operate in different contexts.
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name“
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