What's up with 'know' meaning 'have sex with' in the Bible?

Question

Was this terminology invented to enrich the art of the double entendre?

Answer 1

I actually have no idea what the rendering is in the original language, but I like the double entendre.

It may have something to do with the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil as well. Part of that knowledge was self-consciousness and, I suppose, awareness of the self-consciousness of others. Before they ate of the tree, they were naked and unashamed. After, they were only rightfully naked and unashamed in the context of marriage (it wasn't okay for Adam and Eve to be unclothed in public). So, even in a crowd, Adam and Eve had knowledge of each other that was hidden from everyone else.

Sex renders us vulnerable and naked both physically and emotionally. I know people learn how to hide, but it _can be_ the most honest, self-disclosing exchange humans are capable of enjoying.

People speak lightly of the risks they take in sex by indulging without any sense of intimacy. What have they risked, exactly? They've not ventured much of themselves. The risk is to bring every part of who you are to the table. To look into the eyes of your lover without holding anything back, without deception, without judgment, without fear. To know, and be known.

Answer 2

I'm pretty sure the double entendre existed long before the Bible. I think this is probably the prudishness of the translators. I don't think it is worded that way in the original text.
http://judgeright.blogspot.com

Answer 3

Since no example was given in your question, I will provide my own example using the word "knoweth".

Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.(KJV)

Original Word.. oºra/w
Transliterated Word..Eido
Phonetic Spelling..i'-do
Parts of Speech..Verb

Definition
1. to see
a, to perceive with the eyes
b. to perceive by any of the senses
c. to perceive, notice, discern, discover
d. to see
1. i.e. to turn the eyes, the mind, the attention to anything
2. to pay attention, observe
3. to see about something 1d
2. i.e. to ascertain what must be done about it
1. to inspect, examine
2. to look at, behold
1. to experience any state or condition
2. to see i.e. have an interview with, to visit
3. to know
a. to know of anything
b. to know, i.e. get knowledge of, understand, perceive
1. of any fact
2. the force and meaning of something which has definite meaning
3. to know how, to be skilled in
c. to have regard for one, cherish, pay attention to

Translated Words KJV
behold
cannot tell
know
know how
look
misc
perceive
see
wist

Answer 4

I am so tired I cannot look it up now...but just from the top on my head I would say that I heard that Jesus' mother Mary did not have a knowing of a man...and I believe that means that she had not had any sexual relations with a man.

Answer 5

No. Its middle English used by the writers of books at that time so as not to offend decent ladies and gentlemen with crude language.

Answer 6

Oh Dear! Is that why all the Christian girls who i have said "I would like to get to know you better" have all kicked me in the nuts and ran away?

^^^Was just a joke... Yeah, I know, kinda messed up..old languages can be funny.

Answer 7

sex is not mentiones as such in the bible it talks of coming together or lieing togather and it is a sign of marradge there should not be cassuel sex. it is an intamate part of love. and should come after marraige and comitment not before.

Answer 8

It is the translation from the Hebrew that is responsible.

Answer 9

i think they were just too afraid to use the S word in regards to their holy scriptures.

Answer 10

that king james was always playin practical jokes