Brief Overview of κρίμα (Strong’s G2917: krima)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for grasping the deeper meanings and contexts behind the texts. The Greek word κρίμα (krima) is particularly significant as it relates to concepts of judgment, decision-making, and justice in both secular and divine contexts. Its usage in the New Testament, beginning with Matthew 7:2, offers insight into how judgment is perceived and applied within Christian theology and ancient Greek culture. The word carries connotations of condemnation, judicial verdicts, and divine judgment, making it a key term in discussions about morality, justice, and eschatology.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κρίμα (krima) [KREE-mah]

Etymology: The word κρίμα comes from the root verb κρίνω (krinō), meaning “to judge,” “to separate,” or “to decide.” The suffix -μα indicates the result of an action, so κρίμα translates to “judgment” or “verdict.” This word’s etymological roots reflect its association with legal and moral decisions, both human and divine.

Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter). κρίμα is a neuter noun that follows the third declension pattern in Greek. It primarily functions in contexts related to legal or moral judgments, and its grammatical form varies depending on the case and number it is used in.

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Defining Meanings

Judgment: The primary meaning of κρίμα is “judgment,” referring to the act of deciding or determining the right course of action or legal outcome. This could apply to both human courts and divine judgment in a spiritual sense.

Condemnation: In many New Testament contexts, κρίμα carries a negative connotation of condemnation or a judicial verdict leading to punishment. For example, in the Gospels, it often refers to the consequences of sin or failure to live according to divine law.

Decision or Decree: κρίμα can also mean a “decision” or “decree,” reflecting its use in contexts where a binding judgment is made. This could apply to decisions made by governing authorities or divine edicts issued by God.

Exploring Similar Words

κρίσις (krisis) [KREE-sis]: This word also means “judgment” but often emphasizes the process of judgment rather than the result. It is closely related but focuses on the deliberation aspect rather than the verdict.

κατακρίμα (katakrima) [ka-ta-KREE-mah]: Refers specifically to “condemnation” or “penalty.” While κρίμα can imply judgment with either positive or negative outcomes, κατακρίμα explicitly denotes a negative judgment or a sentence of guilt.

διακρίνω (diakrinō) [dee-a-KREE-noh]: Means “to distinguish” or “to decide,” often used in contexts involving discernment rather than judicial judgment. It focuses on making distinctions or choices.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: κρίμα is a neuter noun, and its forms change according to its case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) and number (singular, plural). For example, in the nominative singular, it is κρίμα; in the genitive singular, it becomes κρίματος; in the plural nominative, it is κρίματα.

Declension: The declension of κρίμα follows the third declension pattern in Greek.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word κρίμα is understood across various contexts in both New Testament and classical Greek literature. In New Testament theology, it often denotes divine judgment, as seen in Matthew 7:2, where it describes the principle of reciprocal judgment — “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” In classical Greek, κρίμα may also refer to court verdicts, decisions made by judges, or even the divine judgments of gods. Its theological implications include the concept of divine justice, where God’s judgments are seen as righteous and inevitable.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 7:2: “For with what judgment (κρίμα) you judge, you will be judged; and with what measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Romans 2:2: “But we know that the judgment (κρίμα) of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.”

James 3:1: “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment (κρίμα).”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κρίμα (krima) offers rich insights into biblical and classical concepts of judgment, justice, and decision-making. Used primarily to denote the outcome of a judicial process, whether divine or human, it underlines themes of justice, accountability, and moral decision-making that resonate deeply in both religious and legal contexts. Understanding κρίμα helps to grasp the biblical emphasis on how one’s actions align with divine justice and the inevitable reciprocity of judgment.

Did You Know?

Did you know? The word κρίμα appears frequently in legal contexts in both the New Testament and classical literature, highlighting the universality of the concept of justice across different cultures.

Did you know? In ancient Greek courts, the κρίμα was often the final verdict, and there were no appeals, emphasizing the finality of justice.

Did you know? The usage of κρίμα in biblical texts often reflects a reciprocal justice principle, where the measure one uses to judge others will be used against oneself.