Understanding διάκρισις (diakrasis) Strong’s G1253: The Spiritual Gift of Discernment That Distinguishes Truth from Error

Pronunciation Guide: dee-AK-ree-sis (with emphasis on the second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1253: Διάκρισις (diakrisis) refers to the act of distinguishing or discriminating between things, particularly the ability to discern or judge between what is true and false, good and evil, or spiritual and unspiritual. In biblical contexts, it often carries the connotation of spiritual discernment—a God-given ability to perceive and evaluate the source and nature of spiritual manifestations. It implies not just separation but careful evaluation leading to sound judgment.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)
• Root Words: From διακρίνω (diakrinō, G1252) meaning “to separate thoroughly, to discriminate, to judge”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Instructional/teaching passages, particularly in epistles dealing with spiritual gifts and Christian discernment
• Biblical Genre: Predominantly in didactic (teaching) portions of the New Testament

Διάκρισις Morphology:

• διάκρισις (nominative singular) – discernment/distinguishing
• διακρίσεως (genitive singular) – of discernment
• διακρίσει (dative singular) – with/by discernment
• διάκρισιν (accusative singular) – discernment (as direct object)

Origin & History

The term διάκρισις derives from the verb διακρίνω (diakrinō), which in classical Greek originally referred to the physical separation of objects or the distinguishing between physical things. In Aristotle’s works, particularly his “Rhetoric,” the term appears in discussions about the discriminating faculties of judgment and reasoning. The emphasis was on the intellectual capacity to differentiate between concepts and propositions.

In the Septuagint (LXX), forms of διακρίνω appear in contexts of legal judgments and disputes, such as in Exodus 18:16 where Moses “judges” (διακρίνω) between the Israelites. The noun form διάκρισις, however, is rare in the LXX. By the Hellenistic period, the word group had expanded to include more abstract notions of discernment and evaluation, particularly in philosophical works. The church father Origen later used διάκρισις extensively in his commentaries when discussing the spiritual gift of discernment, calling it the ability to “distinguish between spirits” (διάκρισις πνευμάτων).

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The ability to distinguish between different spiritual sources (divine, human, or demonic)
• The act of making a proper distinction or judgment between various options or teachings
• The process of evaluating and separating good from evil, truth from falsehood
• The faculty of perception that sees beyond surface appearances to spiritual realities
• The capacity to recognize the true nature or character of something or someone

Διάκρισις Translation Options:

• Discernment – Emphasizes the perceptive quality of seeing beyond surface appearances; best captures the spiritual sensitivity implied in the New Testament usage
• Discrimination – Highlights the ability to recognize fine distinctions; effective when discussing the intellectual aspect but carries potential negative connotations in modern English
• Distinguishing – Focuses on the act of separating or categorizing; particularly appropriate when διάκρισις is used in contexts of spiritual gift manifestations
• Judgment – Emphasizes the evaluative aspect; suitable when the context involves making determinations between options
• Differentiation – Underscores the process of recognizing distinctions; useful in more analytical or theological contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, διάκρισις appears only three times, yet each instance illuminates an important facet of its meaning. In Romans 14:1, its first appearance, Paul uses it in the negative sense, instructing believers not to receive those weak in faith “for the purpose of passing judgment on their opinions” (εἰς διακρίσεις διαλογισμῶν), suggesting that discernment should not become divisive discrimination against fellow believers.

In Hebrews 5:14, the term appears in a developmental context, where mature believers are characterized by having “their senses trained to discern [πρὸς διάκρισιν] good and evil.” This usage suggests that διάκρισις is a spiritual skill developed through practice and spiritual maturity. Perhaps most significantly, in 1 Corinthians 12:10, Paul lists “discernment of spirits” (διακρίσεις πνευμάτων) as one of the spiritual gifts distributed by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the body of believers, indicating its importance in the spiritual protection and guidance of the community of faith.

• “But him who is weak in faith, receive, not for [διακρίσεις] disputes over opinions.” Romans 14:1
• “But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to [διάκρισιν] discern good and evil.” Hebrews 5:14
• “and to another the working of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another [διακρίσεις] discerning of spirits…” 1 Corinthians 12:10

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, particularly within Hellenistic Jewish communities, the concept of discernment was closely associated with wisdom traditions. The ability to discern between good and evil was considered one of the hallmarks of the wise, as reflected in texts like the Wisdom of Solomon. However, the early Messianic community transformed this concept by connecting διάκρισις explicitly to the work of the Holy Spirit rather than merely human wisdom or intellectual capacity.

This spiritual dimension of διάκρισις would have been especially important in first-century congregations where diverse spiritual manifestations were common. In a world filled with competing religious claims, oracles, and spiritual experiences, the gift of discernment served as a protective function within the community of believers. Just as the Essene community at Qumran emphasized testing spirits (as seen in the “Rule of the Community” texts), early believers needed to distinguish authentic spiritual manifestations from false ones. The Jewish concept of בָּחַן (bachan) — testing or examining — provided a cultural backdrop for understanding why Paul valued the gift of διάκρισις so highly, especially in diverse congregations like Corinth where spiritual enthusiasm needed wise governance.

Theological Significance

Διάκρισις stands as a profound reflection of Yahweh’s character as the perfect Judge and Discerner. In Hebrews 4:12, we read that the Word of God is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit…” This divine discernment is mirrored imperfectly in the gift He grants to His people. Just as the Messiah Jesus perfectly discerned the hearts and intentions of those He encountered during His earthly ministry, when He grants διάκρισις to believers, He equips them with a partial share in this divine perspective.

Theologically, διάκρισις speaks to the tension between human limitation and divine revelation. In a fallen world where deception abounds, discernment serves as both protection and guidance. This gift reflects God’s mercy in not leaving His people without resources to navigate spiritual complexities. Moreover, the placement of διάκρισις among the spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 reveals God’s wisdom in distributing different gifts within the body of believers, creating interdependence rather than self-sufficiency. The fact that discernment is something to be developed (Hebrews 5:14) while also being a gift (1 Corinthians 12:10) highlights the beautiful interplay between Divine grace and human responsibility in the life of faith.

Personal Application

Cultivating διάκρισις in our lives today involves both prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit and intentional immersion in Scripture. As we develop this spiritual sensitivity, we become better equipped to navigate a world of competing voices, ideologies, and spiritual claims. Discernment protects us from being “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14).

In practical terms, this means approaching new teachings, experiences, and relationships with both openness and thoughtful evaluation. It means asking not just “Is this wrong?” but “Is this best?” and “Is this from God?” True διάκρισις is never merely critical or suspicious but is rooted in love and truth, seeking to build up rather than tear down. When we pray for and practice discernment, we participate in God’s protective work in our lives and communities, becoming instruments of His clarity in a confused world.

Related Words

• κρίσις (krisis) [KRI-sis] – judgment, decision, separation; focuses more on the verdict or decision than the process of distinguishing. While διάκρισις emphasizes the process of discerning differences, κρίσις emphasizes the outcome or judgment rendered. See G2920
• δοκιμάζω (dokimazō) [do-ki-MAH-zo] – to test, examine, prove, scrutinize; emphasizes the testing process to determine genuineness or worth. Where διάκρισις focuses on distinguishing between things, δοκιμάζω focuses on testing to confirm quality or authenticity. See G1381
• συνίημι (syniēmi) [soon-EE-ay-mi] – to put together, to understand, to comprehend; emphasizes intellectual grasp or comprehension. Unlike διάκρισις which focuses on distinguishing differences, συνίημι emphasizes putting things together to gain understanding. See G4920
• φρόνησις (phronēsis) [FRON-ay-sis] – practical wisdom, prudence, thoughtfulness; emphasizes wisdom in action and decision-making. While διάκρισις focuses on distinguishing truth from falsehood, φρόνησις focuses on applying wisdom to life situations. See G5428
• διαίρεσις (diairesis) [dee-AH-ee-re-sis] – division, distribution, variety; used specifically of the distribution of spiritual gifts. Where διάκρισις is about distinguishing between things, διαίρεσις focuses on the apportioning or distributing of things. See G1243

Did you Know?

• Did you know that in ancient Jewish practice, particularly among the Essenes at Qumran, there was a formal process called “the testing of spirits” that bears remarkable similarity to the New Testament concept of διάκρισις? The Dead Sea Scrolls contain instructions for community members to examine new adherents and spiritual experiences through a rigorous process of discernment, showing that the concept was already developing in Jewish thought before the New Testament writings.
• Did you know that many early church fathers, particularly in the desert monastic traditions, wrote extensively about διάκρισις as the “queen of virtues”? John Cassian (c. 360-435 CE) and other Desert Fathers considered the gift of discernment to be essential for spiritual progress, believing that without it, even virtues could become vices if practiced inappropriately or taken to extremes. They taught that διάκρισις was not just about distinguishing good from evil but discerning the right measure in all things.
• Did you know that in modern psychology, the concept of “critical thinking” shares many features with the biblical understanding of διάκρισις? Both involve evaluating claims, examining evidence, and making judgments based on careful analysis rather than superficial impressions. However, biblical διάκρισις extends beyond rational analysis to include spiritual sensitivity and dependence on divine guidance—a dimension largely absent from secular critical thinking models.

Remember This

Διάκρισις is the divine flashlight that illuminates the path of truth in a foggy world of deception, enabling believers to walk confidently in the way of the Messiah.