Understanding ἀνακρίνω (anakrinō) Strong’s G350: The Divine Gift of Spiritual Discernment and Righteous Judgment

Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-KREE-noh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G350: ἀνακρίνω (anakrinō) combines the preposition ἀνά (up, again, thoroughly) with κρίνω (to judge, separate, decide). It refers to the careful examination, investigation, and discernment of matters, particularly in judicial contexts. The word implies a thorough scrutiny that leads to an informed judgment or decision.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Words: ἀνά (ana) + κρίνω (krinō)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Legal/judicial contexts, spiritual discernment
• Genre Distribution: Primarily in narrative and teaching passages

ἀνακρίνω Morphology:

• ἀνακρίνω (present active indicative) – I examine, investigate
• ἀνακρίνει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she examines
• ἀνακρίνειν (present active infinitive) – to examine
• ἀνέκρινα (aorist active indicative) – I examined
• ἀνακρινόμενος (present passive participle) – being examined

Origin & History

The term ἀνακρίνω has deep roots in classical Greek legal terminology. In ancient Athenian law, it was used for preliminary investigations before cases were brought to trial. Thucydides employs it in his “History of the Peloponnesian War” when describing official inquiries into political matters.

In the Septuagint (LXX), ἀνακρίνω appears in judicial contexts, particularly in the historical books, reflecting its continued legal usage. The transition from secular legal terminology to spiritual discernment becomes evident in early Christian literature, where writers like Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata” use it to describe the examination of spiritual truths.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Legal examination or investigation of facts
• Careful scrutiny or evaluation of evidence
• Spiritual discernment of truth
• Questioning to determine facts or truth

ἀνακρίνω Translation Options:

• “To examine carefully” – Best for contexts involving detailed investigation
• “To judge” – Appropriate when emphasis is on reaching a conclusion
• “To discern” – Ideal for spiritual contexts
• “To scrutinize” – Useful when emphasizing thorough investigation
• “To investigate” – Suitable for formal or legal contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀνακρίνω appears 16 times, with Paul using it most frequently in his letters to the Corinthians. The word carries both legal and spiritual connotations, often bridging the gap between human judgment and spiritual discernment.

The first appearance in Luke 23:14 shows Pilate using the term in its legal sense, emphasizing official examination. However, Paul elevates the word’s meaning to encompass spiritual discernment, particularly in his discussions about judging spiritual matters.

• “Luke 23:14 – “and said to them, ‘You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined [ἀνακρίνας] Him before you…'”
• “1 Corinthians 2:14 – “But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually examined [ἀνακρίνεται].”
• “1 Corinthians 4:3 – “But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined [ἀνακριθῶ] by you, or by any human court.”
• “Acts 17:11 – “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining [ἀνακρίνοντες] the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish courts, the process of ἀνάκρισις (the noun form of ἀνακρίνω) was crucial in establishing truth. The Sanhedrin would conduct thorough examinations, requiring at least two witnesses before reaching a verdict. This legal background illuminates the depth of investigation implied when the Bereans “examined” the Scriptures daily.

The Greek concept of ἀνάκρισις also influenced Roman legal procedures, where preliminary hearings (cognitio) served to gather and examine evidence before the main trial. This historical context helps us understand the thorough nature of Pilate’s examination of Jesus, though ironically, his investigation failed to discern spiritual truth.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀνακρίνω in Scripture reveals a profound truth about spiritual discernment. While human beings can examine external evidence, true spiritual understanding requires the Holy Spirit’s illumination. This is particularly evident in 1 Corinthians 2:14-15, where Paul contrasts natural and spiritual discernment.

The word also highlights the relationship between divine and human judgment. While we are called to exercise discernment (1 Thessalonians 5:21), ultimate judgment belongs to God. This tension reminds us to examine with humility and dependence on divine wisdom.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀνακρίνω challenges us to develop spiritual discernment through careful examination of God’s Word and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Like the Bereans, we’re called to be diligent investigators of truth, not passive recipients of teaching.

This word also reminds us to examine our own hearts and motives with the same thoroughness we might apply to investigating external matters. When we allow the Holy Spirit to “examine” us, we open ourselves to transformative growth and deeper spiritual understanding.

Related Words

• διακρίνω (diakrinō) – to distinguish, discern clearly, judge – Emphasizes the act of distinguishing between options See G1252
• κρίνω (krinō) – to judge, decide – The root word focusing on the act of judgment See G2919
• δοκιμάζω (dokimazō) – to test, prove, examine – Emphasizes testing to prove genuineness See G1381
• ἐξετάζω (exetazō) – to search out, examine carefully – Focuses on thorough investigation See G1833

Did you Know?

• The term ἀνακρίνω was so significant in ancient Greek law that special magistrates called ἀνακριταί were appointed specifically to conduct preliminary investigations.
• The word’s intensive prefix ἀνα- suggests movement from bottom to top, implying a thorough examination that leaves no stone unturned – a concept that would have resonated strongly with both Greek and Jewish legal minds.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of ἀνάκριση in legal contexts, particularly for preliminary investigations in criminal cases, maintaining its ancient juridical significance.

Remember This

ἀνακρίνω represents the beautiful intersection of careful investigation and spiritual discernment, reminding us that true understanding comes through both diligent study and the Holy Spirit’s illumination.