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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in the New Testament can offer deeper insights into the text’s original meaning and its theological implications. The Greek word κρίσις (krisis), which first appears in Matthew 5:21, is particularly significant because it conveys the concept of judgment or decision-making. It is a term that is frequently used in the New Testament to describe divine judgment, human decision-making, or the process of making a determination between right and wrong. In ancient Greek culture, κρίσις was also a legal and philosophical term, thus enriching its relevance for both Biblical interpretation and understanding ancient judicial processes.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κρίσις (krisis) [KREE-sis]

Etymology: The word κρίσις is derived from the root verb κρίνω (krinō), which means “to judge,” “to decide,” or “to separate.” The noun form κρίσις denotes the act or process of judgment, the outcome of a decision, or a legal determination. It captures both the action and result of discerning or distinguishing between options.

Part of Speech: Noun. κρίσις is a feminine noun in the Greek language. As a noun, it falls into the third declension, which influences its endings in different cases (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) in singular and plural forms. It is often used in contexts related to legal or moral judgment.

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Defining Meanings

Judgment (Legal or Divine): The primary meaning of κρίσις is “judgment” in the sense of a legal decision or divine judgment. In the New Testament, it frequently refers to God’s final judgment of humanity, emphasizing divine justice and accountability.

Condemnation or Sentence: Another key meaning of κρίσις is “condemnation” or “sentence,” particularly in legal or judicial contexts. It can describe the outcome of a trial or the pronouncement of a penalty.

Decision or Choice: More broadly, κρίσις can mean “decision” or “choice,” reflecting the act of making a judgment or determination between different options or actions. This meaning extends into philosophical and ethical discussions where decisions are weighed and considered.

Exploring Similar Words

δίκη (dikē) [DEE-kay]: This word translates to “justice” or “penalty” and is often used in the context of retributive justice or punishment. While κρίσις emphasizes the act of judgment, δίκη focuses on justice as an outcome or a principle.

κρίμα (krima) [KREE-mah]: This word means “judgment” or “verdict” and is closely related to κρίσις. However, κρίμα often emphasizes the result of the judgment rather than the process.

ἀνάκρισις (anakrisis) [an-AH-kree-sis]: This term refers to “examination” or “inquiry,” typically used in legal contexts to describe the preliminary investigation or questioning before a judgment is made. It involves a more in-depth analysis or interrogation than κρίσις.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: κρίσις is a feminine noun of the third declension. It can appear in various cases:

• Nominative Singular: κρίσις (the judgment)
• Genitive Singular: κρίσεως (of the judgment)
• Dative Singular: κρίσει (to/for the judgment)
• Accusative Singular: κρίσιν (the judgment)

Declension: As a third-declension noun, κρίσις changes its ending depending on its grammatical case and number. Here is a declension table for κρίσις:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

κρίσις is a significant term in New Testament theology, often used to describe divine judgment, especially in eschatological contexts. It is employed to discuss the final judgment, where God distinguishes between the righteous and the unrighteous. The word also appears in discussions about human judgment, urging believers to exercise righteous judgment rather than hypocritical condemnation. Classical literature employs κρίσις in legal, philosophical, and rhetorical contexts, further emphasizing its multifaceted meanings. The term encapsulates themes of justice, morality, and divine authority, resonating through various layers of Biblical and classical thought.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 5:21: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment (κρίσεως).’” This verse highlights the concept of judgment as a consequence of sin.

John 5:22: “For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment (κρίσιν) to the Son.” Here, κρίσις emphasizes the authority given to Jesus to execute divine judgment.

Hebrews 9:27: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment (κρίσις).” This verse underscores the inevitability of divine judgment following death.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κρίσις (krisis) serves as a foundational concept in both Biblical and classical literature. It encompasses the process of making a judgment, whether human or divine, and the resulting decision or sentence. It is vital in discussions on divine justice and human morality, appearing frequently in the New Testament and ancient Greek writings. Understanding κρίσις allows for a more profound comprehension of the theological and ethical dimensions within Biblical texts.

Did You Know?

Did you know? The word κρίσις is where the English word “crisis” originates, which originally meant a decision point or turning point.

Did you know? In the Septuagint, κρίσις is often used to translate Hebrew words related to justice and judgment, highlighting its importance in Jewish and Christian thought.

Did you know? The concept of κρίσις in Greek philosophy was central to discussions on ethics, justice, and governance, influencing early Christian theology.