Understanding ἀπόκριμα (apokrima) Strong’s G610: When Death’s Sentence Reveals God’s Supreme Power to Deliver

Pronunciation Guide: ap-ok’-ree-mah (emphasis on ‘kree’)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G610: ἀπόκριμα is a judicial term meaning “a judicial sentence, official decision, or verdict,” particularly one announcing condemnation or death. In its sole New Testament occurrence, Paul uses it metaphorically to describe an overwhelming situation that felt like a death sentence, highlighting God’s power to deliver from seemingly impossible circumstances.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (neuter)
• Derived from ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrinomai, “to answer, give an answer”)
• Composed of ἀπό (apo, “from”) + κρίνω (krinō, “to judge, decide”)
• Used in legal and administrative contexts
• Rare in biblical literature (hapax legomenon in NT)

ἀπόκριμα Morphology:

• ἀπόκριμα (nominative/accusative singular) – sentence, verdict
• ἀποκρίματος (genitive singular) – of the sentence
• ἀποκρίματι (dative singular) – in/by/with the sentence

Origin & History

The term ἀπόκριμα emerged in the Hellenistic period, particularly in administrative and legal contexts. It appears in papyri from the 2nd century BCE onwards, where it frequently denotes official responses or decisions from authorities. Polybius uses it in his “Histories” (3.16.1) to describe formal diplomatic responses between nations.

In the Septuagint, while the verb form ἀποκρίνομαι is common, the noun ἀπόκριμα is notably absent, suggesting its specialized legal-administrative usage developed later. Early church fathers like John Chrysostom (Homilies on 2 Corinthians) understood Paul’s usage as referring to extreme dangers and trials that seemed to guarantee death.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A formal judicial verdict or sentence, especially one of death
• An official response or decision from authorities
• A declaration of condemnation
• A seemingly inescapable situation leading to death

ἀπόκριμα Translation Options:

• “Death sentence” – Emphasizes the gravity and finality of the verdict
• “Sentence of death” – Highlights the judicial nature while maintaining the death aspect
• “Death verdict” – Combines both the legal and fatal implications
• “Death decree” – Captures the authoritative nature of the pronouncement

Biblical Usage

ἀπόκριμα appears only once in the New Testament, in 2 Corinthians 1:9, where Paul uses it to describe a situation of extreme peril that felt like a death sentence. The context reveals that this experience, though devastating, served to teach complete reliance on God who raises the dead. The singularity of its usage makes it particularly significant, as Paul chose this specific legal term to convey the severity of his circumstances.

Though the exact situation Paul refers to isn’t specified, it likely relates to events in Asia mentioned in 2 Corinthians 1:8, possibly the riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41) or another life-threatening situation.

• “Indeed, we had the sentence of death [ἀπόκριμα] within ourselves” 2 Corinthians 1:9

Cultural Insights

In the Roman world, a death sentence (ἀπόκριμα) was often pronounced with specific formal language and carried immediate effect. The term would have resonated powerfully with Paul’s readers in Corinth, a Roman colony where such legal pronouncements were familiar. The Roman legal system’s death sentences were considered irreversible once pronounced, making Paul’s metaphorical usage particularly powerful – even what seemed like an irrevocable sentence of death could be overturned by God’s power.

The concept also connects to the Jewish understanding of God as the ultimate Judge who can reverse human verdicts, reminiscent of how Queen Esther faced what seemed like an irreversible death decree against her people, yet God brought deliverance. This cultural background enriches our understanding of how Paul’s readers would have understood this term in both its legal and theological dimensions.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀπόκριμα in 2 Corinthians 1:9 presents a profound theological truth about God’s character and power. By using this term, Paul illustrates that even when facing what appears to be an irrevocable sentence of death, God’s power to raise the dead transcends all human verdicts and limitations. This reveals God’s supreme authority over life and death, demonstrating that no situation is beyond His power to deliver.

This usage also points to the deeper spiritual reality that our salvation comes through death and resurrection – both Christ’s historical death and resurrection, and our participation in it through faith. When we face our own ἀπόκριμα moments, we’re invited to trust in the God who specializes in bringing life from death, hope from despair, and victory from apparent defeat.

Personal Application

When we encounter situations that feel like a death sentence – whether literally or metaphorically – Paul’s use of ἀπόκριμα reminds us that these moments can become powerful testimonies to God’s delivering power. Rather than despairing when facing seemingly impossible circumstances, we can choose to trust in the God who raises the dead.

This word teaches us that our moments of greatest helplessness can become platforms for displaying God’s greatest power. When we receive an ἀπόκριμα in our lives – a diagnosis, a failure, a loss that seems final – we can view it through the lens of God’s resurrection power, knowing that He specializes in reversing human verdicts of impossibility.

Related Words

• κρίμα (krima) – judgment, verdict – Similar legal term but broader in application and more common in NT usage. See G2917
• κατάκριμα (katakrima) – condemnation, punishment – Emphasizes the condemning aspect of judgment. See G2631
• ἀπόφασις (apophasis) – sentence, decision – Another legal term for official verdicts. See G669
• κρίσις (krisis) – judgment, justice – Refers to the process or act of judging. See G2920

Did you Know?

• The word ἀπόκριμα appears in ancient papyri as part of the formal heading of official responses from Roman authorities, showing its connection to authoritative decisions.
• In modern Greek legal terminology, derivatives of ἀπόκριμα are still used in formal court decisions, maintaining its connection to judicial verdicts after over two millennia.
• The concept behind ἀπόκριμα influenced the development of early Christian martyrology literature, where divine deliverance often trumped human death sentences.

Remember This

ἀπόκριμα reminds us that what appears to be a death sentence in human terms becomes an opportunity for God to display His resurrection power when we trust in Him completely.