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Unveiling the Word
Understanding the original Greek words in Biblical texts can offer profound insights into the messages and teachings of the New Testament. The Greek word κρίνω (krinō), appearing first in Matthew 5:40, is particularly significant due to its broad semantic range and frequent usage in contexts related to judgment, decision-making, and discernment. Its study is essential for interpreting New Testament passages where discernment, condemnation, or divine judgment is discussed. In ancient Greek culture, this word held legal and philosophical implications, further enriching its relevance in understanding both Biblical and classical contexts.
Necessary Information
Greek Word: κρίνω (krinō) [KREE-noh]
Etymology: The word κρίνω originates from the Greek root word “κρί,” which is associated with distinguishing, selecting, or deciding. The verb form κρίνω evolved from this root to encompass a wide range of meanings related to judgment and decision-making in various contexts, from everyday decisions to formal legal rulings.
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Part of Speech: Verb. κρίνω is a verb in ancient Greek and is highly flexible in its grammatical usage. It appears in multiple tenses, voices, and moods, including indicative, subjunctive, and imperative, making it a versatile word in both literary and conversational Greek. The verb’s broad range allows it to express simple decisions, legal judgments, or divine determinations.
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Defining Meanings
To Judge or Decide: The primary meaning of κρίνω is “to judge” or “to decide.” This can refer to a legal judgment, such as in a courtroom setting, or a more personal decision or assessment made by an individual.
To Condemn or Pass Judgment: In many New Testament contexts, κρίνω conveys the idea of condemnation or passing judgment, often in a moral or divine sense. For example, it is used when discussing God’s ultimate judgment of humanity or when individuals are warned against judging others harshly.
To Separate or Distinguish: A more nuanced meaning of κρίνω involves “to separate” or “to distinguish.” This use can apply to the act of distinguishing between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, or various other distinctions important in both philosophical and theological discussions.
Exploring Similar Words
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διακρίνω (diakrinō) [dee-ah-KREE-noh]: This word means “to distinguish” or “to discern” and often implies a deeper level of analysis or separation between choices or judgments. Unlike κρίνω, which can broadly mean to judge or condemn, διακρίνω is more focused on the act of differentiation.
κριτής (kritēs) [kree-TAYS]: This word translates as “judge” or “arbiter,” specifically referring to a person who performs the action of judging. While κρίνω is the act of judging, κριτής is the person who does it.
ἀνακρίνω (anakrinō) [an-ah-KREE-noh]: Meaning “to examine” or “to investigate,” this word carries the sense of scrutinizing or interrogating in a more detailed manner. It is used in contexts where a deeper examination or inquiry is necessary, as opposed to a general judgment or decision.
Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Tense, Voice, Mood: κρίνω appears in various tenses such as present, aorist, perfect, and future. The voice can be active (judging), middle (judging for oneself), or passive (being judged). The mood varies from indicative (stating facts), to subjunctive (expressing potentiality), and imperative (giving commands).
Person and Number: κρίνω can be conjugated in the first, second, and third persons, both singular and plural. Examples include κρίνω (I judge), κρίνεις (you judge), κρίνουσιν (they judge).
Aspect: The imperfective aspect (present tense) suggests an ongoing action of judging, while the perfective (aorist tense) emphasizes a completed act of judgment. The stative (perfect tense) implies a state resulting from past judgment.
Conjugation Table for Present Indicative:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | κρίνω | κρίνομεν |
| 2nd | κρίνεις | κρίνετε |
| 3rd | κρίνει | κρίνουσι(ν) |
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Studying Lexicon Insights
The term κρίνω is used extensively in the New Testament, conveying ideas from divine judgment to everyday discernment. It often holds theological weight, especially in contexts of God’s justice and the moral instruction against hypocritical human judgment. In classical contexts, the word appears frequently in legal and philosophical writings, underscoring its versatility and depth. The lexicons provide insights into its varied uses—from simple decision-making to profound statements of divine judgment, reflecting its dynamic and multi-layered meanings in both sacred and secular texts.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Tracing Related Scriptures
Matthew 5:40: “And if anyone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak also.” Here, κρίνω is implied in the context of legal judgment or lawsuit.
John 7:24: “Do not judge (κρίνετε) according to appearance, but judge (κρίνατε) with righteous judgment.” This verse contrasts superficial judgment with righteous discernment.
Romans 14:13: “Therefore let us not judge (κρίνωμεν) one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.”
Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Republic | “We must judge (κρίνωμεν) the just man to be truly just, and the unjust to be truly unjust.” |
| Aristotle | Nicomachean Ethics | “To judge (κρίνειν) the good life is the task of wisdom.” |
| Septuagint | Proverbs (LXX) | “Judge (κρίνετε) the fatherless and the widow, seek justice.” |
Noteworthy Summary
The Greek word κρίνω (krinō), meaning “to judge,” is foundational in Biblical discourse and Greek philosophical thought. It captures a range of meanings from simple decision-making to profound moral and divine judgments, providing a comprehensive understanding of justice, discernment, and righteousness. Understanding κρίνω is key to interpreting passages about judgment and decision-making, both in human and divine contexts.
Did You Know?
Did you know? In ancient Greece, κρίνω was often used in legal contexts, signifying the authority to judge and make binding decisions in court cases.
Did you know? The New Testament warns against misuse of κρίνω—encouraging righteous judgment instead of superficial or hypocritical condemnation.
Did you know? In early Christian writings, κρίνω is frequently used to describe God’s final judgment, contrasting human limited judgment with divine justice.
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