Brief Overview of ἐπικρίνω (Strong’s G1948: epikrínō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for deepening one’s comprehension of Biblical texts and their historical and cultural backgrounds. The word ἐπικρίνω (epikrínō), Strong’s G1948, is particularly significant because it carries the idea of making a decision or judgment upon something or someone. This verb is relevant to New Testament interpretation, especially in contexts involving discernment, judgment, or choice-making. In ancient Greek culture, the concept of judgment was foundational to legal, ethical, and philosophical discussions, making this word important for understanding the broader context of justice and decision-making.

Key Information

The Greek Word: ἐπικρίνω (epikrínō) [eh-pee-KREE-noh]
Etymology root words and their meanings: From ἐπί (epi, “upon”) and κρίνω (krínō, “to judge” or “to decide”), meaning “to judge upon” or “to decide about.”
Part of Speech: Verb. It follows typical Greek verb conjugation patterns, particularly those for -ω verbs.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

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To judge upon or to make a decision about.
To discern or determine the merits of something or someone.
To pronounce a judgment or give an opinion on a matter.

Similar Words: Related Greek words include διακρίνω (diakrínō) [dee-ah-KREE-noh], meaning “to distinguish” or “to differentiate,” and κρίνω (krínō) [KREE-noh], meaning “to judge” or “to decide.” While ἐπικρίνω (epikrínō) involves a more focused sense of judging or deciding upon something with a possible implication of authority or finality, διακρίνω emphasizes the act of distinguishing or discerning between choices, and κρίνω refers more generally to the act of judgment, decision, or evaluation.

Further Insights: The verb ἐπικρίνω combines the preposition ἐπί (epi, “upon”) with κρίνω (krínō, “to judge” or “to decide”), suggesting an act of placing judgment or making a decisive conclusion upon a matter. This word implies a sense of authority or finality in the judgment being rendered. The addition of ἐπί gives the verb an intensified or specific focus on the judgment or decision being made, often reflecting a deliberate and considered choice.
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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Describes ἐπικρίνω as “to judge upon” or “to make a decision about,” often used in contexts where a decisive judgment or authoritative conclusion is required. This word carries a weight of responsibility or finality in its usage.
Thayers: Defines ἐπικρίνω as “to judge” or “to determine,” particularly highlighting its use in settings where discernment and authoritative decision-making are required. It can refer to both formal legal decisions and informal judgments made by individuals.
Vines: Explains that ἐπικρίνω refers to the act of judgment or decision-making, particularly when it involves weighing options and making a deliberate choice. It is often used in moral or ethical contexts, where discernment and righteousness are emphasized.
LSJ: In classical Greek literature, ἐπικρίνω is noted to mean “to judge” or “to give a verdict upon,” especially in legal and philosophical texts. It is used to describe the act of making a considered decision or judgment, often with the implication of authority or finality.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Describes it as “to judge upon” or “to decide,” emphasizing its use in contexts of decision-making and judgment, whether in legal, ethical, or personal contexts.

Related Scripture References

Luke 23:24: “So Pilate decided (ἐπέκρινε) to grant their demand.” (Here, ἐπέκρινε is the aorist form of ἐπικρίνω, indicating the decision or judgment made by Pilate in response to the crowd’s demands.)

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Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English Text
Plato	Laws	“The assembly was called to judge (ἐπικρίνειν) upon the laws that were to be enacted.”
Aristotle	Politics	“The ruler must judge (ἐπικρίνει) wisely when deciding the fate of the city-state.”
Thucydides	History of the Peloponnesian War	“The generals had to judge (ἐπικρίνειν) upon the right course of action in battle.”
Septuagint	Proverbs	“Wisdom judges (ἐπικρίνει) justly over the hearts of men.”
Septuagint	Wisdom of Solomon	“He who judges (ἐπικρίνει) according to the truth shall inherit righteousness.”
Septuagint	Ecclesiasticus	“The elders gathered to judge (ἐπικρίνειν) over the disputes of the people.”

Summary of ἐπικρίνω (G1948)

The Greek word ἐπικρίνω (epikrínō) is a verb that means “to judge upon” or “to decide about.” It is significant in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, where it denotes the act of making a judgment, often with authority or finality. Its appearance in the New Testament, particularly in Luke 23:24, highlights its relevance in contexts involving discernment, decision-making, and justice. Its usage in classical texts reflects a broader application in legal, ethical, and philosophical discussions, emphasizing the importance of wise and just decision-making in both public and private spheres.

Did You Know?

The concept of judgment in ancient Greek culture was not just about legal decisions but also about discerning truth and wisdom. The word ἐπικρίνω (epikrínō) captures this idea, as it implies a thoughtful, considered decision. In philosophical texts, judgment was often seen as a divine or virtuous act, requiring not only knowledge but also moral integrity. This perspective influenced early Christian thought, where discernment and judgment are presented as essential spiritual practices for believers, reflecting divine wisdom and justice.