The meaning of “κρίσις”
Understanding krísis reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
accusation, condemnation, damnation, judgment. - decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against) - by extension, ...
κρίσις
accusation, condemnation, damnation, judgment. - decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against) - by extension, a tribunal - by implication, justice (especially, divine law)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 12:20 | “A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.” Word: κρίσις (krísis) | |
| Luke 11:32 | “The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.” Word: κρίσις (krísis) | |
| Acts 8:33 | “In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.” Word: κρίσις (krísis) | |
| 1 Timothy 5:24 | “Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.” Word: κρίσις (krísis) | |
| James 2:13 | “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” Word: κρίσις (krísis) |
Theological Word Study: Judgment
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Judgment, justice
The Hebrew mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט) means judgment or justice—God's righteous decisions and ordinances. God is the Judge of all the earth who 'shall do right' (Genesis 18:25), executing perfect justice.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Judgment, decision
The Greek krisis (κρίσις) denotes judgment—evaluation and sentence. All will stand before God's judgment seat (Romans 14:10), and Christ has been appointed Judge of the living and dead (Acts 10:42).