ἐπικρίνω
epikrínō
G1948 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To judge, determine, or decide upon a matter, especially in the context of issuing a judgment or verdict; in legal or judicial contexts, to pronounce or give a judgment, to render a decision regarding a case or dispute.
Semantic Range
to judge, to adjudicate, to give an authoritative verdict or sentence, to render a decision, to pronounce judgment in legal contexts
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ἐπί (upon, over) and the verb κρίνω (to judge, to decide). The compound intensifies the sense of κρίνω, implying a decisive or final judgment upon a matter.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐπικρίνω is rare but found in the sense of assigning or distinguishing by a final decision. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, the term is primarily used in legal or judicial settings to denote the act of giving a formal sentence or making a conclusive judgment. In the New Testament (e.g., Acts 24:21), it refers to the formal adjudication or pronouncement of judgment in court or similar settings. The semantic nuance often conveys finality: not simply forming an opinion, but rendering an authoritative verdict. Standard English translations, such as 'give sentence' or 'adjudge,' capture the judicial sense but may obscure the process-oriented and decisive force of the Greek. ἐπικρίνω is related to, but more specific than, κρίνω; the latter can have broader application to discernment or evaluation, whereas ἐπικρίνω rarely, if ever, departs from forensic or adjudicatory contexts in the known corpus.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπί and κρίνω; to adjudge:--give sentence.
Root Family
ἐπικρίνω (epikrinō) — to judge, to decide, to adjudicate, to render a verdict
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1948-01 |
ἐπέκρινεν | epekrinen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
gave sentence | he adjudicated | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1948-01 |
Luke 23:24 | ἐπέκρινεν | epekrinen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
gave sentence | he adjudicated |