Lexical Summary diakrisis: Discernment, distinguishing, judgment Original Word: διάκρισις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance discerning, disputation. From diakrino; judicial estimation -- discern(-ing), disputation. see GREEK diakrino HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1253 diákrisis (from 1252 /diakrínō, see there) – properly, a thorough judgment, i.e. a discernment (conclusion) which distinguishes "look-alikes," i.e. things that appear to be the same. (Note the intensifying force of the prefix, dia.) See also 1252 (diakrínō). Example: Heb 5:14: "But solid food relates to mature people (5046 /téleios), of those having the sense-faculties trained ('exercised,' Gk perfect tense) on account of the habit – [namely] for (4314 /prós) discernment (1253 /diákrisis), of both good ('in combination with,' 5037 /té] and [what is] miserably-bad." NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom diakrinó Definition the act of judgment NASB Translation discern (1), distinguishing (1), passing judgment (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1253: διάκρισιςδιάκρισις, διακρισεως, ἡ (διακρίνω), a distinguishing, discerning, judging: πνευμάτων, 1 Corinthians 12:10; καλοῦ τέ καί κακοῦ, Hebrews 5:14; μή εἰς διακρίσεις διαλογισμῶν, not for the purpose of passing judgment on opinions, as to which one is to be preferred as the more correct, Romans 14:1 (see διαλοσμος, 1). (Xenophon, Plato, others.) Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 1253 designates the God-given capacity to separate, evaluate, and reach sound conclusions about what is true, right, or spiritually authentic. Though the noun appears only three times in the Greek New Testament, the concept permeates Scripture, anchoring both Christian liberty and doctrinal fidelity. New Testament Occurrences 1. Romans 14:1 – The apostle exhorts believers to welcome the “weak in faith” while avoiding “passing judgment on his opinions.” Discernment here governs fellowship: the church must distinguish between essential doctrine and disputable matters, preserving unity without surrendering truth. Theological Significance • Guardian of Orthodoxy: From the serpent’s deception in Genesis 3 to the Antichrist warnings of 1 John 4:1, Scripture portrays error as pervasive. Discernment protects the flock, enabling believers to test every message against the inspired Word (Acts 17:11). Relation to Spiritual Gifts While all Christians are called to judge teaching and conduct (1 Thessalonians 5:21), 1 Corinthians 12:10 highlights a distinct gift that operates beyond ordinary wisdom. This charisma functions corporately, often in tandem with prophecy and teaching, to expose hidden errors or demonic motives (Acts 16:16-18). Discernment and Christian Liberty (Romans 14) The Rome assembly faced disagreements over diet and sacred days. Diákrisis steers believers away from legalism without lapsing into licentiousness. It respects conscience (Romans 14:5) yet retains the lordship of Christ over every preference (Romans 14:8-9). Discernment and Pastoral Oversight Shepherds must protect the flock from savage wolves (Acts 20:29-31). Throughout church history, councils, confessions, and catechisms have served as collective expressions of diákrisis, preserving apostolic doctrine against heresy. Cultivating Discernment 1. Immersion in Scripture – “Your word is a lamp to my feet” (Psalm 119:105). Warnings Against Counterfeits Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Emotional appeal, miraculous signs, or numerical success cannot substitute for biblical fidelity. True diákrisis tests the fruit (Matthew 7:15-20) and the confession of Christ’s incarnation and lordship (1 John 4:2). Old Testament Foundations Priests were to “teach the Israelites all the statutes” and “distinguish between the holy and the common” (Leviticus 10:10-11). Solomon sought an “understanding heart to judge” (1 Kings 3:9). New-covenant discernment continues this priestly and royal mandate in the church. Historical and Ministry Impact Early apologists such as Irenaeus combated Gnosticism through rigorous diákrisis, appealing to Scripture and apostolic tradition. During the Reformation, discernment separated gospel essentials from medieval accretions. Modern missions rely on it to engage cultures without syncretism. Practical Applications • Sermon Preparation – Exegetical precision distinguishes authorial intent from modern assumptions. Related New Testament Terms • Dokimazō (1381) – Test, prove; emphasizes examination. Summary Strong’s 1253 underscores God’s call for believers to think biblically, judge wisely, and walk in truth. Whether guarding communal purity, guiding personal choices, or confronting falsehood, diákrisis remains indispensable for a vibrant, faithful church until Christ returns. Forms and Transliterations διακρισεις διακρίσεις διακρισιν διάκρισιν διακύπτειν διακύψη διέκυπτε διέκυψαν διέκυψε διέκυψεν diakriseis diakríseis diakrisin diákrisinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 14:1 N-AFPGRK: μὴ εἰς διακρίσεις διαλογισμῶν NAS: in faith, [but] not for [the purpose of] passing judgment on his opinions. KJV: to doubtful disputations. INT: not for decisions of thoughts 1 Corinthians 12:10 N-NFP Hebrews 5:14 N-AFS Strong's Greek 1253 |
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