ἀνακρίνω (anakrinō)
anakrinō
to investigate
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anakrinō means to examine or investigate, often with a focus on questioning and scrutiny. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from spiritual discernment to legal proceedings. For instance, Paul describes how the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14), while he also notes that he examines himself before eating (1 Corinthians 10:25). The word carries a sense of careful inquiry, as seen when the Bereans examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so (Acts 17:11).
It is frequently used in a forensic or legal context, referring to the examination of an accused person or witnesses. This usage is evident in Luke’s account where Pilate asks Herod to examine Jesus (Luke 23:14), and in Acts where Paul stands before governors for investigation (Acts 24:8; 28:18). The root combines ana- ("up" or "again") with krinō ("to judge"), suggesting a thorough, perhaps repeated, examination to determine the truth. Translators often render it as "examine," "investigate," or "question," depending on whether the context is spiritual, personal, or judicial.
This word highlights the importance of careful evaluation in Christian life and ministry. Whether discerning spiritual truths or navigating legal challenges, anakrinō calls for a deliberate and honest assessment. Its presence in both Paul’s letters and Acts underscores its relevance to early Christian communities facing both internal reflection and external scrutiny.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anakrinō invites us into a posture of careful inquiry. In the New Testament, it describes the process of examining evidence or testing truths against reality. This is not about suspicion, but about seeking clarity and grounding our beliefs in what is actually true. When we approach Scripture or difficult decisions with this kind of honest scrutiny, we align ourselves with the wisdom that seeks understanding rather than rushing to judgment.
For your daily life, this means it is healthy to ask questions. The Bereans in Acts are praised for examining the Scriptures daily to see if teachings were true. Similarly, when facing uncertainty or external pressure, we can look inward and outward with integrity. This word encourages a faith that is thoughtful and grounded, trusting that God welcomes our sincere search for truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- inquiring2×
- having examined2×
- examining2×
- they are discerned.1×
- judging1×
- judges1×
- is judged.1×
- he is examined1×
- having examined [him]1×
- having examined [Him]1×
- do I examine.1×
- are being examined1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνακρίνοντες3×
- ἀνακρίνας3×
- ἀνακρίνεται.2×
- ἀνακρίνων1×
- ἀνακρίνω.1×
- ἀνακρίνουσίν1×
- ἀνακρίνεται1×
- ἀνακρίνει1×
- ἀνακρίναντές1×
- ἀνακρινόμεθα1×
- ἀνακριθῶ1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 17:11
Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
This verse highlights the positive use of examination, where believers are commended for testing teachings against Scripture to ensure their truth.
-
Luke 23:14
and said to them, “You brought this man to me as one that perverts the people, and behold, having examined him before you, I found no basis for a charge against this man concerning those things of which you accuse him.
Here the word is used in a legal context, showing Pilate’s thorough investigation which found no valid charge against Jesus.
-
I Corinthians 2:14
Now the natural man doesn’t receive the things of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to him; and he can’t know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Paul uses this term to explain that spiritual truths require spiritual discernment, as they cannot be fully grasped by natural understanding alone.