ἀνάκρισις (anakrisis)
anakrisis
investigation
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun anakrisis refers to a formal legal investigation or preliminary inquiry. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 25:26, where Paul’s Roman governor Festal uses the term to describe his process of gathering facts before deciding how to handle Paul’s case.
Its root lies in the verb anakrinein, meaning to examine or question closely. The sources highlight its specific use in Greek legal contexts as a pre-trial hearing designed to collect evidence for judges. This distinguishes it from a final verdict; it is the investigative phase that precedes judgment.
Translators often render it as "examination" or "inquiry." This usage underscores the procedural nature of Roman justice, where a thorough investigation was necessary before any accusation could be properly addressed. The word captures the careful, methodical work of seeking truth within a legal framework.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we face accusations or misunderstandings in our daily lives, it is natural to feel anxious about how others perceive us. The word anakrisis describes a formal investigation where facts are gathered before any judgment is made. In Acts 25:26, the governor Festus used this term to explain his process of examining Paul’s case carefully. This reminds us that truth often requires time and patience to be fully understood.
This concept offers comfort when we feel misunderstood or unfairly judged by others. Just as Festus sought clarity before making a decision, we can trust that God examines our hearts with the same thoroughness and fairness. He does not rush to condemn but seeks to understand the reality of our situation. This divine patience encourages us to remain steadfast in integrity, even when circumstances are unclear.
Ultimately, this word points to the justice of God, who investigates all things with perfect knowledge. We can rest in the assurance that no detail is hidden from Him and that He handles every case with wisdom. May you find peace in knowing that your life is known fully and loved deeply by a faithful Father.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- examination1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνακρίσεως1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 25:26
of whom I have no certain thing to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, that, after examination I may have something to write.
This verse uniquely captures the procedural nature of Roman justice, showing how Festus needed to gather facts before he could write a formal report to the emperor.