διαγινώσκω (diaginōskō)
diaginōskō
to decide
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diaginōskō carries the sense of knowing something with precision, moving beyond general awareness to exact understanding. Derived from a prefix implying thoroughness and a root meaning to know, it suggests a process of distinguishing details to reach a clear conclusion. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both within the book of Acts, where it describes legal or formal examination.
Its usage is notably technical, reflecting a judicial context rather than casual observation. In Acts 23:15, conspirators ask Paul’s relatives to "ascertain" the truth about him before bringing charges, implying a need for verified facts. Similarly, in Acts 24:22, the governor Felix delays judgment because he is more accurately informed about the Way, waiting to "decide" the case with full knowledge. The word emphasizes the careful gathering of evidence required for a fair verdict.
Translators often render diaginōskō as "ascertain," "determine," or "know exactly," highlighting its function in establishing legal clarity. Unlike simple knowing, this term involves an active effort to distinguish truth from ambiguity. Its rare appearance underscores the specific weight of formal inquiry in early Christian narratives, where accurate understanding was essential for justice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diaginōskō calls us to move beyond surface-level assumptions and seek a clear, accurate understanding of truth. In the New Testament, it appears in legal settings where careful examination is required before a fair decision can be made. This reminds us that God values precision and honesty in how we judge situations and people.
When we face difficult choices or conflicts, this word invites us to pause and gather facts rather than rushing to conclusions. It encourages a spirit of patience and diligence, trusting that God provides the clarity we need to act justly. By seeking exact knowledge, we honor the truth and reflect God’s own character in our interactions with others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to examine1×
- I will examine1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διαγνώσομαι1×
- διαγινώσκειν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 23:15
Now therefore, you with the council inform the commanding officer that he should bring him down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to judge his case more exactly. We are ready to kill him before he comes near.”
This verse shows the word used by conspirators who wanted to ascertain Paul's guilt through a formal hearing, highlighting how the term implies a judicial process to determine facts.
-
Acts 24:22
But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, “When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case.”
Here Felix uses his more exact knowledge of the Way to delay judgment, demonstrating that diaginōskō involves waiting for sufficient information before making a ruling.