διάγνωσις (diagnōsis)
diagnōsis
decision
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun diagnōsis refers to a formal decision reached after careful consideration or legal examination. In Acts 25:21, Paul uses this term when he appeals his case to Caesar, describing it as a request for an imperial determination rather than a local judgment. The word carries the weight of a judicial verdict, implying that a thorough process of discernment has already taken place.
Its root verb means to distinguish or perceive clearly, often used in medical contexts to identify a condition. This background adds depth to its legal usage: just as a physician diagnoses an illness by distinguishing symptoms, a judge diagnoses a case by weighing evidence to reach a final ruling. The term highlights the clarity required before a binding decision can be made.
Though rare in Scripture, appearing only once in the New Testament, it underscores the seriousness of legal appeals in the Roman world. Translators typically render it as "decision" or "determination," capturing the finality of the act. The word reminds readers that true discernment leads to clear, actionable outcomes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels like a legal battle where no one listens, Paul’s example in Acts 25:21 offers a quiet strength. He did not shout louder or fight harder on his own terms; instead, he appealed for a formal decision from the highest authority. The Greek word diagnōsis captures this moment perfectly. It is not a hasty guess but a careful determination reached after weighing all evidence. In our own struggles, we often feel stuck in local judgments that seem unfair or incomplete.
This rare word reminds us that some matters require patience and proper process. Just as a physician distinguishes symptoms to find the truth, God’s justice operates with clarity and finality. We can trust that He sees the full picture even when our immediate circumstances are confusing. There is comfort in knowing that ultimate resolution belongs to Him, who judges with perfect discernment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- decision1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διάγνωσιν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 25:21
But when Paul had appealed to be kept for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be kept until I could send him to Caesar.”
This verse uses diagnōsis to describe Paul’s appeal to Caesar, highlighting the need for an imperial determination rather than a local judgment.