διάκρισις (diakrisis)
diakrisis
discernment
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun diakrisis refers to the act of distinguishing or judging between things. It comes from a root meaning "to separate" or "to divide," describing the mental process of telling one thing apart from another. In Scripture, this word captures the ability to make clear distinctions, whether in moral choices or spiritual gifts.
Its usage highlights two main contexts. In Romans 14:1 and 1 Corinthians 12:10, it appears alongside other spiritual capacities, pointing to discernment as a gift for evaluating teachings or actions. Hebrews 5:14 uses it to describe mature believers who have trained themselves to distinguish between good and evil through practice.
This term emphasizes clarity over confusion. It is not just about having an opinion but about accurately perceiving differences. Translators often render it as "discernment" or "judgment," reflecting its role in guiding decisions with precision.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Discernment is a practical gift that helps us navigate life with clarity. It allows us to see beyond surface appearances and understand the true nature of spiritual truths. This ability is not innate but grows as we engage with God’s word and seek His guidance in daily decisions.
In communities, discernment fosters unity by helping us respect differences without judgment. It encourages patience when others hold weaker convictions, focusing on love rather than winning arguments. By exercising this gift, we build trust and create spaces where everyone feels valued.
As spiritual maturity deepens, discernment sharpens our ability to distinguish good from evil. This skill protects us from deception and guides us toward choices that honor God. With practice, it becomes a reliable compass for living faithfully in complex situations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- passing judgment1×
- distinguishing1×
- distinguish1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διακρίσεις2×
- διάκρισιν1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 14:1
Now accept one who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions.
This verse highlights how discernment helps believers accept those with weaker faith without engaging in disputes over opinions.
-
I Corinthians 12:10
and to another workings of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of languages, and to another the interpretation of languages.
Here, discerning of spirits is listed as a spiritual gift, showing its role in evaluating teachings or actions within the church.
-
Hebrews 5:14
But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.
This passage explains that mature believers use discernment to distinguish between good and evil through regular practice.