ἐπικρίνω (epikrinō)
epikrinō
to decide
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epikrinō means to make a final decision or issue a formal judgment. It carries the weight of an official ruling, often involving the authority to adjudge or decree a specific outcome. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Luke 23:24, where it describes the actions of Pontius Pilate during the trial of Jesus.
Its meaning is shaped by its components: the prefix epikri- suggests acting upon or over something, while krinō refers to judging or deciding. The sources highlight that this term is used in contexts of legal or authoritative decree. In Luke 23:24, Pilate "decided" (epikrinō) that Jesus should be crucified, illustrating the word’s use in a formal judicial setting where a final sentence is rendered.
This single occurrence underscores the gravity of the decision made by Roman authority. The word does not imply a casual opinion but a binding verdict. By using epikrinō, Luke emphasizes the official nature of Pilate’s judgment, marking it as a definitive act with serious consequences.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἐπικρίνω (epikrinō) appears only once in the New Testament, found in Luke 23:24. It describes Pontius Pilate making a formal, binding decision to crucify Jesus. This term does not refer to a casual opinion or a tentative thought. Instead, it carries the weight of an official judicial decree, marking the moment when human authority issued a final verdict that would lead to the cross.
For your faith, this word highlights the gravity of the events surrounding Jesus’ death. It shows that the crucifixion was not an accident or a random act of violence. It was a decisive action taken by earthly rulers. Yet, this human decision stands within God’s larger plan. The firmness of Pilate’s judgment underscores the reality of Christ’s sacrifice and the seriousness with which sin was addressed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sentenced1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπέκρινεν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 23:24
Pilate decreed that what they asked for should be done.
This verse uses epikrinō to show Pilate issuing a final, binding judicial decree to crucify Jesus, emphasizing the official nature of his sentence.