κρίνω (krinō)
krinō
to judge
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 99 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb krinō carries a foundational meaning of separating or distinguishing, which expands into deciding, judging, and ruling. In the New Testament, it appears nearly 100 times across diverse contexts, from everyday decisions to divine authority. It can mean to think or form an opinion, as when Peter asks who is greater in Luke 7:43, or to make a formal decree, such as the council’s decision in Acts 16:4.
In legal and theological settings, krinō describes the act of pronouncing judgment. Jesus uses it to describe God’s role as judge in John 5:30, while Paul employs it to discuss human accountability in Romans 2:16. The word also covers the negative outcome of condemnation, seen when Acts 13:27 notes that Jerusalem’s leaders condemned Jesus despite finding no guilt. Conversely, it can denote ruling or governing, as in Matthew 19:28 where disciples are promised thrones to judge the twelve tribes.
This range reflects its Old Testament background, where it often translates Hebrew words for justice and governance. Translators render it variously as "judge," "decide," "condemn," or "rule" depending on context. The term emphasizes a decisive act of separation—distinguishing right from wrong or selecting one path over another.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word krinō reminds us that discernment is a gift, not just a rule. In daily life, we often rush to label people or situations based on first impressions. Jesus invites us to pause and seek a deeper understanding, one rooted in truth rather than surface-level appearances. This shift allows us to navigate conflicts with grace, recognizing that our primary role is to reflect God’s character rather than enforce our own standards.
While we are called to make wise decisions, the New Testament consistently points to Jesus as the ultimate judge. His judgment is always righteous because it aligns perfectly with the Father’s will. This truth brings comfort; we do not carry the heavy burden of final verdicts. Instead, we can rest in the knowledge that God sees all things clearly and acts with perfect justice.
When faced with difficult choices or interpersonal tensions, we can pray for clarity. Asking God to help us judge righteously means seeking His perspective over our own preferences. This approach fosters humility and peace, allowing us to live out our faith with integrity and love in every situation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 99 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- judging11×
- do judge6×
- will judge5×
- judges4×
- to judge3×
- to be judged3×
- you may be judged;2×
- you judge,2×
- you judge2×
- will judge?2×
- to be judged.2×
- judge you2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κρίνει7×
- κρίνων6×
- κρίνω5×
- κρίνετε5×
- κρινεῖ5×
- κρίνετε,4×
- κρίνεται3×
- κρίνεις3×
- κρίνατε3×
- κριθῆναι3×
- ἔκρινεν2×
- ἐκρίθησαν2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 7:1
“Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged.
This verse establishes the boundary for human interaction, warning against hypocritical criticism while reserving final judgment for God.
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John 3:17
For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.
It clarifies the primary purpose of Jesus’ first coming as salvation rather than condemnation, correcting a common misunderstanding of His mission.
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John 7:24
Don’t judge according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”
Jesus provides a practical method for discernment by instructing believers to look beyond outward appearances and seek righteous evaluation.
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Luke 12:57
“Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?
This call to self-judgment encourages personal responsibility in recognizing moral truth without needing external validation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basic meaning of krinō?
Does the Bible forbid all forms of judging?
How is Jesus described as a judge?
Every Occurrence (99 verses across 15 books)
Matthew 4 verses
If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also.
Matthew 7:1“Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged.
Matthew 7:2For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to…
Matthew 19:28Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man…