κρίσις (krisis)
krisis
judgment
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 47 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun krisis refers to a decisive separation or selection, arising from the verb krinō, which means to separate or distinguish. In Scripture, it describes the moment when a distinction is made between different groups or outcomes. This concept appears in various contexts, such as Jesus’ warning about the judgment awaiting cities that reject his message (Matthew 11:22) or Paul’s observation that some sins are obvious and precede others (1 Timothy 5:24).
While often translated as "judgment," the word carries a broader sense of discernment and decision. It can refer to the standard of justice itself, as seen when Jesus accuses religious leaders of neglecting "justice and mercy" (Matthew 23:23). In other instances, it denotes the final evaluation of lives, such as the judgment of nations described in Revelation 19:2 or the assurance that believers will face no condemnation (John 5:24). The term thus bridges the gap between legal verdicts and moral clarity.
A notable feature of krisis is its connection to light and exposure. In John 3:19, the author explains that people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil, illustrating how judgment reveals what was hidden. This imagery underscores the word’s role in bringing truth to the surface, whether in personal conduct or divine evaluation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word krisis points to a moment of decisive separation. It is not merely a legal verdict but an exposure of what is truly inside us. When light shines, shadows disappear. This truth can feel heavy because it reveals our hidden motives and actions. Yet, this clarity is also a gift. It strips away pretense so we can stand before God with honesty rather than hiding behind masks.
For those who trust in Christ, this judgment brings assurance rather than fear. The promise in John 5:24 offers peace: those who hear His word and believe have already passed from death into life. We do not face a final evaluation as strangers. Instead, we rest in the fact that our standing is secured by faith. This removes the anxiety of trying to prove our worth through perfect performance.
Living with this hope changes how we treat others. It calls us to practice justice and mercy today, rather than waiting for a future reckoning. We are invited to walk in the light now, allowing God’s truth to shape our hearts. This brings freedom from the weight of hidden sins and opens the door to genuine peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 47 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- judgment18×
- of judgment7×
- justice4×
- judgment.3×
- of judgment.2×
- judgments2×
- judgment;2×
- [the] judgment2×
- sentence1×
- of judgment,1×
- justice.1×
- judgment;’1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κρίσιν12×
- κρίσεως9×
- κρίσις7×
- κρίσει5×
- κρίσεως.3×
- κρίσεως,3×
- κρίσιν.2×
- κρίσεις2×
- κρίσει·2×
- κρίσις,1×
- κρίσιν·1×
- κρίσεως.¶1×
Key Verses
-
John 5:24
“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
This verse provides the central hope for believers, stating that faith in Christ means we have already passed from death into life and do not come into condemnation.
-
John 3:19
This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were evil.
Here the word explains the nature of judgment as an exposure of deeds, showing that people often reject light because their actions are evil.
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Matthew 23:23
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone.
Jesus uses this term to highlight the weightier matters of the law, specifically justice and mercy, which religious leaders had neglected.
-
Matthew 12:41
The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, someone greater than Jonah is here.
This occurrence shows the future role of judgment as a witness, where past repentance contrasts with current rejection of Jesus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does krisis mean in the New Testament?
Does krisis mean punishment for Christians?
How is krisis different from simple punishment?
Every Occurrence (47 verses across 13 books)
Matthew 12 verses
“You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of…
Matthew 5:22But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever…
Matthew 10:15Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for…
Matthew 11:22But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
Matthew 11:24But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment, than for you.”
Matthew 12:18“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit on him. He…
Matthew 12:20He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a smoking flax, until he leads justice to victory.
Matthew 12:36I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
Matthew 12:41The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for they repented at the…
Matthew 12:42The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for she came from the…
Matthew 23:23“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier…
Matthew 23:33You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna?