κριτικός (kritikos)
kritikos
discerning
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective kritikos describes something that is skilled in judging or capable of discernment. Derived from the verb krino, which means to separate or decide, this word characterizes an object or person with a sharp ability to distinguish between things. In biblical usage, it does not refer to legal criticism but rather to a penetrating insight that sees through surface appearances to underlying realities.
This term appears only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 4:12, where it modifies the word of God. The text describes Scripture as living and active, possessing a discerning power that cuts deeper than any physical blade. Here, the word highlights the divine ability of God’s message to expose the hidden thoughts and attitudes of the human heart, separating truth from falsehood with precision.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kritikos describes a sharp, penetrating insight that sees through surface appearances to underlying realities. In Hebrews 4:12, it modifies the word of God, highlighting its divine ability to expose hidden thoughts and attitudes. This is not legal criticism but a loving clarity that helps us understand our own hearts.
When we read Scripture, we can trust that it has the power to distinguish truth from falsehood with precision. This discerning quality offers comfort, as it means God’s message meets us where we are, revealing what we might otherwise miss. It invites us into a deeper relationship with Him, grounded in honesty and grace.
May this understanding encourage you to approach the Bible with confidence, knowing that its words are alive and active in your life today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- able to judge1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κριτικὸς1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
This verse uniquely applies kritikos to the word of God, emphasizing its power to discern the heart's thoughts and intentions.