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πρόκριμα (prokrima)

prokrima

prejudice

G4299 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun prokrima refers to a judgment made before the relevant facts are known, essentially a prejudgment or prejudice. Derived from roots meaning "before" and "to judge," it describes an opinion formed prematurely, without waiting for evidence. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in 1 Timothy 5:21.

Paul uses it to command Timothy not to act with partiality when dealing with accusations against elders. The term highlights the danger of letting preconceived notions override fair assessment. By forbidding prokrima, the text emphasizes that justice requires withholding verdicts until all details are properly examined, ensuring decisions rest on truth rather than bias.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word prokrima describes a judgment formed before facts are known. It warns against letting bias shape our decisions. In 1 Timothy 5:21, Paul tells Timothy to act without prejudice when handling accusations. This instruction reminds us that fairness requires patience and careful listening.

When we face conflicts or difficult people in our lives, it is easy to form quick opinions. We might judge someone based on rumors or past mistakes. However, this word calls us to a higher standard of integrity. It invites us to pause, seek the truth, and treat others with dignity regardless of what we have heard.

Choosing to withhold judgment is an act of faith. It acknowledges that only God sees the full picture. By refusing to let prejudice guide our actions, we reflect the character of Christ, who judges with perfect justice and mercy. This approach brings peace to our relationships and clarity to our conscience.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • prejudice1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • προκρίματος1×

Key Verses

  • I Timothy 5:21
    I command you in the sight of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.

    Paul explicitly commands Timothy to handle accusations against elders without prejudice, highlighting the need for impartiality in church leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does prokrima mean in the Bible?

Prokrima is a Greek noun meaning prejudice or prejudgment. It refers to forming an opinion or making a decision before having all the necessary facts. The term appears only once in the New Testament, emphasizing the danger of acting on bias rather than truth.

Where does prokrima appear in Scripture?

This word is found exclusively in 1 Timothy 5:21. Paul uses it to instruct Timothy on how to conduct himself when dealing with serious matters involving church elders, specifically urging him to avoid partiality.

How is prokrima different from general judgment?

While judgment can be a fair and necessary process based on evidence, prokrima specifically denotes a premature or biased verdict. It implies that the decision was made without proper consideration of the facts, often leading to injustice.

Why is avoiding prejudice important for Christians?

Avoiding prejudice reflects God's character as a just and fair judge. It protects relationships from unnecessary harm and ensures that decisions are based on truth rather than personal bias or external pressure. This practice fosters integrity and trust within the community.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

I Timothy 1 verse
I Timothy 5:21

I command you in the sight of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things…