### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun διάγνωσις (diágnōsis, `{{G1233}}`) is derived from the verb διαγινώσκω (diaginōskō, `{{G1232}}`), which combines the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "thoroughly," with the verb γινώσκω (ginōskō, `{{G1097}}`), meaning "to know." Therefore, the core meaning of διάγνωσις is "a thorough knowing" or "a discriminating knowledge." In its semantic range, it denotes a careful and complete examination, investigation, or inquiry aimed at reaching a definitive determination or decision. This often carries the connotation of a formal, judicial, or authoritative assessment, leading to a conclusive judgment. The English word "diagnosis" directly stems from this Greek term, retaining the sense of a precise identification of a condition after careful evaluation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term διάγνωσις (diágnōsis, `{{G1233}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Acts 25:21]]. The context involves the Roman governor Festus and the apostle Paul. Paul, desiring to avoid a biased trial in Jerusalem, appeals to Caesar. Festus, recounting the situation to King Agrippa, states: "But when Paul had appealed to be reserved for the decision of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept until I could send him to Caesar." The phrase "for the decision of Augustus" translates the Greek ἐπὶ τὴν τοῦ Σεβαστοῦ διάγνωσιν (epì tēn tou Sebastou diágnōsin). Here, διάγνωσις clearly refers to the final, authoritative judgment or determination that would be rendered by the Roman Emperor (Augustus/Nero). It signifies the outcome of a formal, high-level judicial process, emphasizing the conclusive nature of the imperial verdict. This singular usage perfectly aligns with the word's base definition of a "magisterial examination" or "hearing" leading to a definitive resolution.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to διάγνωσις (diágnōsis, `{{G1233}}`) is its verbal root, διαγινώσκω (diaginōskō, `{{G1232}}`), which means "to know accurately," "to distinguish," or "to determine." This verb is used in [[Acts 23:15]] and [[Acts 24:22]] in the sense of "to ascertain" or "to decide." Other Greek words related to knowledge include γινώσκω (ginōskō, `{{G1097}}`) for experiential knowledge, οἶδα (oida, `{{G1492}}`) for intuitive or absolute knowledge, and ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis, `{{G1922}}`) for full or precise knowledge. In the realm of judgment and decision, διάγνωσις shares semantic space with terms like κρίσις (krisis, `{{G2920}}`), meaning "judgment" or "decision," and κρίνω (krinō, `{{G2919}}`), "to judge" or "to decide." While κρίσις can refer to the act or result of judging, διάγνωσις specifically points to the *process of thorough examination* that culminates in such a definitive judgment, particularly one rendered by an authority.
### Theological Significance
Though διάγνωσις (diágnōsis, `{{G1233}}`) appears but once in the New Testament, its sole occurrence in a crucial judicial context holds theological resonance. It underscores the principle of a thorough and authoritative determination. In the broader biblical narrative, this concept can be analogized to divine judgment. God's "diagnosis" of humanity's sin condition is not a superficial glance but a profound, exhaustive understanding, leading to His righteous and definitive "decision" concerning salvation and condemnation. The appeal to Caesar for a διάγνωσις in Acts [[Acts 25:21]] can be seen as an earthly shadow of the ultimate appeal to God's perfect and unassailable judgment. It highlights the divine attribute of omniscience and justice, where every aspect is thoroughly known and every determination is perfectly righteous.
### Summary
The Greek word διάγνωσις (diágnōsis, `{{G1233}}`) signifies a comprehensive and authoritative examination or inquiry that leads to a definitive determination or decision. Derived from the verb "to know thoroughly," it implies a process of careful discernment, particularly in a formal or judicial setting. Its singular appearance in [[Acts 25:21]] perfectly illustrates this meaning, referring to the conclusive "decision" or "judgment" expected from the Roman Emperor. This term, therefore, encapsulates the idea of a thorough investigation culminating in a magisterial and final verdict, reflecting a principle of precise and authoritative judgment.
TRV