### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐγκρίνω (enkrinō, `{{G1469}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐν (en, "in" or "among") and the verb κρίνω (krinō, `{{G2919}}`, "to judge, decide, discern"). The literal meaning thus implies "to judge in," "to decide among," or "to discern into a group." The base definition provided, "to judge in, i.e. count among:--make of the number," accurately captures this nuance. It is not merely a passive inclusion or a simple act of counting, but rather an active process of evaluation or discernment that leads to a classification, inclusion, or placement within a particular category or group. The judgment precedes and determines the "counting among" or "making of the number." This suggests a qualitative assessment rather than a purely quantitative enumeration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἐγκρίνω (enkrinō, `{{G1469}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[2 Corinthians 10:12]]. This singular occurrence makes its usage particularly significant and context-dependent.
In [[2 Corinthians 10:12]], Paul writes: "For we dare not **count ourselves among** (ἐγκρῖναι) or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves among themselves, they are without understanding."
The context of this passage is Paul's defense of his apostolic authority and ministry against false teachers and critics in Corinth. These individuals apparently boasted about themselves, measured their success by worldly standards, and sought to elevate themselves by comparing themselves favorably with others, including Paul. Paul uses ἐγκρίνω (enkrinō) here to emphatically state his refusal to participate in such a flawed and self-serving system of evaluation. He rejects the very premise of "judging himself into" or "being counted among" those who operate by such human-centric, self-commending metrics.
Paul's choice of ἐγκρίνω (enkrinō) highlights the *judgmental* aspect of their self-evaluation. They are not merely comparing; they are *judging* themselves to be superior or worthy based on their own flawed criteria. Paul's rejection of this process underscores his reliance on divine approval rather than human commendation or comparison. The passage serves as a sharp critique of pride, self-exaltation, and the use of inappropriate standards for assessing spiritual authority and effectiveness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of ἐγκρίνω (enkrinō, `{{G1469}}`) is κρίνω (krinō, `{{G2919}}`), which means "to judge, decide, discern, condemn." The broader semantic range of κρίνω encompasses legal judgment, moral discernment, and making decisions. In ἐγκρίνω, this fundamental act of judgment is directed "in" or "among" a group, leading to classification.
Another highly relevant word in the immediate context of [[2 Corinthians 10:12]] is συγκρίνω (synkrinō, `{{G4793}}`), which means "to compare." Paul states, "we dare not count ourselves among (ἐγκρῖναι) or compare ourselves with (συγκρῖναι) some of those who commend themselves." The close proximity and parallel structure of these two verbs suggest a strong conceptual link. While ἐγκρίνω focuses on the *judgment* leading to inclusion or classification, συγκρίνω emphasizes the act of *comparison* itself. The false teachers were not only comparing but also *judging* themselves to be superior based on those comparisons.
The preposition ἐν (en, `{{G1722}}`) signifies "in," "on," "among," or "by means of." Its presence in ἐγκρίνω (enkrinō) specifies the sphere or context of the judgment – it is a judgment that places one *in* or *among* a group.
Concepts related to ἐγκρίνω (enkrinō) in its biblical context include:
* **Self-assessment vs. Divine Assessment:** The passage critiques human-driven, self-serving evaluation.
* **Humility vs. Boasting:** Paul implicitly contrasts his humble approach with the prideful boasting of his adversaries.
* **Discernment:** The word inherently involves an act of discernment, whether flawed (as with the false teachers) or righteous (as with Paul's refusal).
* **Standards of Judgment:** It raises the crucial question of what criteria one uses to evaluate oneself and others, particularly in spiritual matters.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἐγκρίνω (enkrinō, `{{G1469}}`) in [[2 Corinthians 10:12]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful statement on the nature of true spiritual authority and the dangers of human-centric evaluation.
1. **Rejection of Human Standards:** Paul's refusal to "count himself among" those who commend themselves highlights the theological principle that authentic ministry and spiritual standing are not validated by human praise, self-promotion, or comparison with others. The ultimate standard for judgment and approval is God alone. This aligns with Paul's consistent emphasis that "he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord" ([[1 Corinthians 1:31]]; [[2 Corinthians 10:17]]).
2. **Critique of Pride and Self-Exaltation:** The word underscores the folly and spiritual danger of pride. Those who "measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves among themselves" demonstrate a lack of understanding (ἀσύνετοι, asynētoi), implying spiritual blindness and a departure from divine wisdom. This self-referential system of evaluation is inherently flawed and leads to distorted perceptions of one's own importance and spiritual status.
3. **Authenticity in Ministry:** Paul's use of ἐγκρίνω (enkrinō) reinforces his commitment to a ministry that seeks God's commendation, not human accolades. It speaks to the integrity required in serving Christ, where external appearances and self-promotion are secondary to a genuine calling and divine empowerment.
4. **The Nature of True Authority:** True authority in the Kingdom of God is not based on human comparisons or self-proclaimed excellence, but on God's anointing and the fruit of His Spirit. Paul's refusal to be "counted among" those who operate by such worldly metrics asserts a higher, divine standard for assessing spiritual leadership.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐγκρίνω (enkrinō, `{{G1469}}`) signifies "to judge in" or "to count among" after a process of evaluation. Its singular biblical occurrence in [[2 Corinthians 10:12]] is highly significant, where the Apostle Paul uses it to emphatically reject the flawed methodology of self-commendation and comparison employed by his critics. By refusing to "count himself among" those who measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves among themselves, Paul underscores the theological principle that true spiritual authority and worth are derived from divine approval, not human praise or self-exaltation. This powerful word serves as a profound critique of pride and a call to embrace God's standards of judgment in all matters of faith and ministry.
TRV