### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word κρίμα (kríma) `{{G2917}}` is a noun derived from the verb κρίνω (krínō) `{{G2919}}`, meaning "to judge," "to decide," "to separate," or "to distinguish." While κρίνω refers to the *act* of judging, κρίμα fundamentally denotes the *result*, *outcome*, or *verdict* of that judgment. It is the decision, sentence, or decree that has been pronounced.
Its semantic range is broad and context-dependent:
* **Positive or Neutral:** It can refer to a righteous and just decision or decree, particularly when referring to God's judgments (e.g., His divine ordinances or unsearchable wisdom).
* **Negative:** More frequently in the New Testament, kríma carries a negative connotation, signifying a condemnation, a sentence of punishment, or damnation. It can also refer to a legal charge or an indictment, implying a "crime" or a cause for a legal dispute.
It is crucial to differentiate kríma (the *verdict* or *sentence*) from κρίσις (krísis) `{{G2920}}`, which denotes the *act* or *process* of judging, the judicial investigation, or the faculty of judgment itself. While closely related, kríma emphasizes the pronouncement and its consequences, whereas krísis highlights the process or the event of judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
kríma appears approximately 29 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels, Acts, and Pauline Epistles. Its usage consistently points to an authoritative determination or its consequence.
* **Divine Judgment and Condemnation:** Many occurrences of kríma refer to God's righteous and often severe judgment upon sin.
* In [[Romans 2:2]], Paul states, "we know that the judgment of God is according to truth," where kríma refers to God's righteous and just verdict against those who practice evil.
* [[Romans 3:8]] speaks of those "whose condemnation is just," indicating a deserved sentence from God.
* A pivotal passage is [[Romans 5:16]], which contrasts the outcome of Adam's sin with Christ's grace: "the judgment led to condemnation, but the free gift led to justification." Here, kríma explicitly signifies the negative, condemning outcome of sin.
* [[Romans 11:33]] uses krímata (plural) to describe God's "unsearchable judgments," referring to His incomprehensible decrees and wisdom.
* In [[1 Corinthians 11:29]], partaking of the Lord's Supper unworthily leads one to "eat and drink judgment to himself," implying negative consequences, potentially illness or death, as a divine disciplinary action.
* [[James 3:1]] warns that teachers "will receive a stricter judgment," indicating a greater accountability and potential for condemnation due to their influence.
* In Revelation, kríma frequently denotes God's final, punitive judgment on evil, as seen in [[Revelation 17:1]] concerning the "judgment of the great prostitute."
* **Human Legal Disputes:** Less frequently, kríma can refer to legal cases or disputes among people.
* [[1 Corinthians 6:7]] uses the plural krímata to describe "lawsuits" or "legal cases": "Now therefore it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law with one another." This highlights the unsuitability of believers taking their disputes before pagan courts.
The context is paramount for discerning the precise nuance of kríma, whether it signifies a just decree, a disciplinary action, or a final condemnation. However, it consistently conveys the idea of a definitive, authoritative pronouncement.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding kríma is enhanced by examining its relationship with other Greek terms:
* **κρίνω (krínō) `{{G2919}}`:** As its root verb, krínō means "to judge." kríma is the *product* or *result* of this action.
* **κρίσις (krísis) `{{G2920}}`:** This noun refers to the *act*, *process*, or *event* of judging, a judicial investigation, or the separation of right from wrong. For instance, the "day of judgment" is ἡμέρα κρίσεως (day of krísis), referring to the event, whereas the outcome for individuals might be kríma. krísis can also denote the power or faculty of judging.
* **κατάκριμα (katákrima) `{{G2631}}`:** This term, also derived from κρίνω, specifically emphasizes "condemnation" or "a sentence of condemnation," often with a more definitive and negative connotation than kríma. While kríma can encompass condemnation, katákrima is more narrowly focused on the adverse verdict.
* **δίκη (díkē) `{{G1349}}`:** This word signifies justice, penalty, or vengeance. kríma can be the pronouncement or application of díkē.
* **ἀπόφασις (apóphasis) `{{G630}}`:** While not a direct synonym, this term refers to a "judicial sentence" or "decree," sharing the aspect of a pronounced decision.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of kríma is profound, shaping our understanding of God's character, human accountability, and the Gospel message.
* **God's Righteousness and Justice:** kríma powerfully underscores God's absolute righteousness and unwavering justice. His judgments are not arbitrary but are founded on truth, holiness, and His divine character [[Romans 2:2]]. This provides both comfort for the righteous and a solemn warning for the unrighteous.
* **Human Accountability:** The very existence of kríma presupposes human accountability before God. Every individual will ultimately face His divine verdict, reinforcing the truth that deeds and intentions will be weighed. This is particularly evident in passages concerning the judgment seats for believers and unbelievers.
* **Consequences of Sin:** kríma frequently highlights the dire consequences of sin—condemnation, punishment, and damnation. This emphasizes the gravity of rebellion against God and the inescapable need for redemption. The "greater condemnation" for those who mislead others [[Matthew 23:14]] or who profane sacred ordinances [[1 Corinthians 11:29]] illustrates the principle of increased accountability for spiritual responsibility.
* **Sovereignty of God:** God's kríma reflects His ultimate sovereignty over all creation. He is the supreme Judge whose decisions are final, unchangeable, and executed with perfect authority. His "unsearchable judgments" [[Romans 11:33]] speak to His transcendent wisdom and omnipotence.
* **Necessity of Christ's Atonement:** The pervasive theme of kríma (condemnation) in the New Testament naturally leads to the necessity of Christ's atoning work. Through faith in Christ, believers are delivered from the kríma of sin, receiving justification and life instead of condemnation [[Romans 5:16]]. The Gospel is precisely the good news that through Christ, the ultimate kríma against humanity for sin has been absorbed and overcome.
### Summary
κρίμα (kríma) `{{G2917}}` is a crucial New Testament term that denotes the *result* or *outcome* of a judgment or decision. Derived from κρίνω (krínō) `{{G2919}}` ("to judge"), it encompasses a semantic range from a righteous divine decree to a severe condemnation or punishment. While it can occasionally refer to human legal disputes, its primary theological weight is found in its description of God's authoritative verdict, often in a negative, condemnatory sense. It is distinct from κρίσις (krísis) `{{G2920}}`, which refers to the *process* or *act* of judging. Theologically, kríma profoundly underscores God's absolute righteousness and justice, human accountability before Him, the grave consequences of sin, and His ultimate sovereignty. Ultimately, the pervasive presence of kríma in the biblical narrative highlights the profound necessity and efficacy of salvation found in Jesus Christ, who delivers believers from the ultimate kríma of sin and death.
TRV