### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κρίσις (krísis, `{{G2920}}`) is derived from the verb κρίνω (krínō, `{{G2919}}`), meaning "to judge" or "to decide." At its most fundamental level, κρίσις signifies the act of judging, a decision, or a judgment. Its semantic range is broad and encompasses several nuanced meanings:
1. **A separating or distinguishing:** The original sense of κρίνω involves separating or discerning, and κρίσις can carry this idea of discrimination or discernment, particularly in a moral sense.
2. **A judicial decision or verdict:** This is a prominent meaning, referring to the formal decision rendered by a judge or a court. It can imply either a favorable outcome (vindication) or an unfavorable one (condemnation).
3. **The process of judgment or a trial:** It can denote the entire procedure by which a judgment is reached, a legal hearing, or an investigation.
4. **The time or place of judgment:** Often used in an eschatological sense, referring to the "day of judgment" or the final divine reckoning.
5. **The right or power to judge:** The authority to make a judicial decision.
6. **The outcome or consequence of a judgment:** While often associated with condemnation or punishment, it can also refer to the just outcome, whether positive or negative.
7. **Justice or righteousness:** In certain contexts, it can denote the moral quality of justice itself, or the just application of law.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
κρίσις appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and Revelation, where it carries significant theological weight.
* **Eschatological Judgment:** Most commonly, κρίσις refers to the final divine judgment that awaits humanity. Jesus frequently speaks of "the day of judgment" ([[Matthew 10:15]], [[Matthew 11:22]], [[Matthew 12:36]]), emphasizing accountability for actions and words. In [[John 5:29]], Jesus speaks of "the resurrection of judgment" for those who have done evil. Peter also refers to God's ability to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment ([[2 Peter 2:9]]).
* **Moral Judgment and Justice:** κρίσις can also denote moral discernment or the practice of justice. Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for neglecting "the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness" ([[Matthew 23:23]]). Similarly, in [[Luke 11:42]], they are criticized for neglecting "justice and the love of God." Here, κρίσις refers to the righteous application of God's standards.
* **Condemnation and Punishment:** The term often implies the negative outcome of judgment, particularly for those who reject Christ or live in unrighteousness. [[John 3:19]] states, "And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light." For the believer, salvation means not coming into κρίσις ([[John 5:24]]). However, even believers can bring κρίσις upon themselves through unworthily partaking of the Lord's Supper ([[1 Corinthians 11:29]]).
* **The Act or Purpose of Judging:** Jesus declares, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind" ([[John 9:39]]). Here, κρίσις describes the discerning and separating effect of His ministry, revealing spiritual sight or blindness. In Revelation, God's κρίσις is consistently affirmed as "true and just" ([[Revelation 16:7]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
* **κρίνω (krínō, `{{G2919}}`):** The verbal root of κρίσις, meaning "to judge, decide, discern." The noun is the direct result or act of the verb. Understanding the verb's range (from discerning to condemning) illuminates the noun's versatility.
* **κρίμα (kríma, `{{G2917}}`):** Another related noun, often translated as "judgment," "sentence," or "condemnation." While κρίσις refers more to the act or process of judging, κρίμα frequently refers to the *result* or *verdict* of that judgment, especially the negative consequence or punishment. For example, "they will receive the greater κρίμα" ([[Mark 12:40]]).
* **δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosýnē, `{{G1343}}`):** Righteousness, justice. κρίσις is the execution or manifestation of God's δικαιοσύνη. God's judgment is always righteous and true.
* **ἀπώλεια (apōleia, `{{G684}}`):** Destruction, ruin, perdition. This is often the ultimate consequence for those who face a negative κρίσις.
* **σωτηρία (sōtēría, `{{G4991}}`):** Salvation, deliverance. This stands in direct contrast to the condemnation aspect of κρίσις, offering an escape from its negative outcome.
* **Old Testament Parallel:** The Hebrew word מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat, `{{H4941}}`) often carries a similar dual sense of judicial decision and righteous justice, reflecting the comprehensive nature of God's governance.
### Theological Significance
The concept of κρίσις is central to biblical theology, articulating profound truths about God, humanity, and destiny.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Justice:** κρίσις unequivocally establishes God as the supreme and ultimate Judge of the universe. His judgments are perfect, infallible, and righteous, executed according to His divine truth and knowledge ([[Romans 2:2]]). This underscores His absolute authority over all creation.
* **Human Accountability:** The pervasive theme of κρίσις emphasizes that all humanity is accountable to God. Every thought, word, and deed will be brought into examination ([[Matthew 12:36-37]]). This truth highlights the seriousness of sin and the universal need for redemption.
* **Eschatological Hope and Warning:** The future κρίσις serves as both a solemn warning to the unrepentant and a glorious hope for the righteous. For those who reject God's grace, it portends eternal condemnation. For believers, it signifies vindication, the final triumph of good over evil, and the establishment of God's perfect justice where all wrongs are righted.
* **Christ's Central Role in Judgment:** Jesus is not merely the subject of judgment but also its executor. God has entrusted all κρίσις to the Son ([[John 5:22]]). His first coming brought a κρίσις of light versus darkness, revealing the choices of humanity ([[John 3:19]]). His second coming will bring the definitive, final κρίσις of all peoples ([[Acts 17:31]]).
* **Present Reality of Judgment:** While often associated with a future event, κρίσις can also be a present reality. Unbelief itself constitutes a form of present judgment ([[John 3:18]]). Moreover, living contrary to God's will can result in present divine discipline or κρίσις within the community of faith ([[1 Corinthians 11:29-32]]).
* **Ethical Imperative:** Understanding the certainty of divine κρίσις compels believers to live lives of righteousness, pursue justice in the world, and earnestly share the Gospel, offering the path of salvation from future condemnation.
### Summary
The Greek word κρίσις (krísis, `{{G2920}}`) is a multifaceted New Testament term signifying the act or process of judging, a judicial decision, or the resulting verdict. Derived from κρίνω (krínō, `{{G2919}}`), it encompasses moral discernment, the application of justice, and most notably, the ultimate divine reckoning. While frequently associated with condemnation, especially in eschatological contexts, its core meaning is a righteous evaluation and the just application of divine standards. κρίσις profoundly emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty as the righteous Judge, humanity's universal accountability before Him, and the pivotal role of Christ in executing this judgment. It serves as both a solemn warning to the unrepentant and a comforting assurance of vindication for the righteous, ultimately pointing to the establishment of God's perfect justice in the consummation of all things. The concept of κρίσις thus provides a powerful theological framework for understanding human responsibility, divine justice, and the urgency of responding to God's grace.