### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **krísis**, represented by `{{G2920}}`, refers to the act of **judgment**, encompassing a decision, a verdict, and often the resulting condemnation or sentence. It appears **48 times** across **47 unique verses**, highlighting its significance in concepts of divine justice, righteousness, and the ultimate accountability of humanity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2920}}` is used to describe the divine authority to pass sentence, with the Father committing all **judgment** to the Son [[John 5:22]]. This **judgment** can be a present reality, as when Jesus declares, "Now is the **judgment** of this world" [[John 12:31]]. It is also frequently associated with a future, final reckoning, referred to as the "day of **judgment**" [[Matthew 12:36]]. The term carries the weight of a final verdict, distinguishing between those who pass from death to life and avoid **condemnation** [[John 5:24]] and those who face the "resurrection of **damnation**" [[John 5:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of judgment, its standards, and its consequences:
* `{{G2919}}` **krínō** (properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish:--avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think): As the verb form, it is the act of carrying out the **judgment** `{{G2920}}`. Jesus uses both words together, instructing to "**judge** righteous **judgment**" [[John 7:24]].
* `{{G1342}}` **díkaios** (from δίκη; equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively):--just, meet, right(-eous)): This describes the character of God's verdicts. Jesus states that His **judgment** `{{G2920}}` is **just** because He seeks the Father's will [[John 5:30]].
* `{{G2632}}` **katakrínō** (from κατά and κρίνω; to judge against, i.e. sentence:--condemn, damn): This word emphasizes the sentencing aspect of judgment. At the final **judgment** `{{G2920}}`, the repentant men of Nineveh will **condemn** the unrepentant generation [[Matthew 12:41]].
* `{{G1067}}` **géenna** (of Hebrew origin (גַּיְא and הִנֹּם); valley of (the son of) Hinnom; ge-henna (or Ge-Hinnom), a valley of Jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment:--hell.): This represents the ultimate destination resulting from a sentence of damnation. Jesus questions how the unrepentant can escape the **damnation** `{{G2920}}` of **hell** [[Matthew 23:33]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2920}}` is immense, defining the basis of divine justice and human accountability.
* **Delegated Divine Authority:** The concept of `{{G2920}}` is central to Christology, as the Father "hath committed all **judgment** unto the Son" [[John 5:22]] and has given Him authority to execute it [[John 5:27]].
* **Final Accountability:** Scripture points to a final "day of **judgment**" [[Matthew 10:15]]. On this day, every idle word will be accounted for [[Matthew 12:36]], the ungodly face perdition [[2 Peter 3:7]], and believers can have boldness [[1 John 4:17]].
* **A Present Verdict:** **Judgment** is not merely a future event. It is enacted in the present when people reject the light that has come into the world [[John 3:19]]. Believers, by hearing and believing, do not come into **condemnation** but have already passed from death to life [[John 5:24]].
* **The Standard of Righteousness:** True **judgment** `{{G2920}}` is inseparable from God's character. His judgments are described as "true and **righteous**" [[Revelation 19:2]]. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for omitting the weightier matters of the law, including **judgment**, mercy, and faith [[Matthew 23:23]].
### Summary
The word **krísis** `{{G2920}}` is far more than a simple legal term. It is a critical theological concept that signifies a divine verdict, a process of separation, and the execution of a sentence. It functions both as a future, eschatological event and as a present spiritual reality determined by one's response to Christ. Ultimately, `{{G2920}}` defines the stark choice between **condemnation** and **everlasting** `{{G166}}` life, with all authority for this **judgment** placed in the hands of the Son.
TRV