### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma κριτής (kritḗs), transliterated as kritḗs, is directly derived from the verb κρίνω (krinō) `{{G2919}}`, which signifies "to judge, decide, separate, distinguish, or condemn." Consequently, the core meaning of κριτής is "one who judges," or simply "a judge." Its semantic range extends to several nuanced applications:
* **Legal/Judicial Official:** Primarily, it refers to an individual appointed to hear and decide cases, administer justice, and render verdicts in a legal or governmental capacity. This can apply to secular magistrates or those in a theocratic judicial role.
* **Arbitrator/Mediator:** One who mediates disputes or makes decisions between conflicting parties, acting as an umpire.
* **Evaluator/Discerner:** More broadly, it can denote one who possesses the capacity to discern, evaluate, or pass judgment on matters, even outside a formal legal context.
* **Divine Judge:** Most profoundly within biblical theology, κριτής refers to God the Father and Jesus Christ as the ultimate and righteous arbiters of all humanity, who will render final judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κριτής appears approximately 19 times in the New Testament, applied in various contexts:
* **Human Judges:**
* **Secular Officials:** The term is used to describe earthly judges, often highlighting their fallibility or injustice. For instance, the "unjust judge" in the parable of the persistent widow is depicted as one who "neither feared God nor respected man" [[Luke 18:2]], illustrating the common understanding of a judge's power and the expectation of righteousness, even if frequently unmet.
* **Church Disputes:** Paul uses κριτής when addressing legal disputes among believers, admonishing them not to take their cases before "unbelievers" but to seek resolution within the Christian community, implying a capacity for internal judgment or arbitration [[1 Corinthians 6:1]], [[1 Corinthians 6:2]], [[1 Corinthians 6:4]], [[1 Corinthians 6:5]], [[1 Corinthians 6:6]].
* **Historical Figures:** The term is employed in reference to the leaders who governed Israel during the pre-monarchical period, as in [[Acts 13:20]], where God "gave them judges until Samuel the prophet." This connects the New Testament usage to the specific Old Testament office.
* **Divine Judge:**
* **God the Father:** Most significantly, God is identified as the supreme "Judge of all the earth" [[Hebrews 12:23]]. This emphasizes His ultimate authority, perfect righteousness, and sovereign role in determining eternal destinies.
* **Jesus Christ:** The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the one appointed by God to execute judgment. For example, [[Acts 10:42]] declares that Jesus is "the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead." Similarly, [[2 Timothy 4:8]] speaks of "the righteous Judge," referring to Christ who will bestow the crown of righteousness on the day of His appearing. This divine judicial role of Christ is central to eschatological teachings concerning the final judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **κρίνω (krinō) `{{G2919}}`:** The root verb from which κριτής is derived, meaning "to judge, decide, condemn, or separate." The judge is the one who performs the action of judging.
* **κρίσις (krisis) `{{G2920}}`:** This noun denotes the act of judging, a judgment, a decision, or the outcome of a judgment, often carrying implications of condemnation or a decisive turning point.
* **βῆμα (bēma) `{{G968}}`:** The "judgment seat," particularly associated with the "bema seat of Christ" (e.g., [[Romans 14:10]], [[2 Corinthians 5:10]]), where the κριτής (Christ) will evaluate the works of believers.
* **δίκαιος (dikaios) `{{G1342}}` / δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē) `{{G1343}}`:** "Righteous" and "righteousness." A fundamental attribute of the divine κριτής, whose judgments are always just and in accordance with His righteous character.
* **νόμος (nomos) `{{G3551}}`:** "Law" or "principle." Judges operate within a framework of law. The divine Judge's judgments are based on His perfect divine law and character.
* **κατακρίνω (katakrinō) `{{G2632}}`:** "To condemn." This verb represents the negative outcome of a judgment by a κριτής.
### Theological Significance
The concept of κριτής holds profound theological significance within the Christian faith:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Justice:** The identification of God as the ultimate κριτής underscores His absolute sovereignty and His perfect, unassailable justice. He is the immutable standard of righteousness, and His judgments are always true, equitable, and final. This truth provides both comfort for the oppressed and a solemn warning for the unrighteous.
* **Christ's Authority and Role:** The New Testament unequivocally establishes Jesus Christ as the one appointed by the Father to execute judgment. This highlights His unique divine authority and His integral role in God's redemptive plan, which culminates in the final judgment of humanity. His first advent was for salvation; His second will be for judgment.
* **Human Accountability:** The existence of a divine κριτής implies that all humanity is accountable for their actions, words, and even thoughts. There is a coming day of reckoning where every person will stand before the divine Judge. This truth serves as a powerful motivator for righteous living, repentance, and faith.
* **Ethical Implications for Believers:**
* **Prohibition of Presumptuous Judgment:** Believers are cautioned against judging others, as ultimate judgment belongs solely to the Lord (e.g., [[Romans 14:10]], [[James 4:12]]). This is because only God possesses the perfect wisdom and righteousness to be the ultimate κριτής.
* **Internal Church Discipline:** While external judgment is reserved for God, there is a legitimate, limited judicial function within the church for maintaining purity and order, as seen in Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 6. This, however, is distinct from the ultimate divine judgment.
* **Hope and Warning:** For the believer, the divine κριτής is a source of hope, as He is also the Savior who has provided a way to stand justified through faith. For the unbeliever, the κριτής represents a solemn warning of impending judgment and the necessity of repentance and faith in Christ.
### Summary
The Greek term κριτής (kritḗs) signifies "a judge," derived from the verb κρίνω (krinō), "to judge." Its usage in the New Testament extends from human judicial figures and Old Testament leaders to, most significantly, God the Father and Jesus Christ as the ultimate and righteous Judges. Contextual analysis reveals its application in legal disputes, historical references to the period of the Judges, and profound declarations of divine judgment. Theologically, κριτής underscores God's absolute sovereignty, perfect justice, and humanity's universal accountability before Him. Christ's role as the appointed Judge of the living and the dead is a central tenet of Christian eschatology. This concept serves as both a solemn warning of future accountability for all and a profound comfort in the certainty of divine justice for those who trust in the One who is both Judge and Savior.
TRV