### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kritḗs**, represented by `{{G2923}}`, is a term for a **judge**. It appears 17 times across 15 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from the word `{{G2919}}` krínō (to decide or try), it refers to one who carries out judgment, both in a human, judicial capacity and as a title for God and Christ in their roles as ultimate arbiters.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, `{{G2923}}` is used in several key contexts. It denotes a human official in a legal setting, where an **adversary** `{{G476}}` can deliver a person to the **judge** ([[Matthew 5:25]], [[Luke 12:58]]). An example of this is the **judge** in a certain city who did not fear **God** `{{G2316}}` [[Luke 18:2]]. The term is also applied to God, who is called "the **Judge** of all" [[Hebrews 12:23]], and to Christ, who is "the Lord, the righteous **judge**" [[2 Timothy 4:8]] and was "ordained of God to be the **Judge** of quick and dead" [[Acts 10:42]]. In a figurative sense, believers are warned not to become a **judge** of the law [[James 4:11]], and in [[Acts 13:20]] it refers to the historical leaders of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of judgment and authority:
* `{{G2919}}` **krínō**: This root verb, meaning "to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish," is the action performed by a **kritḗs**. It is used when warning believers not to **judge** the law [[James 4:11]].
* `{{G1342}}` **díkaios**: Defined as "equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively):--just, meet, right(-eous)," this word describes the perfect character of the divine **judge**, as in "the righteous **judge**" [[2 Timothy 4:8]].
* `{{G476}}` **antídikos**: Meaning "an opponent (in a lawsuit)," this term for an **adversary** appears in passages describing a legal process where one is brought before a **judge** [[Matthew 5:25]].
* `{{G758}}` **árchōn**: As a term for a "magistrate, prince, ruler," it is used alongside **judge** to refer to civil authorities who hold power and make legal determinations [[Luke 12:58]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2923}}` is significant, establishing key principles of divine authority and accountability.
* **Divine Authority:** The term establishes God as the supreme **Judge** over all creation [[Hebrews 12:23]]. This role is absolute and extends to all people.
* **Christ's Appointed Role:** Jesus Christ is specifically presented as the one ordained by God to execute judgment over the **living** `{{G2198}}` and the **dead** `{{G3498}}` [[Acts 10:42]]. The final reward, a **crown** `{{G4735}}` of **righteousness** `{{G1343}}`, is given by Him as the "righteous **judge**" [[2 Timothy 4:8]].
* **The Imminence of Judgment:** Believers are reminded that judgment is near. The warning that "the **judge** standeth before the door" serves as a call to avoid condemnation by living righteously [[James 5:9]].
* **The Limit of Human Judgment:** The word is used to caution against improperly assuming the role of a **judge**. When a person judges the law, they cease to be a **doer** `{{G4163}}` of the law and wrongly position themselves as a **judge** over it [[James 4:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2923}}` defines the role of a **judge** across earthly and divine spheres. It is used for human magistrates resolving disputes [[Luke 12:58]], historical leaders [[Acts 13:20]], and most significantly, for God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The word underscores the ultimate accountability all people have to God, the "righteous **judge**" [[2 Timothy 4:8]], who stands ready to execute perfect justice.
TRV