### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kritikós**, represented by `{{G2924}}`, is defined as decisive or discriminative, translated as **discerner**. It appears only **1 time** in the Bible, a fact that highlights its specific and powerful role within its single scriptural context. The term conveys the idea of being able to judge or discriminate with precision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G2924}}` is found in [[Hebrews 4:12]]. In this verse, the "word of God" is described as being a **discerner** of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The passage establishes that God's word is not a static text but a living and powerful agent. Its ability to act as a **discerner** demonstrates its capacity to penetrate the innermost being, distinguishing between the soul and spirit and evaluating the deepest motivations of a person.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in [[Hebrews 4:12]] illuminate the function of `{{G2924}}`:
* `{{G3056}}` **lógos** (word): This is the subject that performs the action of discerning. The **word** of God is what is described as being quick, powerful, and a **discerner** [[Hebrews 4:12]].
* `{{G1761}}` **enthýmēsis** (deliberation): This refers to the **thoughts** which are the object of the word's discernment, revealing the inner deliberations of the mind [[Hebrews 4:12]].
* `{{G1771}}` **énnoia** (moral understanding): This term for **intents** describes the moral understanding and thoughtfulness within the heart, which is also subject to the critical assessment of God's word [[Hebrews 4:12]].
* `{{G2588}}` **kardía** (heart): This is the figurative center of thoughts and feelings where the act of discernment takes place. The word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the **heart** [[Hebrews 4:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2924}}` is concentrated in its single appearance, providing a profound insight into the nature of God's word.
* **Active Divine Scrutiny:** The role of **discerner** is not passive. It is presented alongside words like **quick** `{{G2198}}` and **powerful** `{{G1756}}`, indicating that the word of God actively and effectively judges the inner person [[Hebrews 4:12]].
* **Penetrating Judgment:** The word's function as a **discerner** is compared to a **twoedged** `{{G1366}}` **sword** `{{G3162}}` that pierces to the point of "dividing asunder" soul and spirit, joints and **marrow** `{{G3452}}`. This illustrates a judgment that is impossibly deep and precise by human standards.
* **Focus on Inner Motivation:** By being a **discerner** of **thoughts** `{{G1761}}` and **intents** `{{G1771}}`, the term emphasizes that divine evaluation extends beyond outward actions to the very source of human motivation and moral understanding within the **heart** `{{G2588}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2924}}` is a rare but potent term. Its singular use in scripture defines a key attribute of the word of God. It portrays scripture not merely as a source of information but as a living, powerful, and decisive agent capable of piercing the deepest recesses of the human heart to judge its most foundational thoughts and intents.
TRV