Greek word · G1231

διαγινώσκω

diaginōskō

to decide

'Distinguish, discern'. In legal Greek it means 'examine a case and decide it, give a ruling'.

Appears 2 times in 2 verses of the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

δια-γινώσκω

(see previous word), [in LXX chiefly for ידע, and cf. 2Ma.9:15 ;]

1. to distinguish, ascertain exactly: Acts 23:15

2. As Athen. law-term, to determine: τὰ καθ᾽ ὑμᾶς, your case, Acts 24:22 (Cremer, 673).†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of Acts 23:15

Range of meaning

'Distinguish, discern'. In legal Greek it means 'examine a case and decide it, give a ruling'.

Against the English

KJV 'enquire', WEB 'judge his case', ESV and NASB 'determine', BSB 'examining his case', NIV 'wanting more accurate information'. 'Enquire' and 'information' are weaker than the Greek, which means coming to a judicial decision.

Used elsewhere in the period

Its only other New Testament use is Acts 24:22, where Felix adjourns the hearing: 'When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide (diagnōsomai) your case.' The related noun diagnōsis is used for a judicial decision in 25:21. The papyri use both words for official investigations and rulings.

Similar words

Where it appears

Acts · 2

  1. Acts 23:15 διαγινώσκειν to examine

    Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him down to you on the pretext of examining his case more carefully. We are ready to kill him on the way.”

    Here: A legal word for reaching a decision after examining a case. Felix uses it in 24:22 ('I will decide your case'). The cover story is a proper judicial hearing.

  2. Acts 24:22 διαγνώσομαι I will examine

    Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.”

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.