Greek word · G1948

ἐπικρίνω

epikrinō

to decide

To decide or determine, especially when an authority pronounces a binding judgment: to give a ruling, to pronounce sentence, to settle a matter officially. The prefix epi- adds a sense of finality: a decision handed down 'upon' a case.

Appears once in the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

ἐπι-κρίνω

[in LXX: 2Ma.4:47, 3Ma.4:2 * ;]

to decree, give sentence: with accusative and inf., Luke 23:24.†

(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 Luke 23:24

Range of meaning

To decide or determine, especially when an authority pronounces a binding judgment: to give a ruling, to pronounce sentence, to settle a matter officially. The prefix epi- adds a sense of finality: a decision handed down 'upon' a case.

Against the English

KJV 'gave sentence', BSB 'sentenced' and NASB's 'pronounced sentence' keep the courtroom force. NIV and ESV's 'decided' is correct but softer, and could suggest a private change of mind rather than an official ruling from the judge's seat. YLT's 'gave judgment' is close to the Greek.

Used elsewhere in the period

It appears only here in the New Testament. In the Greek Old Testament, 2 Maccabees 4:47 uses it for King Antiochus formally condemning men to death. It is also used in Hellenistic Greek, and in the documentary papyri noted by Moulton & Milligan, for official decisions by magistrates and administrators. Other Gospels do not use it here: Mark 15:15 and Matthew 27:26 just say Pilate 'handed him over'.

Where it appears

Luke · 1

  1. Luke 23:24 ἐπέκρινεν sentenced

    So Pilate sentenced that their demand be met.

    Here: A formal legal word: an official issued a binding ruling. It appears only here in the New Testament. The past tense presents the ruling as one finished act. Luke chose a courtroom word, not a casual 'he agreed.'

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