You’re Judging Me

Matthew 7:1-2

7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

In Evangelical parlance “You’re judging me.” tends to mean “I’m being convicted by the Holy Spirit and I don’t like it.” But let’s look at the original Greek. In the original Greek the word used for judge is Krino which means to condemn, sentence, or levy punishment. So as we ourselves pass sentence and condemnation on others so also shall we receive it. So we are to be merciful and forgiving in our interactions with others, rather than being quick to be judge and jury and condemn them.

So, then it is perfectly reasonable to be ‘judgmental’ if somebody says they have a bridge for sale. Being cautious or discerning in a situation like that wouldn’t necessarily be considered judgmental in the sense of that verse. If someone is in error then it is perfectly reasonable to correct them of the error. This is not being judgmental in the context of what Jesus said, it is making sound judgement.

I Corinthians 2:15

The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments,

The Greek word here is Anakrino. This is discernment rather than condemnation. It is related to the word used in Matthew chapter 7:1 but with the addition of the prefix ‘Ana’ which suggests a more thorough or discerning type of judgment. Krino is judgement by passing Sentence and Anakrino is judgement by discernment.

So in the context of the two verses Matthew 7:1 is a warning against the kind of judgment that involves sentencing or condemnation, while I Corinthians 2:15 is talking about the ability to make discerning judgments that come from spiritual wisdom and insight.

In John 7:24 Jesus says do not judge (Krino) by appearances, but judge (Krino) with right judgment. Here judgement is translated from Krino and suggests making a fair and accurate judgment based on the facts.

In I Corinthians 4:3- 4 Saint Paul says “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not there by acquitted. It is the lord who judges me.”

Here, judges is translated from Anakrino and refers to a more thorough examination or evaluation of one’s actions. So refusing to buy a bridge off someone would be Anakrino Condemning them for trying to sell the bridge would be Krino. The same as calling out error or sin is Anakrino while passing sentence for the error or sin is Krino. So it is perfectly reasonable to make a discerning judgment.

Then there is the spiritual gift of discernment. The Greek word for discernment is Diakrisis which comes from the same root as Anakrino means discernment, discrimination, or judgment. In light of what it means, I guess no woke Christian would want such a gift. But the discrimination comes through the Lord knowing who are his and those who are his recognising each other. So somebody wearing a dog collar doesn’t mean anything after all we are not to judge (Krino) by appearances. Diakrisis comes from seeking Christ and if they dress nicely and speak what sounds like the same language, through this gift that comes through seeking Christ, we can know who are his and who are not

The word ‘discernment’ in English is from the Latin word ‘discernere’ which means to separate or to distinguish so both the Greek and Latin roots of this word emphasize the idea of making careful distinctions and judgments.

In the New testament Diakrisis is often used to refer to spiritual discernment or the ability to distinguish between good and evil.

Discernment is often confused with intuition. Diakrino refers to the process of making adjustment or decision based on careful consideration and analysis. It involves separating or distinguishing between different options or ideas to determine the best course of action. Intuition on the other hand is gut feeling or instinctive knowledge that is not based on logical reasoning or conscious analysis. It’s a kind of stab in the dark compared to Diakrino.

Intuition is from the Latin “Intuitio”. “Intuitio” is a Latin word that means “a looking at” or “a contemplation.” while “Diakrino” is a Greek word that means “to separate,” “to distinguish”.It’s used in the New Testament to describe the process of making a decision’ based on careful consideration and discernment, rather than relying solely on intuition or instinct.

“Intuitio” is gut feeling while “Diakrino” emphasizes the importance of using logic, reason, and evidence to separate and distinguish between different options. It has come to my attention that in Evangelical circles “I’ve got a word for you” is based on “Intuitio” rather than Diakrino. In other words, a lot of ‘words’ are based on the flesh rather than the Spirit.

Christians are called to exhort one another. (Hebrews 3:13) The Greek word translated as “exhort” or “encourage” is Parakaleo. This word can have several related meanings, including: To call to one’s side, to comfort, console, or encourage or to exhort, urge, or implore. But what it comes down to is to encourage to hold fast to the faith and not be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. But to stay strong and persevere in their spiritual journey, even in the face of challenges and temptations.

So when liberal Christians say we’re judging them, yes we are. We are called to exhort and encourage to hold firm to the faith once delivered by the use of Diakrino and Anakrino. This is correct judgement. We do not resort to Krino , we do not pass sentence.

When we pass sentence in this way, we are in trouble. It is not for us to determine somebodies eternal destiny by what we know. That would be Krino and the same judgement will fall on us according to Jesus’ words. I am not a Universalist but it is in God’s hands not mine.

I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.