UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: to judge carefully, to evaluate carefully

Semantic entry: 30.109

Semantic domains: Think

Subdomains: To Distinguish, To Evaluate, To Judge

Definition: to make a judgment on the basis of careful and detailed information{N:001}

Sense 2: to prefer, to judge as superior, to regard as more valuable

Semantic entry: 30.99

Semantic domains: Think

Subdomains: To Choose, To Select, To Prefer

Definition: to judge something to be better than something else, and hence, to prefer

Notes: Superiority is often expressed in terms of ‘being better,’ but in some languages it is designated by means of a phrase meaning ‘to surpass,’ so that the question in RV CO1 4:7 · LV CO1 4:7 · Read together CO1 4:7 may be rendered as ‘who judges that you surpass others?’

Sense 3: to make a distinction, to judge that there is a difference

Semantic entry: 30.113

Semantic domains: Think

Subdomains: To Distinguish, To Evaluate, To Judge

Definition: to judge that there is a difference or distinction

Notes: In some languages it may be best to render this statement in RV ACT 15:9 · LV ACT 15:9 · Read together ACT 15:9 as ‘he did not think that we and they are different.’

Sense 4: to doubt, to be uncertain about, doubt

Semantic entry: 31.37

Semantic domains: Hold a View, Believe, Trust

Subdomains: Believe To Be True

Definition: to think that something may not be true or certain

Notes: In a number of languages ‘doubt’ is expressed by means of idioms, for example, ‘to have two thoughts’ or ‘to think only perhaps’ or ‘to believe only a little’ or ‘to question one’s heart about.’

Forms: διακρίνομαι[a]

Sense 5: to dispute, to debate about, contention, dispute

Semantic entry: 33.444

Semantic domains: Communication

Subdomains: Dispute, Debate

Definition: to dispute with someone on the basis of different judgments

Forms: διακρίνομαι[b]

Sense 6: to criticize

Semantic entry: 33.412

Semantic domains: Communication

Subdomains: Criticize

Definition: to express disapproval of what someone has done

Notes: It is possible to interpret the meaning of διακρίνομαι in RV ACT 11:2 · LV ACT 11:2 · Read together ACT 11:2 as being merely adverse judgment, but since this judgment was clearly voiced, διακρίνομαι implies more than mere judgment. The direct expression of an adverse judgment may be best rendered in English as ‘to criticize.’

Forms: διακρίνομαι[c]