Original Word: διαγινώσκω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: diaginóskó
Pronunciation: dee-ag-ee-NOCE-ko
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ag-in-o'-sko)
KJV: (would) enquire, know the uttermost
NASB: decide, determine
Word Origin: [from G1223 (διά - through) and G1097 (γινώσκω - know)]

1. to know thoroughly, i.e. ascertain exactly

enquire, know the uttermost.

From dia and ginosko; to know thoroughly, i.e. Ascertain exactly -- (would) enquire, know the uttermost.

see GREEK dia

see GREEK ginosko

1231 diaginṓskō (from 1223 /diá, "all the way through, thoroughly," which intensifies 1097 /ginṓskō, "to know personally") – properly, thoroughly know.

[See the root 1097 (ginṓskō) for more on knowing ("epistemology").]

Word Origin
from dia and ginóskó
Definition
to distinguish, to determine
NASB Translation
decide (1), determine (1).

STRONGS NT 1231: διαγινώσκω

διαγινώσκω; future διαγνώσομαι;

1. to distinguish (Latindignosco), i. e. to know accurately, ascertain exactly: τί, Acts 23:15; (so in Greek writings from Homer down).

2. in a legal sense, to examine, determine, decide, (cf. Cicero,cognosco): τά καθ' ὑμᾶς your case, Acts 24:22; (2 Macc. 9:15; Demosthenes, p. 629, 25; p. 545, 9; others).

Overview of New Testament Usage

Strong’s Greek number 1231 appears only twice in the Greek New Testament, both in the narrative of Paul’s legal proceedings before Roman authorities in Jerusalem and Caesarea (Acts 23:15; Acts 24:22). In each instance the word expresses a deliberate, thorough determination of facts before rendering a decision. Luke, a careful historian, selects the term to underscore that matters concerning the gospel and its messengers called for informed, judicial discernment rather than rash action.

Contextual Setting in Acts

1. Acts 23:15 records the plot of more than forty Jews who urge the Sanhedrin to ask the Roman commander to “bring Paul down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to investigate his case more thoroughly.” Their stated aim is fact-finding, though their real intent is assassination. The contrast between their professed desire to “determine accurately” and their murderous purpose highlights the biblical theme that sinful motives can lurk beneath a veneer of legal propriety.
2. Acts 24:22 describes Governor Felix, who “having a more accurate knowledge of the Way, adjourned the hearing, saying, ‘When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.’ ” Felix postpones judgment until he can examine the commander’s report. Here the term portrays a legitimate exercise of governmental authority: the secular ruler seeks additional data before issuing a verdict that could cost Paul his life.

Historical and Legal Significance

The verb belongs to the courtroom vocabulary of the Greco-Roman world. Roman magistrates prided themselves on the ideal of cognitio, a careful judicial inquiry. Luke’s use of the word evokes that atmosphere, reminding readers that Christianity’s advance encountered real legal scrutiny. Unlike mob violence, Roman justice—though imperfect—allowed Paul to proclaim Christ before officials and ultimately to appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11). Thus the Spirit sovereignly employed legal mechanisms to extend gospel witness all the way to Rome.

Theological Themes

• Divine Sovereignty over Human Justice

Even when human authorities hesitate or plotters abuse legal language, God guides events to accomplish His redemptive purposes (Genesis 50:20; Psalm 76:10). The same verb that masks murderous intent in Acts 23 is used of Felix’s genuine inquiry in Acts 24, demonstrating that the Lord works through both integrity and hypocrisy to protect His servant.
• The Necessity of Discernment

Scripture consistently exhorts believers to “test everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). The word in Acts models a careful weighing of evidence, a pattern to emulate in doctrine, church discipline, and personal decision-making (Philippians 1:9-10).
• The Witness of the Church under Investigation

Paul’s trials exemplify the church’s calling to give an answer “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15) whenever the faith is scrutinized. Accurate investigation, when honestly pursued, vindicates the gospel and exposes false accusations, as Felix’s postponement eventually demonstrated (Acts 24:27).

Ministry Applications

1. Church Leadership: Elders must investigate matters impartially, refusing to admit a charge “except on the testimony of two or three witnesses” (1 Timothy 5:19). The word underscores diligence in handling disputes.
2. Personal Decision-Making: Believers should prayerfully gather facts before choosing a course of action (Proverbs 18:13). Quick assumptions often harm reputations and relationships.
3. Apologetics and Evangelism: Careful research into questions raised by skeptics imitates Paul’s example, showing respect for truth and enhancing credibility.

Intertextual Echoes

The Septuagint employs related terminology when leaders “inquire diligently” into allegations (Deuteronomy 19:18). Luke’s choice therefore connects Paul’s situation with Israel’s covenantal demand for thorough justice, now unfolding in the wider Roman sphere as the gospel moves from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

Practical Reflection

Whenever believers face scrutiny—whether formal litigation, workplace review, or interpersonal misunderstanding—the verb encourages patient transparency. Like Paul, Christians can entrust themselves to God’s providence, confident that honest examination ultimately magnifies the truth of Christ crucified and risen.

Key References

Acts 23:15; Acts 24:22.

διαγεγλυμμένοι διαγεγλυμμένος διαγεγλυμμένου διαγινωσκειν διαγινώσκειν διαγινώσκεται διαγλύψεις διάγνωθι διαγνωσθή διαγνωσομαι διαγνώσομαι διεγνώκειν diaginoskein diaginōskein diaginṓskein diagnosomai diagnōsomai diagnṓsomaiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts