Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct one-to-one correspondence between Greek and Hebrew terms, the concept of judgment and decision-making in the Hebrew Bible can be related to several Hebrew words, such as שָׁפַט (shaphat, Strong's Hebrew 8199), which means "to judge" or "to govern," and דִּין (din, Strong's Hebrew 1777), which means "to judge" or "to contend." These Hebrew terms similarly convey the act of making judgments or decisions, often with an emphasis on justice and authority.

Usage: The term ἐπικρίνω is used in contexts where a decision or judgment is made, often implying a sense of authority or finality in the decision-making process.

Context: The Greek verb ἐπικρίνω (epikrinō) is a compound word that combines the preposition ἐπί (epi) with the verb κρίνω (krinō). The preposition ἐπί suggests a sense of "upon" or "over," which, when combined with κρίνω, conveys the act of making a judgment or decision over a matter. This term is not frequently used in the New Testament but carries significant weight in its implications of authority and discernment.

In the context of the New Testament, ἐπικρίνω may be understood as the act of rendering a decision or judgment that is authoritative and conclusive. It reflects the process of evaluating evidence or circumstances and arriving at a definitive conclusion. This term can be associated with both human and divine judgment, where the decision is made with a sense of finality and authority.

The use of ἐπικρίνω in the New Testament underscores the importance of discernment and the responsibility that comes with making judgments. It highlights the need for wisdom and understanding in decision-making processes, whether in personal, communal, or spiritual contexts.