διαγινώσκω
diaginṓskō
G1231 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To know or discern thoroughly, to determine exactly, to investigate with precision. The word indicates a careful process of coming to definitive knowledge, whether by inquiry, close examination, or judgement. Depending on context, it can refer to acquiring thorough understanding of a matter, ascertaining facts with certainty, or distinguishing between options based on detailed examination.
Semantic Range
to know thoroughly, to discern after investigation, to ascertain exactly, to investigate or inquire with precision, to determine with certainty, to distinguish by careful examination
Root / Etymology
From the preposition διά (through, thoroughly) and γινώσκω (to know, to perceive). The compound emphasizes the thoroughness or completeness of the knowledge acquired.
Historical & Contextual Notes
First attested in post-classical and Hellenistic Greek, διαγινώσκω occurs infrequently in surviving literature but is attested in both literary and documentary sources. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it denotes not just knowing, but investigating to the point of certainty—implying scrutiny or careful examination. While related to γινώσκω (to know), the addition of διά strengthens the sense to mean 'knowing through and through' or 'to reach a judgement after careful investigation.' English versions often render it as 'inquire,' 'determine,' or 'ascertain,' but these may not always capture the nuance of methodical examination. It is distinct from ἀναγινώσκω (to read, recognize through reading), which is more specific to written materials. Usage emphasizes a processual or investigative aspect, and the sense of judicial or discriminating knowledge is sometimes present, especially in legal or deliberative contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from διά and γινώσκω; to know thoroughly, i.e. ascertain exactly:--(would) enquire, know the uttermost.
Root Family
γνώ- (gnṓstēs) — to know, to perceive, to be acquainted with
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1109 | γνώστης | a knower |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1231-01 |
διαγινώσκειν | diaginoskein | V PRS ACT INF |
to determine | to discern thoroughly | to discern thoroughly | 1 |
G1231-02 |
διαγνώσομαι | diagnosomai | V FUT MID IND 1P SG |
I will decide | I will ascertain fully | I will decide | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1231-01 |
Acts 23:15 | διαγινώσκειν | diaginoskein | V PRS ACT INF |
to determine | to discern thoroughly | to discern thoroughly |
G1231-02 |
Acts 24:22 | διαγνώσομαι | diagnosomai | V FUT MID IND 1P SG |
I will decide | I will ascertain fully | I will decide |