διάγνωσις
diágnōsis
G1233 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Discernment, inquiry, or a process of determining or distinguishing between alternatives; especially, the act of careful examination to arrive at a judgment, decision, or clarification. In formal or judicial contexts, refers to a hearing or investigation where facts are examined in order to render a decision. The primary lexical meaning involves the thorough consideration and distinction between matters, which may include diagnostic judgment in legal, social, or practical affairs.
Semantic Range
discernment, examination, investigation, judicial hearing, formal determination, diagnostic process
Root / Etymology
From the verb διαγινώσκω (to distinguish, discern, decide after examination), itself formed from διά (through, thoroughly) + γινώσκω (to know, to recognize). Related conceptually to words for knowledge (γνώσις) and perception, especially in contexts requiring careful sorting or judgment.
Historical & Contextual Notes
διάγνωσις is a rare word in Greek literature, found predominantly in post-classical (including Koine) Greek. It appears in legal, administrative, and rhetorical contexts, emphasizing a process of thorough determination or discrimination—often involving hearings before authorities (such as courts or councils). In the Septuagint and New Testament, such terms are infrequent; when present, they signify formal investigation and demonstration of judgment rather than casual or medical 'diagnosis' in the modern sense. Standard translations (e.g., 'hearing' or 'decision') only partially express the methodical, investigative nature of the original term. The word shares semantic territory with κρίσις (judgment), but διάγνωσις stresses the process leading up to a decision, rather than the decision itself.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from διαγινώσκω; (magisterial) examination ("diagnosis"):--hearing.
Root Family
γν- (diágnōsis) — to know, to distinguish, to discern
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1233-01 |
διάγνωσιν | diagnosin | N ACC F SG |
decision | thorough examination | decision | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1233-01 |
Acts 25:21 | διάγνωσιν | diagnosin | N ACC F SG |
decision | thorough examination | decision |