διάγνωσις

Pronunciation Guide: dee-AG-noh-sis (δι-ΑΓ-νω-σις)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1233: Διάγνωσις (diagnosis) refers to a thorough investigation or judicial examination leading to a definitive decision or determination. In biblical contexts, it describes the process of carefully distinguishing between options to reach an accurate judgment. The word implies a discerning examination that separates truth from falsehood, resulting in a clear verdict or understanding.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Feminine noun
• Root words: διά (dia, “through, thoroughly”) + γνῶσις (gnōsis, “knowledge”)
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Primary usage: Legal terminology, especially in administrative and judicial contexts
• Appears only once in the New Testament (Acts 25:21)
• Used in narrative sections related to Paul’s trial

Διάγνωσις Morphology:

• διάγνωσις (nominative singular) – a thorough examination
• διαγνώσεως (genitive singular) – of a thorough examination
• διαγνώσει (dative singular) – in/with a thorough examination
• διάγνωσιν (accusative singular) – a thorough examination (as object)

Origin & History

The term διάγνωσις has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it initially referred to the process of distinguishing or discerning between different things. In medical writings of Hippocrates (5th-4th century BCE), the term began to take on a more specialized meaning of “diagnosis” or determining the nature of an illness through careful examination. Hippocrates used the term in his work “On Diseases” to describe the physician’s process of distinguishing between similar symptoms to identify specific ailments.

By the Hellenistic period, διάγνωσις had expanded beyond medical usage into legal terminology, where it described the process of judicial investigation leading to a verdict. In the writings of Polybius (2nd century BCE), the term appears in contexts of governmental and legal decision-making processes. The Septuagint rarely employs this term, preferring other words for judgment and discernment, which highlights the technical and specialized nature of διάγνωσις as a term of precise legal examination.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A thorough examination leading to a determination or decision
• The process of distinguishing or discerning between options
• A formal judicial investigation resulting in a legal verdict
• The act of separating truth from falsehood through careful analysis
• A comprehensive assessment leading to clear understanding

Διάγνωσις Translation Options:

• Judicial hearing – Emphasizes the legal proceedings aspect, appropriate when focusing on the formal nature of the examination
• Thorough examination – Highlights the comprehensive investigative process, suitable for contexts stressing the careful analysis involved
• Discernment – Captures the distinguishing element, useful when emphasizing the spiritual dimension of separating truth from falsehood
• Determination – Focuses on the outcome of the process, appropriate when the emphasis is on the verdict or decision reached
• Diagnosis – Though now primarily medical in English, this direct transliteration preserves the original sense of “seeing through” to determine true nature

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, διάγνωσις appears only once, in Acts 25:21, where it refers to the legal decision Paul awaited from Emperor Augustus. This singular usage occurs in a critical narrative moment when Paul appeals to Caesar, redirecting his case from the provincial authority to the highest imperial court. The term carries significant weight in this context, referring not merely to a casual hearing but to an authoritative imperial examination that would produce a binding verdict.

Though rare in biblical literature, this term’s appearance at this pivotal moment in Paul’s journey underscores the formal, thorough nature of Roman judicial proceedings. The usage suggests that what Paul sought was not merely another opinion but a definitive determination that would settle his case conclusively. While the Septuagint does not use διάγνωσις directly, the concept of divine discernment and judicial determination appears throughout the Old Testament in discussions of יהוה’s (Yahweh’s) perfect judgment.

• “When I was arrested by the Jews and was about to be killed by them, I appealed to Caesar; not that I had any accusation against my nation. For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, since I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel. But they said to him, ‘We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brothers come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. But we desire to hear from you what your views are; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.’ When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe.” Acts 28:19-24

Cultural Insights

In the Roman judicial system of the first century, a διάγνωσις represented not simply a trial but a comprehensive examination with binding legal authority. For Paul to appeal to Caesar for a διάγνωσις was to invoke his rights as a Roman citizen to the highest possible judicial review. This process typically involved a thorough investigation of documents, testimony from witnesses, and formal arguments before a verdict was pronounced.

The Roman concept of διάγνωσις had significant parallels in Jewish legal traditions as well. The Sanhedrin’s deliberative process for difficult cases required similar thorough examination before rendering judgment. This cultural backdrop illuminates why Paul, as both a Roman citizen and a Jewish scholar, would understand the profound significance of appealing to the highest authority for a διάγνωσις of his case. His strategic use of this legal right demonstrates his sophisticated understanding of both Roman and Jewish legal systems, allowing him to navigate the complex political landscape of his time while fulfilling his divine mission to bring the gospel “before the Gentiles and kings” as the Lord had prophesied (Acts 9:15).

Theological Significance

The concept of διάγνωσις reflects the divine attribute of perfect discernment that sees beyond surface appearances to the heart of matters. Throughout Scripture, יהוה (Yahweh) is portrayed as the ultimate judge who exercises perfect διάγνωσις, thoroughly examining hearts and rendering flawless verdicts (1 Samuel 16:7). This divine characteristic finds its fullest expression in the Messiah, who is described as judging “not by what His eyes see, nor make a decision by what His ears hear” (Isaiah 11:3).

The theological implications of διάγνωσις extend to the believer’s spiritual life as well. Just as Paul awaited an imperial διάγνωσις with confidence because he knew the truth of his case, believers can approach the divine tribunal with similar confidence because of the advocacy of the Messiah Jesus. The process of divine διάγνωσις is not merely punitive but redemptive, designed to separate truth from falsehood and to bring clarity where confusion reigns. This reflects God’s character of justice tempered with mercy, providing not only righteous judgment but also the grace-filled opportunity for repentance and restoration.

Personal Application

In our spiritual journey, we often encounter situations requiring διάγνωσις—a thorough examination to discern truth from falsehood. Just as Paul confidently awaited the emperor’s judicial decision, we can rest in the divine διάγνωσις of our lives, knowing that the One who examines our hearts does so with perfect wisdom and compassion. This trust frees us from anxiety about human judgments and allows us to focus on living authentically before God.

Developing our own capacity for διάγνωσις is also essential for spiritual maturity. The writer of Hebrews speaks of those who have “their senses trained to discern good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). As we immerse ourselves in Scripture and yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we develop this spiritual discernment—the ability to thoroughly examine situations, teachings, and our own hearts to recognize God’s truth and follow His leading.

Related Words

• κρίσις (krisis) [KREE-sis] – judgment, the act of deciding or separating; focuses more on the verdict itself rather than the investigative process of διάγνωσις. See G2920
• ἀνάκρισις (anakrisis) [ah-NAH-kree-sis] – judicial investigation, preliminary examination; similar to διάγνωσις but typically refers to the earlier stage of investigation before the final judgment. See G351
• διάκρισις (diakrisis) [dee-AH-kree-sis] – the act of distinguishing, discernment; shares the root with διάγνωσις but emphasizes the process of distinguishing between options rather than a formal legal determination. See G1253
• γνῶσις (gnōsis) [GNOH-sis] – knowledge; a root component of διάγνωσις that focuses on the knowledge aspect without the thoroughness implied by the full compound term. See G1108
• ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis) [ep-IG-noh-sis] – full knowledge, recognition; like διάγνωσις, this term emphasizes thoroughness but focuses more on recognition and acknowledgment than on judicial determination. See G1922

Did you Know?

• Did you know that our modern medical term “diagnosis” comes directly from the Greek διάγνωσις without significant change in meaning? While today we associate diagnosis primarily with identifying diseases, the original meaning—a thorough examination to determine the true nature of something—remains remarkably intact after more than two millennia. This linguistic continuity demonstrates how Greek technical terminology has shaped Western intellectual tradition, especially in fields requiring precise analysis and determination.
• Did you know that in ancient Rome, a formal διάγνωσις by the emperor could take years to obtain? When Paul appealed to Caesar in Acts 25, he was invoking a right that would likely result in a lengthy waiting period. Historical records from the period indicate that imperial courts had substantial backlogs, with some cases waiting several years for the emperor’s διάγνωσις. This historical reality adds poignancy to Paul’s situation and highlights his commitment to enduring hardship for the sake of his calling to share the gospel with the highest authorities of his day.
• Did you know that the concept behind διάγνωσις reflects an important aspect of ancient Jewish judicial practice? The Sanhedrin would conduct a thorough examination (meticulous questioning and cross-examination) before rendering judgment in capital cases. This practice was based on the Torah’s requirement for careful investigation in Deuteronomy 17:4, where judges were commanded to “inquire thoroughly” (וְדָרַשְׁתָּ הֵיטֵב, darashta hetev) before rendering verdict. This parallel between Roman and Jewish judicial thoroughness shows how διάγνωσις represented a cross-cultural value of diligent examination before judgment.

Remember This

Διάγνωσις reminds us that God’s judgment is never hasty or superficial, but always involves a thorough examination that penetrates to the heart of the matter, bringing divine clarity where human confusion reigns.