Discernment in the Old Testament is perceptive separation: The Spirit-enabled ability to distinguish between the holy and the profane, the pure and the impure (Ezekiel 44:23). It is rooted in God’s Word and cultivated through obedience.
In the New Testament, discernment carries the sense of spiritual judgment — separating truth from falsehood, testing spirits, and approving what aligns with God’s will (Philippians 1:9–10). It is both gifted by the Holy Spirit and developed through practice.
1. Primary Hebrew Words for Discernment #
a. בִּין (bîn) – to understand, perceive, distinguish #
- Root Meaning: To separate mentally, to perceive the difference between two things.
- Part of Speech: Verb.
- Strong’s: H995.
- Usage: Often used for understanding God’s law, distinguishing right from wrong.
- Example:
- 1 Kings 3:9 – “So give Your servant an understanding (בִּין) heart to judge Your people, to discern between good and evil.”
- Proverbs 1:2 – “To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive (בִּין) the words of understanding.”
Theological Insight: In Hebraic thought, bîn is not just intellectual comprehension but moral and spiritual separation — the ability to divide light from darkness (Isaiah 5:20).
b. בִּינָה (bîynâ) – insight, discernment, intelligence #
- Root: From bîn.
- Strong’s: H998.
- Example:
- Proverbs 2:3 – “Cry for discernment (בִּינָה), lift your voice for understanding.”
- Daniel 9:22 – Gabriel: “I have now come forth to give you insight (בִּינָה) with understanding.”
c. שָׂכַל (śākal) – to be prudent, act wisely, have success #
- Strong’s: H7919.
- Example:
- Psalm 119:99 – “I have more insight (שָׂכַל) than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.”
Insight: This word ties discernment to wisdom in action — knowing the right thing and doing it.
1. Primary Greek Words for Discernment #
a. διάκρισις (diákrisis) – distinguishing, judging between #
- Root: From diakrínō (to separate, decide, discriminate).
- Strong’s: G1253.
- Usage in NT: Refers to the Spirit-given ability to judge matters rightly.
- Example:
- Hebrews 5:14 – “Their senses are trained to discern (διάκρισις) good and evil.”
- 1 Corinthians 12:10 – “To another discerning (διάκρισις) of spirits…”
b. ἀνακρίνω (anakrínō) – to examine, investigate, scrutinize #
- Strong’s: G350.
- Example:
- Acts 17:11 – Bereans “examined (ἀνακρίνω) the Scriptures daily.”
- 1 Corinthians 2:15 – “The spiritual man judges (ἀνακρίνω) all things.”
c. δοκιμάζω (dokimázō) – to test, prove, approve after examination #
- Strong’s: G1381.
- Example:
- Romans 12:2 – “Prove (δοκιμάζω) what is the will of God.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21 – “Test (δοκιμάζω) all things; hold fast to what is good.”
Theological Exegesis & Integration #
- Discernment begins with God’s Word – Psalm 119:105. Without the standard of truth, there’s nothing to measure against.
- It’s Spirit-empowered – 1 Corinthians 2:10–16; Isaiah 11:2–3.
- It requires maturity and practice – Hebrews 5:14.
- It protects from deception – Matthew 24:24; 1 John 4:1.
- It’s essential for leadership and intercession – Ezekiel 44:23; Philippians 1:9–10.
Key Old & New Testament Cross-References #
| Theme | Hebrew Root | Greek Root | Example OT | Example NT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding | בִּין (bîn) | διάκρισις (diákrisis) | 1 Kings 3:9 | Hebrews 5:14 |
| Testing | שָׂכַל (śākal) | δοκιμάζω (dokimázō) | Psalm 119:99 | 1 Thess. 5:21 |
| Examination | בִּינָה (bîynâ) | ἀνακρίνω (anakrínō) | Prov. 2:3 | Acts 17:11 |
