πρόκριμα

a prejudgment, prejudice

Definition

πρόκριμα refers to a judgment or decision made in advance, specifically a prejudgment or prejudice. It denotes a pre-formed opinion or bias that influences a person's decision-making before all the facts are considered. In its sole New Testament occurrence (1 Timothy 5:21), it is used in the context of a solemn charge to Timothy to act without partiality or favoritism. The word implies a premature conclusion, often based on personal preference or external pressure, which leads to unfair treatment.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Timothy 5:21. Here, the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy to keep his commands 'without prejudice' (χωρὶς προκρίματος), doing nothing out of favoritism. The context is church leadership and discipline, specifically regarding the treatment of elders. The usage highlights the necessity for impartiality in judicial or disciplinary matters within the Christian community, warning against allowing pre-existing biases to corrupt judgment.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition πρό (pro), meaning 'before,' and the noun κρίμα (krima), meaning 'judgment' or 'decision.' Thus, πρόκριμα literally means 'a judgment beforehand.' It is related to the verb κρίνω (krinō, G2919), 'to judge.' The compound form emphasizes the temporal aspect—a judgment formed prior to proper examination, which is the essence of prejudice.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it addresses the integrity of leadership and justice within the church. It underscores the biblical principle that God's people, especially leaders, must reflect His impartial character (Deuteronomy 10:17, Acts 10:34). Understanding πρόκριμα enriches the reading of 1 Timothy 5:21 by highlighting the serious charge to avoid the very human tendency toward bias, which can undermine the church's witness and authority. It connects to the doctrine of God's righteousness and the ethical requirement for believers to pursue justice.

In the Greco-Roman world, partiality based on social status, wealth, or patronage was common in legal and social proceedings. The New Testament's injunction against πρόκριμα presented a counter-cultural ethic for the early church, where community life was to be governed by fairness and love, not by the worldly standards of favoritism. This challenged the normal hierarchical and clientelistic relationships of the ancient Mediterranean society.

προσωπολημψία (prosōpolēmpsia, G4382) — similar meaning of partiality or favoritism, but with a stronger emphasis on showing favor based on a person's face or outward appearance. κρίμα (krima, G2917) — the root word meaning 'judgment' or 'decision,' without the connotation of being premature or biased.

Word Details

Scripture References