The Greek word *krino* (G2919), as used in Matthew 7:1, means to condemn, avenge, damn, sentence, or levy a punishment. Christ plainly states that if we condemn others, we will be condemned ourselves. Though it is hazardous to evaluate the problems or sins of others, we are to judge in every aspect of life, as shown in the context of His teachings. Christ continues by instructing us to evaluate the deeds of others while being very careful with our judgments, considering our own weaknesses and sins before making harsh judgments on others. He advises us to remove hypocrisy from ourselves before helping others with their difficulties. In John 7:24, Christ uses the same Greek word *krino*, saying not to judge according to appearance but to judge with righteous judgment. He emphasizes the importance of how we apply judgment to others, for He will take the same attitude with us that we take with others. Life forces us to make judgments or decisions about people every day, whether in mundane matters or significant relationships. These judgments, whether positive or negative, are necessary, and we must weigh all known factors to avoid being misled or making poor decisions. Our lives are practice sessions in making sound, wise judgments, learning to evaluate others and circumstances with the mind of God as expressed in His Word.

The Greek word *krino* (G2919), translated as "judge," means to choose to have an opinion or to determine. God's command in Matthew 7:1-2 not to judge does not imply a lack of discernment. God grants permission to judge right from wrong, as seen in instructions to avoid casting pearls before swine in Matthew 7:6 and to beware of false prophets in Matthew 7:15-16. Such discernment requires the ability to judge doctrines and deeds. However, this judging must be righteous, grounded in the Word of God, the Bible, rather than personal opinion or political correctness. Judging differs from being judgmental; while judging involves making calls based on God's standards, being judgmental entails condemning others or assuming motives, which is cautioned against. God instructs His people to judge situations, government, others, and especially themselves, ensuring these judgments align with Scripture. In I Corinthians 5:11-12, God directs believers to judge within the church regarding certain behaviors, emphasizing the need for discernment between good and evil as a mark of spiritual maturity, as noted in Hebrews. Thus, judging must be exercised with love and humility, focusing primarily on self-examination and adherence to God's Word.

The Greek word *krino* (G2919), as used in Revelation 20:11-12, signifies a comprehensive process of judgment that includes trying, testing, deciding, concluding, and even sentencing or punishing. It encompasses the entire spectrum from calling to final determination, distinguishing it from the related term *krisis*, which focuses more on the investigative process leading to a decision. In the context of the resurrection, this judgment is not merely a singular event but a period during which individuals are evaluated and guided. Those resurrected are judged in a manner similar to the ongoing process experienced by the called, reflecting a pattern of growth and development over time. This judgment involves stirring individuals in the right direction to produce the best outcomes, aligning with God's purpose to offer salvation and transformation to all.

Krino requires context to determine what kind of judgment is under discussion. In one setting krino refers to an unrighteous act of condemning others that Jesus forbids because it opposes the work of God and His Son in the church. In another setting krino refers to the righteous judgment or discernment that Jesus commands His followers to exercise when evaluating situations and behaviors according to the full standard of God. The command not to krino therefore does not eliminate all use of judgment but distinguishes between the subjective condemnation of persons and the objective assessment of right and wrong conduct that aligns with the Word of God. When krino is applied without regard for unseen motives or long-term spiritual realities it produces hypocrisy and returns upon the one who uses it.

The term for judging in Matthew 7:1-2 is transliterated krino (G2919) which means to criticize, condemn or to render a verdict. Condemning or assigning a verdict is not a prerogative that has been given to us, but it is a responsibility exercised by God the Father and our High Priest Jesus Christ.