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    Judgment

    מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) / κρίσις (Krisis)

    God's righteous assessment and administration of justice

    Hebrew
    Strong's G2920
    Pronunciation: mish-PAHT / KREE-sis
    Quick Answer

    Judgment in the Bible refers to God's righteous evaluation and administration of justice. The Hebrew 'mishpat' and Greek 'krisis' encompass both God's ongoing governance of the world and the final reckoning at the end of history.

    "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." — Hebrews 9:27 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Hebrews 9:27

    “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
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    Ecclesiastes 12:14

    “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
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    John 5:22

    “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G2920 — Judgment (מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) / κρίσις (Krisis))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) / κρίσις (Krisis) appears.

    Open Strong's G2920

    The Meaning of Judgment

    The Hebrew 'mishpat' is one of the most important Old Testament words, appearing over 400 times. It means justice, judgment, and the right ordering of society. It encompasses legal verdicts, social justice, and divine governance. The Greek 'krisis' (from which we get 'crisis') means a decisive evaluation or assessment. Biblical judgment is always rooted in God's perfect knowledge and absolute righteousness.

    God as Judge

    Scripture consistently presents God as the supreme Judge of all the earth (Genesis 18:25). His judgments are perfect because He possesses complete knowledge, absolute righteousness, and infinite wisdom. Unlike human judges who can be deceived, bribed, or biased, God's judgments are always fair, thorough, and just. He judges not only actions but thoughts and motives — 'the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart' (1 Samuel 16:7).

    The Final Judgment

    Scripture teaches that a final judgment awaits every person. Believers will stand before the 'judgment seat of Christ' (2 Corinthians 5:10) where their works will be evaluated for reward — not for salvation, which is already secured by faith. Unbelievers face the 'great white throne' judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). The final judgment demonstrates that God takes sin seriously, that justice will ultimately prevail, and that every wrong will be made right.

    Judgment and Mercy

    Throughout Scripture, judgment and mercy work together. God's judgment reveals the seriousness of sin; His mercy provides a way of escape. The cross of Christ is where judgment and mercy meet — Jesus bore the judgment we deserved so that we could receive the mercy we need. For believers, judgment is not about condemnation but about accountability and reward (Romans 8:1).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Will Christians be judged by God?

    Yes, but not for salvation. Believers will appear before the 'judgment seat of Christ' (2 Corinthians 5:10) where their works will be evaluated for reward. This is not a judgment of condemnation — Romans 8:1 declares 'there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.' It is an evaluation of faithful service.

    What is the Great White Throne judgment?

    The Great White Throne judgment described in Revelation 20:11-15 is the final judgment of all who have not accepted Christ. The dead are judged according to their works, and those whose names are not found in the Book of Life are consigned to the lake of fire. This solemn passage underscores the urgency of accepting God's offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.

    What is the Hebrew word for "Judgment" in the Bible?

    מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) / κρίσις (Krisis), pronounced "mish-PAHT / KREE-sis." It means god's righteous assessment and administration of justice. Its Strong's number is G2920. It is the word behind "Judgment" in both Testaments, for example in Hebrews 9:27.

    What does "Judgment" mean in the Bible?

    God's righteous assessment and administration of justice. The underlying Hebrew word is מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) / κρίσις (Krisis) ("mish-PAHT / KREE-sis"), Strong's G2920. Judgment in the Bible refers to God's righteous evaluation and administration of justice.

    Related Words

    Wrath
    Mercy
    Righteousness

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    Word Meaning

    Judgment (מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) / κρίσις (Krisis))

    God's righteous assessment and administration of justice

    Strong's

    Strong's G2920 — Judgment

    מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) / κρίσις (Krisis) • God's righteous assessment and administration of justice

    Spiritual Warfare

    The Lake of Fire (Revelation 20)

    The lake of fire is the final, eternal judgment for Satan, his angels, death, he

    Q&A

    What Is the Great White Throne Judgment?

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    Word Meaning

    Throne (כִּסֵּא (kisseh))

    The seat of royal authority — symbolizing sovereignty, judgment, and divine rule.

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