ΔΙΑΚΡΙΣΙΣ
The Greek term διάκρισις (diakrisis) signifies the profound human capacity for separation, distinction, and sound judgment. From Plato's philosophical distinctions of Forms to the Christian "discernment of spirits," its meaning remains central to understanding the world and the self. Its lexarithmos (555) suggests a threefold amplification of this critical faculty.
Definition
According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, διάκρισις (διάκρισις, -εως, ἡ) primarily means "separation, distinction." The word derives from the verb διακρίνω, meaning "to separate, distinguish, judge, decide." Its meaning evolves from a simple separation of objects or concepts to a more complex spiritual and ethical function.
In classical philosophy, διάκρισις is fundamental to logic and metaphysics. Plato employs it to describe the mind's ability to separate eternal Forms from perishable phenomena, as well as to distinguish truth from falsehood in discourse. For Aristotle, διάκρισις is closely linked with phronesis (practical wisdom), emphasizing the virtuous person's capacity to judge correctly in practical matters, discerning good from evil.
In Christian literature, διάκρισις acquires a deeper spiritual dimension, known as the "discernment of spirits" (διάκρισις πνευμάτων). This concept, prominent in the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 12:10), refers to the ability to discern the origin of spiritual manifestations—whether they come from God, from human agency, or from evil spirits. The Church Fathers, particularly ascetic writers like Evagrius Ponticus and John Cassian, developed διάκρισις as the supreme virtue, the "art of arts," indispensable for spiritual progress and the avoidance of delusion.
Etymology
Cognate words include: κρίσις (crisis, judgment, decision), κριτήριον (criterion), κριτής (judge), κριτικός (critical, one who judges), άκριτος (undiscerned, unjudged), υποκρίνομαι (to pretend, originally "to answer a judge").
Main Meanings
- Separation, division — The act of dividing something into parts or distinguishing one thing from another.
- Distinction, differentiation — The ability to perceive or recognize differences between things or concepts.
- Judgment, decision — The act of forming an opinion or making a choice after consideration.
- Judicial decision, verdict — The formal ruling of a court or a judge.
- Dispute, controversy — The act of disagreeing or contending in argument.
- Spiritual discernment — The ability to discern the origin and quality of spiritual phenomena (e.g., discernment of spirits).
- Prudence, sound judgment — Practical wisdom and the ability to judge correctly in ethical and practical matters.
Philosophical Journey
The concept of διάκρισις evolves from a simple description of separation into a central philosophical and theological tool.
In Ancient Texts
Three characteristic passages highlight the diverse uses of διάκρισις.
Lexarithmic Analysis
The lexarithmos of the word ΔΙΑΚΡΙΣΙΣ is 555, from the sum of its letter values:
555 decomposes into 500 (hundreds) + 50 (tens) + 5 (units).
The 18 Methods
Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΔΙΑΚΡΙΣΙΣ:
| Method | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Isopsephy | 555 | Base lexarithmos |
| Decade Numerology | 6 | 5+5+5=15 → 1+5=6 — The Hexad, the number of creation, balance, and choice, signifying complete and harmonious judgment. |
| Letter Count | 9 | 9 letters — The Ennead, the number of completion and spiritual perfection, underscoring the fullness of discernment. |
| Cumulative | 5/50/500 | Units 5 · Tens 50 · Hundreds 500 |
| Odd/Even | Odd | Masculine force |
| Left/Right Hand | Right | Divine (≥100) |
| Quotient | — | Comparative method |
| Notarikon | Δ-Ι-Α-Κ-Ρ-Ι-Σ-Ι-Σ | Discernment of Ideas, Accurate Knowledge, Righteous Insight, Spiritual Illumination, Soundness. (An interpretive acrostic). |
| Grammatical Groups | 5V · 5C | 5 vowels (I, A, I, I, I) and 5 consonants (D, K, R, S, S). This balance suggests harmony and completeness in the concept. |
| Palindromes | Yes (numeric) | Number reads same reversed |
| Onomancy | — | Comparative |
| Sphere of Democritus | — | Divination with lunar day |
| Zodiacal Isopsephy | Venus ♀ / Cancer ♋ | 555 mod 7 = 2 · 555 mod 12 = 3 |
Isopsephic Words (555)
Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon sharing the same lexarithmos (555) as διάκρισις, revealing interesting conceptual connections.
The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 68 words with lexarithmos 555. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.
Sources & Bibliography
- Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1940.
- Plato — Sophist. Loeb Classical Library.
- Aristotle — Nicomachean Ethics. Loeb Classical Library.
- Evagrius Ponticus — On Discernment. Patrologia Graeca 40.
- John Cassian — Conferences. Ancient Christian Writers Series.
- Chadwick, H. — Early Christian Thought and the Classical Tradition. Oxford University Press, 1966.
- Daniélou, J. — Platonisme et Théologie Mystique: Doctrine spirituelle de Saint Grégoire de Nysse. Aubier, 1944.
- Kittel, G., Friedrich, G. — Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Eerdmans, 1964-1976.