Bible Dictionary
DETERMINE
To determine means either to decide or resolve, or to decree and mark out. Scripture uses the word for human decisions and for things appointed by God.
Definition
To determine means either to resolve or decide, or to decree, appoint, mark out, or settle. The first sense concerns a decision, while the second concerns an established purpose, limit, sentence, or appointed outcome.
Biblical Usage
The New Testament uses determine for human decisions and resolutions, and also for things appointed by God. The Old Testament speaks of days being determined, destruction being appointed, and desolations being settled.
Historical Background
Different Hebrew and Greek terms underlie the two principal senses. One means to judge or decide, another to set boundaries or decree, and another can convey a judgment or sentence.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>de-tur'-min:</p><p>(1) "To resolve," "decide." This is the primary meaning of the word and it is also the one that is the most common. In the New Testament the Greek word krino, is translated "determine," and it has the above meaning (Ac 20:16; 25:25; 1Co 2:2). The word occurs frequently in the Old Testament with this meaning (see Ex 21:22; 1Sa 20:7,9,33).</p><p>(2) "To decree," "ordain," "mark out." The Greek word that is rendered "determine" with this meaning is horizo. See DETERMINATE.</p><p>The Hebrew term charats is translated "determine" with the above meaning; as "his days are determined" (Job 14:5); "a destruction is determined" (Isa 10:22); "desolations are determined" (Da 9:26). The Hebrew term mishpaT, which means "judgment" or "sentence," is translated "determination" in Ze 3:8.</p><p>A. W. Fortune.</p>