This noun denotes the faculty of discernment—the ability to distinguish, judge, or discriminate between different things, particularly between good and evil, true and false. Classical usage includes judicial decision-making, separation, and analytical distinction. In Hebrews, mature believers train their faculties through practice 'to discern good and evil.' Among spiritual gifts, Paul lists 'distinguishing between spirits'—the supernatural ability to discern spiritual sources. The term can also refer to disputes or controversies (Romans 14:1), where judgment and discrimination create division rather than clarity.