from the same as αἰτέω; a cause (as if asked for), i.e. (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved):--accusation, case, cause, crime, fault, (wh-)ere(-fore).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun αἰτία (aitía, `{{G156}}`) is rooted in the verb αἰτέω (aitéō, `{{G154}}`), meaning "to ask" or "to demand." This etymological connection suggests that αἰτία refers to that which is sought as an explanation or the ground upon which an inquiry or action is based. Its semantic range in the New Testament encompasses several key meanings:
1. **Cause or Reason:** The underlying factor, explanation, or motive for an event, action, or state. It answers the question "why?"
2. **Matter or Subject:** The specific issue or topic under consideration, particularly in a deliberative or judicial context.
3. **Legal Accusation or Charge:** The specific allegation brought against an individual in a legal setting. This is a prominent usage.
4. **Fault or Guilt:** The actual culpability or transgression that warrants punishment.
Thus, αἰτία can denote both the alleged reason (accusation) and the actual reason (cause or fault), depending on the context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
αἰτία appears approximately 20 times in the New Testament, with a notable concentration in the Gospels and the book of Acts, particularly in legal and judicial settings.
In the **Gospels**, the term is most famously associated with the trial of Jesus. Pilate repeatedly declares that he finds "no αἰτία" (no fault, no cause for accusation) in Jesus:
* [[Luke 23:4]]: "Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, 'I find no αἰτία in this man.'"
* [[Luke 23:14]]: "and said to them, 'You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined him before you, I have found no αἰτία in this man regarding the charges which you make against him.'"
* [[John 18:38]]: "Pilate said to him, 'What is truth?' And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, 'I find no αἰτία in him.'"
* [[John 19:4]]: "Pilate went out again and said to them, 'See, I am bringing him out to you so that you may know that I find no αἰτία in him.'"
* [[John 19:6]]: "So when the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, saying, 'Crucify! Crucify!' Pilate said to them, 'Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no αἰτία in him.'"
These repeated declarations underscore Jesus' innocence and the injustice of His condemnation.
Furthermore, αἰτία is used to describe the inscription placed on Jesus' cross, which stated the "charge" or "accusation" against Him:
* [[Matthew 27:37]]: "And above His head they put up the αἰτία written against Him, 'THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.'"
* [[Mark 15:26]]: "And the inscription of the αἰτία against Him was written, 'THE KING OF THE JEWS.'"
This inscription was the official, albeit false, reason for His execution.
In the **book of Acts**, αἰτία continues to appear in contexts of legal proceedings, often regarding the charges brought against Paul:
* [[Acts 10:21]]: "So Peter went down to the men and said, 'I am the one you are looking for; what is the αἰτία for which you have come?'" (referring to the reason for their visit).
* [[Acts 13:28]]: "And though they found no αἰτία worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have Him executed." (referring to Jesus).
* [[Acts 25:18]]: "Concerning him, when the accusers stood up, they brought no αἰτία of such evil things as I was supposing." (referring to charges against Paul).
* [[Acts 28:18]]: "who, when they had examined me, desired to release me because there was no αἰτία for a death sentence in me." (Paul speaking of his Roman captors).
In the **Epistles**, the term is less frequent but maintains its sense of "cause" or "reason":
* [[2 Timothy 1:6]]: "For this αἰτία I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands." (referring to the reason Paul is writing).
* [[Philippians 1:28]]: "and in no way alarmed by your opponents – which is a clear sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ’s αἰτία (sake/cause) not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake." (referring to the cause for which they suffer).
### Related Words & Concepts
* **αἰτέω (aitéō, `{{G154}}`):** The verb "to ask, demand," from which αἰτία is derived. This foundational link highlights that a "cause" is often something sought or demanded as an explanation.
* **ἔγκλημα (énklēma, `{{G1462}}`):** "Charge, accusation, indictment." This word often overlaps with αἰτία in legal contexts, though ἔγκλημα specifically refers to the formal charge, while αἰτία can be broader, encompassing the reason or fault.
* **κατηγορέω (katēgoreō, `{{G2723}}`):** "To accuse, to bring a charge against." This verb describes the action of making an αἰτία (accusation).
* **ἀδικία (adikía, `{{G93}}`):** "Unrighteousness, injustice." While αἰτία can denote a "fault" or "crime," ἀδικία speaks to the inherent quality of wrongdoing. Pilate's declaration of "no αἰτία" for Jesus implies an absence of ἀδικία on His part.
* **πρόφασις (próphasis, `{{G4392}}`):** "Pretext, excuse." This term refers to a stated reason that is not the true underlying cause, often used to conceal ulterior motives. It contrasts with αἰτία when αἰτία refers to the genuine cause or fault.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of αἰτία is profoundly evident in the New Testament's depiction of Jesus' trial and suffering.
1. **Christ's Sinlessness and Atonement:** Pilate's repeated declaration of "no αἰτία" in Jesus is a powerful testament to His perfect innocence and sinlessness. This divine verdict, even from a pagan authority, underscores that Jesus was condemned not for any actual crime or fault of His own, but for the sins of humanity. His death was not a just punishment for His own actions, but a substitutionary atonement for ours. This lack of αἰτία on Jesus' part is foundational to the efficacy of His sacrifice.
2. **Divine Purpose Amidst Human Injustice:** The human "accusation" (αἰτία) against Jesus, though false, served a higher divine αἰτία (purpose). God allowed His Son to be unjustly condemned and executed, fulfilling ancient prophecies and accomplishing His redemptive plan. The αἰτία written on the cross, "The King of the Jews," though intended as a mockery, inadvertently proclaimed a theological truth about Jesus' true identity and ultimate authority.
3. **Suffering for Righteousness:** The use of αἰτία in the Epistles (e.g., [[Philippians 1:28]], [[2 Timothy 1:6]]) extends the concept to believers. To suffer "for the αἰτία of Christ" or "for the gospel" means to endure hardship not for one's own wrongdoing, but for the sake of one's allegiance to Christ and His message. This aligns the experience of the persecuted believer with that of their sinless Lord, transforming suffering into a participation in His redemptive work and a testament to their faith.
### Summary
The Greek word αἰτία (aitía, `{{G156}}`) signifies a "cause," "reason," "accusation," or "fault." Its most theologically significant usage is found in the Passion narratives, where Pilate's repeated declaration of "no αἰτία" in Jesus emphatically affirms Christ's perfect innocence and blamelessness. This highlights that Jesus' crucifixion was not the result of any legitimate crime on His part, but an act of profound injustice that ultimately served God's sovereign redemptive purpose. The "accusation" placed on the cross, though intended to mock, paradoxically proclaimed His true identity. In the broader New Testament, αἰτία also refers to the charges brought against Paul and the underlying reasons for various events. Theologically, αἰτία underscores the sinless nature of Christ's atoning sacrifice and frames the suffering of believers as a participation in Christ's own experience of unjust accusation for the sake of the gospel.
TRV