### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **aítion**, represented by `{{G158}}`, refers to a **reason or crime**, often translated as **cause** or **fault**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. Its usage is primarily legal, establishing the basis or grounds for a charge or judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G158}}` is used exclusively in moments of legal defense or justification. Its most prominent use is during the trial of Jesus before Pilate. On three separate occasions, Pilate declares that he can find no **fault** ([[Luke 23:4]], [[Luke 23:14]]) or **cause** of death in Jesus [[Luke 23:22]], highlighting Christ's legal innocence in the face of accusation. The term also appears in Acts, where the townclerk of Ephesus fears being called into question for an uproar, noting there is "no **cause**" to justify the riotous assembly [[Acts 19:40]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the legal and moral context of `{{G158}}`:
* `{{G2723}}` **katēgoréō** (to charge with some offence): This word for "accuse" is used in direct contrast to Pilate's finding of no "fault." The people brought Jesus to Pilate with accusations, but no valid **cause** was found [[Luke 23:14]].
* `{{G2556}}` **kakós** (evil, bad, harm): Before declaring he found no cause for death, Pilate asks the crowd what **evil** Jesus has done, linking the legal concept of "cause" to a moral one of wrongdoing [[Luke 23:22]].
* `{{G1458}}` **enkaléō** (to call in question, implead): This term is used alongside `{{G158}}` in Acts, where the townclerk fears being "called in question" because there is no **cause** for the uproar, showing the need for a legitimate reason to bring a charge [[Acts 19:40]].
* `{{G2288}}` **thánatos** (death): This word is explicitly linked to `{{G158}}` when Pilate states he has found "no cause of **death**" in Jesus, defining the ultimate legal consequence for which a cause must be established [[Luke 23:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G158}}` is concentrated in the Passion narrative, where it serves to underscore key truths about Christ's judgment.
* **The Innocence of Christ:** The repeated declaration by a Roman governor that there is no **fault** or **cause** for punishment in Jesus legally establishes His innocence under the highest human law of the time ([[Luke 23:4]], [[Luke 23:14]]).
* **Injustice of the Accusation:** The term creates a stark contrast between the requirement for a legitimate **cause** and the baseless accusations brought by the chief priests and the crowd. Their charges fail to meet the standard of a valid **fault** [[Luke 23:14]].
* **The Nature of Guilt:** The link between finding no **cause** `{{G158}}` and no **evil** `{{G2556}}` worthy of **death** `{{G2288}}` demonstrates that true guilt requires a substantive reason, a principle that the proceedings against Jesus violated [[Luke 23:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G158}}` is a precise term used to denote a valid **cause** or **fault** in a legal sense. While its usage is rare, it plays a critical role in the account of Jesus' trial, cementing His legal innocence and exposing the injustice of His condemnation. It illustrates a core principle of justice—that accusation requires a legitimate basis—and demonstrates how this standard was unmet in the charges brought against Christ.
TRV