from κατά and γινώσκω; to note against, i.e. find fault with:--blame, condemn.
Transliteration:kataginṓskō
Pronunciation:kat-ag-in-o'-sko
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2607}}` καταγινώσκω (kataginṓskō) is a compound word formed from the preposition `{{G2596}}` κατά (kata), meaning "down," "against," or "according to," and the verb `{{G1097}}` γινώσκω (ginōskō), meaning "to know," "to perceive," or "to understand." The addition of κατά to γινώσκω fundamentally alters its meaning, shifting it from simple cognition to a negative or accusatory perception. Thus, the core meaning of καταγινώσκω is "to know against," "to perceive fault in," or "to find fault with." Its semantic range extends to "to blame," "to condemn," or "to hold guilty," particularly in an internal or moral sense rather than a strictly legal one. It implies an inward conviction of wrongdoing or unworthiness, leading to a sense of guilt or self-condemnation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G2607}}` καταγινώσκω appears only twice in the New Testament, both within the same passage in 1 John:
* **[[1 John 3:20]]**: "For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things." Here, the subject performing the action of καταγινώσκω is "our heart" (ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν). This highlights an internal, self-inflicted condemnation or a profound sense of guilt that arises from one's own conscience. The context is assurance before God, particularly in light of loving one another (cf. [[1 John 3:19]]). A heart that "condemns" is one that perceives its own failure, likely in the area of genuine love or obedience. The verse immediately offers solace by asserting God's superior knowledge and understanding, implying His mercy transcends our self-condemnation.
* **[[1 John 3:21]]**: "Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God." This verse presents the inverse condition. If the heart does *not* condemn (οὐ καταγινώσκῃ), meaning there is no internal conviction of guilt, then the believer can approach God with confidence (παρρησίαν ἔχομεν). This confidence is rooted in walking in truth and love, and keeping God's commandments (cf. [[1 John 3:18-19]], [[1 John 3:22]]). The absence of καταγινώσκω from within signifies a conscience at peace with God, reflecting a life lived in accordance with His will.
In both instances, the usage of `{{G2607}}` καταγινώσκω is deeply personal and internal, focusing on the believer's conscience and their standing before God. It is not about external accusation, but the inward awareness of one's moral state.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G2607}}` καταγινώσκω shares a conceptual space with several other Greek terms related to knowledge, judgment, and condemnation:
* **`{{G1097}}` γινώσκω (ginōskō)**: The root verb, meaning "to know" or "to perceive." καταγινώσκω adds the negative, accusatory dimension to this basic knowledge.
* **`{{G2919}}` κρίνω (krinō)**: "To judge," "to decide," "to condemn." This is a broader term for judgment, which can be positive or negative, and can be internal or external/judicial.
* **`{{G2632}}` κατακρίνω (katakrinō)**: "To condemn," "to pass sentence upon." This verb also uses the κατά prefix but specifically refers to a formal, judicial condemnation, often by an external authority (e.g., [[Romans 8:3]], [[Romans 8:34]]). While καταγινώσκω can describe an internal sense of guilt that might *lead* to condemnation, κατακρίνω denotes the act of condemning itself.
* **`{{G142}}` αἰτιάομαι (aitiaomai)**: "To accuse," "to blame." This term focuses more on the act of bringing an accusation against someone.
* **Conscience (συνείδησις, `{{G4893}}` syneidēsis)**: Though not a direct synonym, the concept of conscience is central to the usage of `{{G2607}}` καταγινώσκω in 1 John. The "heart" that condemns is synonymous with the accusing conscience.
The distinction between `{{G2607}}` καταγινώσκω and `{{G2632}}` κατακρίνω is important: the former often describes the internal conviction or the finding of fault, while the latter describes the formal act of pronouncing a sentence of guilt.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2607}}` καταγινώσκω is profound, primarily due to its singular appearance in 1 John 3, a passage deeply concerned with Christian assurance and the nature of true faith.
1. **The Role of Conscience in Assurance:** The term highlights the critical function of the believer's conscience. A "condemning heart" signifies a conscience that is troubled, aware of sin, or sensing a disconnect from God's will, particularly in the area of love for fellow believers. This internal accusation can undermine confidence before God.
2. **God's Superior Knowledge and Grace:** The pivotal truth in [[1 John 3:20]]—"God is greater than our heart, and knows all things"—provides immense comfort. Even when our own conscience weighs us down with guilt or self-condemnation, God's perfect knowledge encompasses not only our failures but also our true intentions, our weaknesses, and His boundless mercy. This means that God's judgment is not solely dependent on our imperfect self-assessment but on His comprehensive understanding and redemptive grace in Christ. This truth guards against debilitating despair and excessive introspection.
3. **Foundation of Confidence Before God:** Conversely, the absence of a condemning heart ([[1 John 3:21]]) is presented as the basis for confidence (παρρησία, boldness) before God. This confidence is not born of self-righteousness but of a conscience that is clear because it is striving to walk in truth and love, and to keep God's commandments. It signifies a life aligned with God's will, empowered by His Spirit, leading to assurance in prayer and fellowship.
4. **Love as the Litmus Test:** The immediate context of 1 John 3 emphasizes love for one another as the primary evidence of genuine faith and the antidote to a condemning heart. Failure to love can lead to self-condemnation, while abiding in love fosters assurance.
### Summary
`{{G2607}}` καταγινώσκω literally means "to know against," signifying an internal perception of fault, leading to blame or self-condemnation. Its limited but crucial usage in [[1 John 3:20-21]] centers on the believer's conscience and their assurance before God. A "condemning heart" indicates a troubled conscience, aware of sin or failure, particularly in the realm of love and obedience. Yet, the passage offers profound comfort by declaring that "God is greater than our heart, and knows all things," implying His perfect understanding and abounding grace transcend our self-perception. Conversely, a heart that does not condemn allows for confidence before God, rooted in a life of truth and love. Thus, `{{G2607}}` καταγινώσκω serves as a sober reminder of our internal moral state, while ultimately directing the believer to the unfailing knowledge, mercy, and grace of God as the true source of peace and assurance.
TRV