from κατά and a derivative of δίκη; to adjudge against, i.e. pronounce guilty:--condemn.
Transliteration:katadikázō
Pronunciation:kat-ad-ik-ad'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb καταδικάζω (katadikázō), Strong's number `{{G2613}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning "down" or "against," and a derivative of δίκη (dikē), which denotes "justice," "right," or "judgment." The prefix κατά intensifies the action, directing it decisively "against" someone.
Therefore, the core meaning of καταδικάζω is "to judge against," "to pronounce judgment upon," or "to condemn." It signifies a definitive judicial act where a verdict of guilt is rendered. Its semantic range extends beyond a purely legal context to encompass a moral or spiritual declaration of culpability, emphasizing the authoritative nature of the pronouncement. It is not merely an accusation but a conclusive finding of blameworthiness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term καταδικάζω (katadikázō) appears in the New Testament in several key passages, primarily within the Synoptic Gospels and the Epistle of James, always conveying a sense of authoritative condemnation.
* **[[Matthew 12:7]]**: In this verse, Jesus challenges the Pharisees' legalistic condemnation of His disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath. He states, "If you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent." Here, καταδικάζω highlights the Pharisees' unjust judgment, rooted in a misunderstanding of God's compassionate nature and the true spirit of the Law. The condemnation of the "innocent" (ἀθῷος `{{G121}}`) stands in stark contrast to divine mercy.
* **[[Matthew 12:37]]**: Jesus declares, "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." In this context, καταδικάζω refers to the ultimate divine judgment. It underscores the profound moral weight and accountability associated with human speech, indicating that one's own utterances will serve as evidence in the final verdict.
* **[[Matthew 27:3]]**: This verse describes Judas Iscariot's remorse: "When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders." Here, καταδικάζω refers to the official, though profoundly unjust, legal condemnation of Jesus by the Jewish religious authorities. It marks a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, emphasizing the injustice of the proceedings against Christ.
* **[[James 5:6]]**: James uses καταδικάζω to issue a scathing indictment against the rich who oppress the righteous: "You have condemned and murdered the innocent person. He does not resist you." This is a strong ethical and prophetic condemnation of social injustice, where the powerful unjustly pronounce guilt and even cause the death of the vulnerable and righteous. The "innocent person" likely refers to the collective righteous poor who are victims of exploitation.
Across these occurrences, καταδικάζω consistently carries the weight of a definitive pronouncement of guilt, often highlighting the profound injustice of human judgments when they deviate from divine standards of mercy and righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding καταδικάζω (katadikázō) is enriched by considering its relationship to other biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **δίκη (dikē) `{{G1349}}`**: The root noun of καταδικάζω, meaning "justice" or "judgment." καταδικάζω is the action of rendering a judgment, specifically *against* someone.
* **κρίνω (krinō) `{{G2919}}`**: A more general verb meaning "to judge," "to decide," or "to discern." While κρίνω can certainly imply condemnation, its semantic range is broader, encompassing all forms of judgment, whether positive or negative. καταδικάζω is a specific and emphatic form of negative judgment.
* **κατακρίνω (katakrinō) `{{G2632}}`**: A very close synonym, also translating as "to condemn." Both καταδικάζω and κατακρίνω imply a judicial decision against someone. While some linguistic nuances might exist (e.g., κατακρίνω perhaps emphasizing the *result* of being found guilty, and καταδικάζω the *act* of pronouncing judgment), in practical New Testament usage, their meanings often overlap significantly, both conveying a strong sense of condemnation.
* **ἀθῷος (athōos) `{{G121}}`**: Meaning "innocent" or "guiltless." This term stands in direct antithesis to καταδικάζω in [[Matthew 12:7]] and [[James 5:6]], emphasizing the grievous wrong of condemning those who are not culpable.
* **Mercy (ἔλεος `{{G1656}}`) vs. Judgment**: The contrast drawn by Jesus in [[Matthew 12:7]] between God's desire for mercy and the Pharisees' readiness to condemn highlights a fundamental theological tension. True righteousness aligns with God's compassionate character, which prioritizes mercy over rigid, unfeeling judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of καταδικάζω (katadikázō) is profound and multifaceted, touching upon divine justice, human accountability, and the pervasive problem of injustice.
* **Divine Justice and Human Accountability**: In [[Matthew 12:37]], the notion that one's own words will lead to divine "condemnation" underscores a core principle of God's righteous judgment. It reveals that God's verdict is not arbitrary but is based on human actions and expressions, emphasizing the profound accountability of every individual before a holy God. This highlights the seriousness of our speech and its eternal implications.
* **The Injustice of Human Condemnation**: The most prominent theological theme conveyed by καταδικάζω is the tragic reality of unjust human condemnation. The instances in [[Matthew 12:7]], [[Matthew 27:3]], and [[James 5:6]] serve as powerful warnings. Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees for condemning the innocent reveals their spiritual blindness and misplaced priorities. Judas's despair over Jesus' condemnation highlights the unique and ultimate injustice of the crucifixion of the Son of God. James's denunciation of the rich for condemning the innocent poor functions as a prophetic cry against social oppression and exploitation. These passages collectively warn against the human propensity to judge and condemn others unjustly, often driven by self-interest, legalistic rigidity, or societal power imbalances.
* **The Suffering of the Innocent**: The recurring motif of the "innocent" being condemned (Jesus, His disciples, the righteous poor) resonates deeply with the biblical theme of the suffering servant (e.g., Isaiah 53). It underscores the plight of those who suffer unjustly at the hands of oppressive or misguided human systems, often for their faithfulness or righteousness.
* **The Call to Mercy and Righteousness**: Implicit in the critiques of unjust condemnation is a powerful call to mercy, compassion, and true righteousness. Jesus' citation of Hosea 6:6 in [[Matthew 12:7]] ("I desire mercy, not sacrifice") encapsulates this. Genuine godliness involves extending mercy and understanding rather than applying harsh, unfeeling judgment. The condemnation of the innocent stands in direct opposition to the very character of God, who is just yet abundant in mercy.
### Summary
καταδικάζω (katadikázō), Strong's number `{{G2613}}`, is a potent Greek verb meaning "to condemn" or "to pronounce guilty." Its usage in the New Testament illuminates critical theological truths. It functions to underscore human accountability before God, where one's own words can lead to divine condemnation ([[Matthew 12:37]]). More frequently and poignantly, it serves as a stark indictment of *unjust human condemnation*. This is powerfully demonstrated in the Pharisees' condemnation of the innocent disciples ([[Matthew 12:7]]), the Sanhedrin's unjust condemnation of Jesus ([[Matthew 27:3]]), and the rich oppressors' condemnation and murder of the righteous poor ([[James 5:6]]). The word thus reveals a God who values mercy over rigid legalism and holds humanity accountable for its judgments, both divine and human. It compels believers to pursue justice tempered with compassion, warning against the grave sin of condemning the innocent.
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