Word Study for G2613 (καταδικάζω)

katadikázō /kat-ad-ik-ad'-zo/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom κατά and a derivative of δίκη

Meaningto adjudge against, i.e. pronounce guilty

KJV usagecondemn.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of katadikázō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word katadikázō, represented by G2613, means to adjudge against or pronounce guilty. It is a definitive term for condemnation. This word appears 6 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, consistently carrying the weight of a guilty verdict.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G2613 is used to illustrate final, often severe, judgment. It appears as a direct command in Luke 6:37: "condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned." The word also describes an unjust action, such as when the guiltless are condemned due to a failure to understand mercy Matthew 12:7. The ultimate consequence of this action is shown in James 5:6, where the righteous are not only condemned but also killed. Furthermore, the power of speech is tied directly to this term, with Matthew 12:37 stating that by one's words a person will either be justified or condemned.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help define the scope of condemnation by contrast or association:

G1344 dikaióō (to render just or innocent): This is the direct opposite of condemning. It is used in contrast in Matthew 12:37, where by words one is either justified or condemned.
G2919 krínō (to distinguish, decide, judge): This word for judging often appears alongside G2613. In Luke 6:37, the instruction to "judge not" precedes the command to "condemn not," showing a progression from initial assessment to final sentencing.
G630 apolýō (to free fully, pardon, forgive): This term for release or forgiveness is presented as the alternative to condemnation in Luke 6:37, highlighting a choice between pronouncing guilt and offering pardon.
G5407 phoneúō (to be a murderer, kill): This word is paired with G2613 in James 5:6 ("Ye have condemned and killed the just"), demonstrating the gravest physical outcome that can follow an unjust condemnation.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2613 is significant, focusing on the nature of judgment and accountability.

The Power of Words: Scripture explicitly states that words have the power to determine a person's final state, leading either to justification or condemnation Matthew 12:37.
A Warning Against Unjust Judgment: The use of G2613 serves as a clear warning against passing a guilty sentence on others, especially the guiltless or righteous (Matthew 12:7, James 5:6).
Reciprocal Justice: The Bible establishes a principle that the act of condemning others will result in one's own condemnation, whereas forgiving leads to forgiveness Luke 6:37.

Summary

In summary, G2613 is more than just a general term for disapproval; it is a specific word for pronouncing guilt and sentencing. Its usage in the Bible underscores the finality of judgment, warns against its misuse, and contrasts it sharply with the concepts of mercy, justification, and forgiveness. It reveals that the act of condemnation, whether through words or deeds, carries profound and eternal consequences.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb and a noun across 6 occurrences, inflected in 5 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Aorist Active Indicative 2nd Plural 2×
Accusative Singular Feminine 1×
Aorist Passive Subjunctive 2nd Plural 1×
Future Passive Indicative 2nd Singular 1×
Present Active Imperative 2nd Plural 1×

Accusative: The direct object of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Feminine: Feminine grammatical gender.
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future: Action yet to take place.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Imperative: A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive: Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 4 verses across 3 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Matthew (2 verses); never once in the other 24.

Matthew

Luke

James

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.