### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κατάκριμα (katákrima, `{{G2631}}`) denotes an adverse sentence, a verdict of guilt, or the state of condemnation resulting from such a judgment. It is derived from the verb κατακρίνω (katakrinō, `{{G2632}}`), meaning "to judge against" or "to condemn." Therefore, κατάκριμα is not the act of judging itself, but rather the definitive, negative outcome or consequence of that judgment—the established state of being condemned. Its semantic range is tightly focused on the legal and theological reality of a pronounced, binding sentence of guilt.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κατάκριμα appears exclusively in Paul's Epistle to the Romans, specifically in key theological passages concerning sin, justification, and salvation:
* **[[Romans 5:16]]**: "And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation (κατάκριμα), but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification." Here, κατάκριμα is presented as the direct, judicial consequence of Adam's single act of disobedience (παράπτωμα). It underscores the severity and universality of the verdict pronounced upon humanity due to this foundational sin.
* **[[Romans 5:18]]**: "Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation (κατάκριμα) for all men, so one act of righteousness led to justification and life for all men." This verse reiterates and expands upon the concept from [[Romans 5:16]], explicitly stating that Adam's single transgression resulted in κατάκριμα for "all men" (εἰς πάντας ἀνθρώπους). This highlights the corporate solidarity of humanity in sin and its resulting condemnation.
* **[[Romans 8:1]]**: "There is therefore now no condemnation (κατάκριμα) for those who are in Christ Jesus." This is a pivotal declaration, marking a profound theological climax. After extensively detailing the pervasive power of sin and the Law's inability to deliver from it, Paul emphatically states that for believers "in Christ Jesus," the state of κατάκριμα has been utterly abolished. This signifies a complete acquittal and a new, unassailable legal and spiritual standing before God.
In all occurrences, κατάκριμα functions as a legal term signifying a binding, negative verdict. Paul uses it to starkly contrast the universal consequence of Adam's sin with the universal offer of justification and freedom from condemnation through Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding κατάκριμα is enhanced by examining its relationship to other significant Greek terms:
* **κατακρίνω (katakrinō, `{{G2632}}`)**: The verbal root, meaning "to condemn," "to pronounce judgment against." κατάκριμα is the *result* of this action.
* **κρίμα (krima, `{{G2917}}`)**: A more general term for "judgment" or "decision," which can be positive or negative. κατάκριμα specifies an *adverse* judgment.
* **κατάκρισις (katakrisis, `{{G2633}}`)**: The *act* of condemning, often found in contexts like [[2 Corinthians 3:9]] where the ministry of the Law is described as a "ministry of condemnation."
* **ἁμαρτία (hamartia, `{{G266}}`)**: Sin. κατάκριμα is consistently presented as the judicial outcome or penalty for ἁμαρτία, particularly Adam's sin.
* **δικαίωσις (dikaiōsis, `{{G1347}}`)**: Justification, acquittal. This term stands in direct antithesis to κατάκριμα in Romans 5, representing the divine act of declaring a sinner righteous, thereby reversing the state of condemnation.
* **δικαίωμα (dikaiōma, `{{G1345}}`)**: A righteous act or ordinance. In [[Romans 5:18]], "one act of righteousness" (ἑνὸς δικαιώματος) is contrasted with "one trespass" (ἑνὸς παραπτώματος), leading to justification instead of κατάκριμα.
These related terms highlight κατάκριμα as a specific, negative legal verdict that is reversed by God's justifying act in Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κατάκριμα is profound, particularly within Paul's soteriology:
* **The Universal Scope of Sin:** Paul employs κατάκριμα to articulate the pervasive and universal impact of Adam's sin. It establishes that humanity, by virtue of its connection to Adam, stands under a divine, adverse sentence. This concept is foundational to understanding the necessity of Christ's redemptive work.
* **The Nature of Condemnation:** κατάκριμα is not merely a feeling of guilt but a legally binding, objective state before God. It signifies a definitive pronouncement of guilt and the just consequence thereof. This underscores the seriousness of sin and God's righteous judgment against it.
* **The Efficacy of Christ's Work:** The declaration in [[Romans 8:1]]—"no condemnation (κατάκριμα) for those who are in Christ Jesus"—is a cornerstone of Christian theology. It signifies that through Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection, believers are completely acquitted. The judicial sentence against them has been definitively lifted, and they are now in a state of grace, free from the penalty of sin.
* **The Contrast Between Adam and Christ:** The repeated juxtaposition of Adam's "one trespass" leading to κατάκριμα and Christ's "one act of righteousness" leading to justification (δικαίωσις) in Romans 5 illuminates Paul's doctrine of federal headship. Christ, as the "last Adam," reverses the devastating effects of the first Adam's sin, offering a new corporate standing to all who are united with Him by faith.
* **Assurance for Believers:** The abolition of κατάκριμα provides immense assurance for believers. It means that their standing before God is secure, not based on their own fluctuating performance, but on the finished work of Christ. This freedom from condemnation empowers believers to live by the Spirit, rather than under the burden of the Law or the fear of judgment.
### Summary
κατάκριμα (katákrima, `{{G2631}}`) refers to the adverse sentence or verdict of condemnation. Found exclusively in the book of Romans, it serves as a critical term in Paul's theological framework. It describes the universal state of condemnation that came upon all humanity as a direct, judicial consequence of Adam's single act of disobedience ([[Romans 5:16]], [[Romans 5:18]]). This highlights the corporate solidarity of humanity in sin and its dire legal ramifications before God. Crucially, Paul declares that for those who are "in Christ Jesus," there is now "no condemnation" ([[Romans 8:1]]). This signifies a complete and definitive reversal of that adverse sentence, an acquittal brought about by Christ's singular act of righteousness. Thus, κατάκριμα powerfully underscores both the gravity of humanity's fallen state and the profound, liberating grace of God manifested in the work of Jesus Christ, moving believers from a state of universal guilt to one of complete and secure justification.
TRV