### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κατάκρισις (katákrisis) `{{G2633}}` is derived from the verbal root κατακρίνω (katakrinō) `{{G2632}}`, which means "to condemn," "to judge against," or "to pass sentence upon." Therefore, κατάκρισις fundamentally signifies the *act* of condemnation or the *result* of an adverse judgment. It denotes a definitive, negative verdict, a sentence of guilt, or the state of being condemned. Unlike the broader term κρίσις (krisis) `{{G2920}}`, which can refer to judgment in general (positive or negative), κατάκρισις specifically carries the connotation of a judgment *against* someone, leading to an unfavorable outcome.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
κατάκρισις appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, primarily within Paul's second epistle to the Corinthians, where its theological weight is significant.
* In [[2 Corinthians 3:9]], Paul writes, "For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory." Here, κατάκρισις is used to describe the Mosaic Law. Paul portrays the Old Covenant, particularly the Law, as a "ministry of condemnation" because it reveals sin and, by demanding perfect obedience, brings a verdict of guilt upon humanity, leading to death. The Law, while glorious in its revelation of God's standards, ultimately exposes humanity's inability to meet those standards, thereby pronouncing a sentence of κατάκρισις. This stands in stark contrast to the "ministry of righteousness" (the New Covenant in Christ), which brings justification and life.
* In [[2 Corinthians 7:3]], Paul states, "I do not say this to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together." The phrase "to condemn you" (πρὸς κατάκρισιν ὑμῶν) uses κατάκρισις to convey the idea of bringing an adverse judgment or a state of condemnation upon the Corinthians. Paul reassures them that his previous stern words were not intended to condemn them or to inflict a verdict of guilt, but rather to lead them to repentance and restoration, demonstrating his deep affection and desire for their spiritual well-being.
In both contexts, the word consistently refers to a negative, adverse judgment or the state of being condemned.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **κατακρίνω (katakrinō) `{{G2632}}`:** The verbal root from which κατάκρισις is derived. It signifies the action of condemning or judging against someone. Understanding the verb is essential for grasping the full import of the noun.
* **κρίσις (krisis) `{{G2920}}`:** "Judgment" in a broader sense, encompassing the act, process, or outcome of judging. While κρίσις can be neutral or even positive, κατάκρισις is specifically an adverse judgment.
* **κρίμα (krima) `{{G2917}}`:** "A judgment," "a sentence," "a verdict." Similar to κρίσις, but often emphasizing the *result* or *sentence* of a judgment. While κρίμα can refer to a positive or negative outcome, κατάκρισις is exclusively negative.
* **κατάκριμα (katakrima) `{{G2631}}`:** "Condemnation," "a sentence of condemnation." This word is very closely related to κατάκρισις and is sometimes used interchangeably. κατάκριμα often highlights the *sentence* or *penalty* itself (e.g., the condemnation that came upon all through Adam's sin in [[Romans 5:16]], [[Romans 5:18]]), while κατάκρισις can emphasize the *act* of condemning or the *state* of being condemned.
* **δικαίωσις (dikaiōsis) `{{G1347}}`:** "Justification," "acquittal." This term serves as the theological antithesis to κατάκρισις. Where κατάκρισις is a declaration of guilt, δικαίωσις is a declaration of righteousness or innocence, particularly in a forensic sense before God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κατάκρισις is profound, particularly in Paul's articulation of salvation. Its use in [[2 Corinthians 3:9]] to describe the Mosaic Law as a "ministry of condemnation" is foundational. This concept underscores the Law's role not as a means of salvation, but as a revealer of sin, leading to a verdict of guilt for fallen humanity. The Law, in its perfection, exposes human imperfection and thus brings κατάκρισις. This highlights the utter inability of humanity to achieve righteousness through their own efforts or adherence to the Law.
This dire reality of κατάκρισις under the Law magnifies the glorious nature of the New Covenant in Christ. Through Christ's atoning work, the κατάκρισις pronounced by the Law is removed, and believers receive δικαίωσις (justification) by grace through faith. The contrast between the "ministry of condemnation" and the "ministry of righteousness" (or "ministry of the Spirit") is central to Paul's theology of salvation, emphasizing that salvation is not by works of the Law, which only bring condemnation, but by grace through faith, which brings righteousness and life.
Furthermore, in [[2 Corinthians 7:3]], the word speaks to the proper posture of Christian ministry and fellowship. Paul's assurance that his intent was not to bring κατάκρισις upon the Corinthians but to lead them to repentance and restoration demonstrates that the ultimate aim of apostolic and pastoral ministry is not to condemn but to save, sanctify, and reconcile.
### Summary
κατάκρισις (katákrisis) `{{G2633}}` denotes the act or result of an adverse judgment, a definitive sentence of condemnation or guilt. Derived from κατακρίνω (katakrinō) `{{G2632}}`, it appears notably in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. In [[2 Corinthians 3:9]], it powerfully describes the Mosaic Law as a "ministry of condemnation," exposing sin and pronouncing guilt, thereby contrasting sharply with the "ministry of righteousness" brought by the New Covenant in Christ. This highlights the Law's inability to justify and underscores the necessity of God's grace in Christ for salvation. In [[2 Corinthians 7:3]], Paul clarifies that his strong words were not intended to bring condemnation upon the Corinthians but to foster their repentance and restoration. The word thus emphasizes the dire state of humanity under sin and the Law, while simultaneously pointing to the glorious alternative of justification offered through faith in Jesus Christ, where condemnation is removed and life is granted.
TRV