from κατά and μαρτυρέω; to testify against:--witness against.
Transliteration:katamartyréō
Pronunciation:kat-am-ar-too-reh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb καταμαρτυρέω (katamartyréō) is a compound formed from the preposition κατά (kata) and the verb μαρτυρέω (martyreō). The base verb μαρτυρέω (`{{G3140}}`) signifies "to bear witness," "to testify," or "to give evidence." The prefix κατά (`{{G2596}}`) in this context carries an adversative or accusatory force, indicating movement "down against" or "against." Therefore, καταμαρτυρέω specifically means "to testify against," "to bear witness against," or "to accuse by testimony." Its semantic range is primarily confined to legal or judicial settings, denoting the presentation of adverse evidence or accusations. It inherently carries a negative connotation, contrasting sharply with the positive act of bearing witness *for* a truth or a person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of καταμαρτυρέω in the New Testament is notably concentrated in the Synoptic Gospels, exclusively in the narratives surrounding the trial of Jesus. This limited but poignant usage underscores its specific significance in these crucial passages.
In [[Matthew 26:59-62]], during Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin, it is stated that "the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward." The passage then details how "finally two came forward and declared, 'This fellow said, "I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days."'" The high priest then asks Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this that these men καταμαρτυρέω (witness against) you?" Here, the word highlights the attempt to legally condemn Jesus through testimony, which is explicitly characterized as false or insufficient.
Similarly, in [[Matthew 27:13]], when Jesus stands before Pilate, Pilate asks Him, "Do you not hear how many things they καταμαρτυρέω (witness against) you?" This reiterates the barrage of accusations leveled against Jesus by the Jewish leaders.
The parallel accounts in Mark's Gospel echo this usage. In [[Mark 14:55-56]], during the Sanhedrin trial, "The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they found none. Many καταμαρτυρέω (testified falsely against) him, but their statements did not agree." The emphasis here is on the inconsistency and falsehood of the testimony, yet it is still testimony *against* Him.
Finally, in [[Mark 15:3-4]], before Pilate, after the chief priests "accused him of many things," Pilate asks Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? See how many things they καταμαρτυρέω (are testifying against) you!"
In all these instances, καταμαρτυρέω consistently describes the act of bringing forth adverse testimony against Jesus, often false or contradictory, in a judicial setting. It paints a vivid picture of an unjust legal process designed to secure His condemnation. Jesus' consistent silence in response to these accusations is a powerful counterpoint, fulfilling prophetic expectations (e.g., [[Isaiah 53:7]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of καταμαρτυρέω is enriched by examining its relationship to other terms in the biblical lexicon:
* **μαρτυρέω (martyreō, `{{G3140}}`):** This is the root verb, meaning "to bear witness." While καταμαρτυρέω specifically denotes testifying *against*, μαρτυρέω can be used in a neutral or positive sense, such as bearing witness to the truth of the Gospel or to Christ's identity (e.g., [[John 1:7]], [[John 5:32]]). The contrast highlights the perversion of witness in Jesus' trial.
* **μάρτυς (martys, `{{G3144}}`):** "Witness" or "martyr." This noun refers to the one who gives testimony. In the context of καταμαρτυρέω, the "witnesses" are those who bring forth accusations.
* **ψευδομαρτυρέω (pseudomartyreō, `{{G5576}}`):** "To bear false witness." This term often appears in conjunction with or as a characterization of the testimony described by καταμαρτυρέω in the trial narratives (e.g., [[Matthew 26:59]]). It specifies the *nature* of the adverse testimony as untrue.
* **κατηγορέω (katēgoreō, `{{G2723}}`):** "To accuse." This is a broader term for making an accusation, often used interchangeably in contexts of legal proceedings. While καταμαρτυρέω emphasizes the act of providing *testimony* against, κατηγορέω focuses on the act of *accusing*.
* **Concepts:** The word is intrinsically linked to concepts such as false accusation, injustice, legal perversion, and judicial murder, all central to the passion narratives.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of καταμαρτυρέω lies primarily in its role within the passion narratives of Jesus.
1. **Exposition of Injustice:** The repeated use of καταμαρτυρέω highlights the profound injustice of Jesus' trial and condemnation. He is not convicted based on truth or just legal process, but on testimony brought *against* Him, which is often false, contradictory, or insufficient. This underscores the sinfulness of humanity and the depths of opposition to God's Anointed One.
2. **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** Jesus' silence in the face of these accusations, particularly when asked to respond to what is καταμαρτυρέω against Him (e.g., [[Matthew 26:62]], [[Mark 15:4]]), is a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, notably [[Isaiah 53:7]]: "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." This silence signifies His willing submission to the Father's plan and His role as the suffering servant.
3. **Contrast with True Witness:** The perversion of testimony seen in καταμαρτυρέω stands in stark contrast to the call for believers to bear true witness *for* Christ and His gospel. While the world's system bears false witness against the Son of God, His followers are commissioned to μαρτυρέω (`{{G3140}}`) the truth about Him (e.g., [[Acts 1:8]]). This contrast underscores the nature of the spiritual battle between truth and falsehood.
4. **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Sin:** Despite the human sinfulness and legal corruption demonstrated through καταμαρτυρέω, God's sovereign plan of redemption is not thwarted. The unjust accusations and subsequent crucifixion, though born of human malice, are paradoxically the means by which God achieves salvation for humanity.
### Summary
καταμαρτυρέω (katamartyréō) is a Greek verb meaning "to testify against" or "to bear witness against." Its primary and most significant occurrences in the New Testament are found exclusively in the Synoptic Gospel accounts of Jesus' trials before the Sanhedrin and Pilate. In these contexts, the word consistently describes the adverse, often false or inconsistent, testimony brought forth by accusers against Jesus. This usage powerfully underscores the profound injustice of His condemnation and highlights His prophetic silence in the face of such accusations. Theologically, καταμαρτυρέω serves as a stark depiction of human sin and legal perversion, while simultaneously emphasizing God's sovereign plan of redemption unfolding even through the most egregious acts of injustice. It stands in direct opposition to the positive call for believers to bear true witness for Christ.
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