### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κατηγορέω (katēgoréō), Strong's number `{{G2723}}`, derives from the noun κατήγορος (katēgoros), meaning "accuser" or "plaintiff" (`{{G2725}}`). Its core meaning is "to be a plaintiff," "to bring a charge against," or "to accuse someone of an offense." Semantically, it carries a strong legal connotation, often referring to a formal accusation brought in a court of law or before an authority.
Beyond the strictly legal context, κατηγορέω can also denote a more general act of denunciation, complaint, or even slander, though its primary usage in the New Testament leans heavily towards formal charges. The accusation implied is typically negative, asserting guilt or fault on the part of the one being accused.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb κατηγορέω appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in narratives involving legal proceedings or disputes.
A prominent usage is found in the accounts of Jesus' trials. The chief priests and elders repeatedly κατηγορέω Jesus before Pilate, leveling various charges against Him, including sedition and blasphemy (e.g., [[Matthew 27:12]], [[Mark 15:3]], [[Luke 23:2]], [[John 18:29]]). These accusations are consistently portrayed as false, malicious, and politically motivated, highlighting the injustice of His condemnation.
Similarly, in the book of Acts, κατηγορέω describes the accusations brought against the Apostle Paul by Jewish leaders before Roman governors like Felix and Festus (e.g., [[Acts 24:2]], [[Acts 25:16]]). These charges often revolved around alleged violations of Jewish law or disturbances of the peace, serving as a pretext for persecution.
In other contexts, the word captures different facets of accusation:
* [[Luke 6:7]]: The Pharisees and scribes κατηγορέω Jesus, seeking an opportunity to accuse Him of breaking the Sabbath law by healing. This demonstrates an intent to entrap rather than to seek justice.
* [[John 5:45]]: Jesus tells the Jews, "Do not think that I will κατηγορέω you to the Father; there is one who κατηγορέω you—Moses, in whom you have set your hope." Here, the accusation is not from Jesus but from the very Law they claim to uphold, revealing their failure to live up to its demands.
* [[Romans 2:15]]: Paul speaks of the Gentiles' consciences bearing witness, "their thoughts either κατηγορέω or else excuse them." This points to an internal, moral accusation, where one's own conscience acts as a prosecutor.
Perhaps the most theologically significant use is in [[Revelation 12:10]], where Satan is explicitly called "the accuser (κατήγορος) of our brothers, who κατηγορέω them before our God day and night." This verse encapsulates the spiritual reality of demonic opposition against believers.
### Related Words & Concepts
κατηγορέω is closely linked to its noun form, κατήγορος (katēgoros, `{{G2725}}`), which means "accuser" or "prosecutor." Other related Greek terms include:
* διαβάλλω (diaballō, `{{G1225}}`): "to slander," "to accuse falsely," from which the word "devil" (διάβολος, diabolos) is derived, emphasizing the slandering nature of the accuser.
* ἐγκαλέω (egkaleō, `{{G1458}}`): "to call into question," "to accuse," often in a legal sense of bringing charges.
* ψευδομαρτυρέω (pseudomartyreō, `{{G5576}}`): "to bear false witness," highlighting the deceptive nature of many biblical accusations.
The concept of accusation is intrinsically tied to legal frameworks, justice, judgment, guilt, and innocence. In the biblical narrative, it often stands in stark contrast to truth, righteousness, and divine grace. It also highlights the tension between human legal systems and divine justice.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κατηγορέω is profound, particularly in its portrayal of the spiritual battle and the nature of salvation.
Firstly, the repeated false accusations against Jesus underscore His innocence and the profound injustice of His passion. He was accused of crimes He did not commit, enduring the full weight of human sin and legal corruption. This makes His atoning sacrifice all the more poignant, as He, the innocent one, was condemned for the guilty.
Secondly, the identification of Satan as "the accuser of our brothers" in [[Revelation 12:10]] reveals a key aspect of demonic activity. Satan's strategy is to constantly remind God and believers of their sins and failures, seeking to undermine their faith and standing before God. This spiritual accusation aims to condemn, discourage, and separate believers from God's grace. However, the verse also celebrates that "they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony," signifying the victory over Satan's accusations through Christ's sacrifice.
Thirdly, the concept of accusation highlights the believer's new standing in Christ. While the Law might κατηγορέω humanity for its sin ([[John 5:45]]), believers are no longer under condemnation. [[Romans 8:1]] declares, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Furthermore, [[Romans 8:33-34]] asks, "Who shall κατηγορέω God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." This affirms that divine justification through Christ utterly nullifies all accusations, whether human, legal, or demonic.
### Summary
κατηγορέω (katēgoréō, `{{G2723}}`) signifies the act of bringing a formal charge or accusation against someone, primarily within a legal context. Its New Testament occurrences illuminate the historical injustice perpetrated against Jesus and His followers, who were frequently subjected to false and malicious accusations. Theologically, the word gains immense weight in [[Revelation 12:10]], where Satan is revealed as the ultimate spiritual "accuser" of believers. Yet, this dark reality is powerfully countered by the triumphant truth of Christ's atoning work and intercession, which silences all condemnation and ensures the justified standing of God's elect. Thus, κατηγορέω points both to the depths of human and demonic malice and to the glorious, unassailable grace of God.
TRV