### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **katēgoréō**, represented by `{{G2723}}`, is derived from κατήγορος and means to be a plaintiff or to charge with some offence. It appears **24 times** across **21 unique verses** in the Bible, most often translated as **accuse** or **object**. The term carries a strong legal and confrontational connotation, referring to the act of bringing a formal charge against someone.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2723}}` is frequently used in the context of legal trials and malicious plots. The chief priests and elders repeatedly **accused** Jesus, but he answered nothing ([[Matthew 27:12]], [[Mark 15:3]]). These accusations included specific charges, such as perverting the nation and forbidding the payment of tribute to Caesar [[Luke 23:2]]. In many instances, the word describes attempts to entrap Jesus, as his opponents sought reasons they might **accuse** him concerning healing on the Sabbath [[Matthew 12:10]] or his teachings [[Luke 11:54]]. The Apostle Paul is also frequently the subject of accusation, with Roman officials noting that an accused person must have a chance to answer the charges [[Acts 25:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of accusation and legal defense:
* `{{G2725}}` **katḗgoros** (accuser): This is the noun form, meaning a complainant at law. It is used in contexts like the trial of Paul, where he was to face his **accusers** [[Acts 25:16]], and is specially used to identify Satan as the **accuser** [[Revelation 12:10]].
* `{{G626}}` **apologéomai** (answer for self, excuse self): As the direct counterpart to being accused, this word describes the act of making a legal plea or defense. It appears in contrast to `{{G2723}}` where conscience may be **accusing** or else **excusing** [[Romans 2:15]].
* `{{G1294}}` **diastréphō** (pervert, distort): This term often describes the nature of a false charge. Jesus' opponents **accused** him by claiming he was **perverting** the nation [[Luke 23:2]].
* `{{G483}}` **antilégō** (dispute, refuse, speak against): This word describes verbal opposition that can lead to a formal accusation. Paul was constrained to appeal to Caesar after the Jews **spake against** his case [[Acts 28:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2723}}` is significant, highlighting themes of justice, false witness, and spiritual conflict.
* **False Accusation and Righteousness:** The word is central to the passion narratives, where Jesus stands as the righteous one unjustly **accused** by his enemies. Pilate, after examining him, declared he found no fault in Jesus concerning the things whereof they **accuse** him [[Luke 23:14]].
* **The Internal Conscience:** `{{G2723}}` is used to describe the inner workings of the human conscience, which can bear witness by **accusing** or excusing one's own thoughts and actions [[Romans 2:15]].
* **Divine and Covenantal Judgment:** Jesus deflects the role of accuser, stating that it is Moses, in whom the people trust, who will **accuse** them to the Father [[John 5:45]].
* **Cosmic Conflict:** The term is used in a cosmic sense in Revelation, identifying "the **accuser** of our brethren" who **accused** them before God day and night, but has been cast down [[Revelation 12:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2723}}` is a powerful term that moves beyond a simple complaint to a formal, often legal, accusation. It is foundational to understanding the trial narratives of both Jesus and Paul, illustrating the conflict between innocence and malicious charges. The word also carries profound theological weight, defining the internal moral court of the conscience and the ultimate spiritual battle against the "accuser of the brethren."
TRV