Brief Overview of αὐτοκατάκριτος (G843: autokatakritos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: autokatakritos

Root Words: The Greek word αὐτοκατάκριτος (autokatakritos) is composed of two elements: αὐτός (autos), meaning “self,” and κατακρίνω (katakrinō), meaning “to condemn.” The term literally means “self-condemned” or “condemned by oneself.”

Primary Meanings:

• Self-Condemned: αὐτοκατάκριτος refers to someone who, through their own actions or decisions, brings condemnation or judgment upon themselves. It suggests a person who is aware of their own guilt or wrongdoing and thus condemns themselves without external judgment.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: According to BDAG, αὐτοκατάκριτος means “self-condemned.” The lexicon emphasizes that the word is used to describe a person who, by their actions, has shown themselves to be guilty, thereby bringing judgment upon themselves.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines αὐτοκατάκριτος as “self-condemned,” explaining that the term is applied to someone who has, through their own actions, provided sufficient evidence against themselves to be condemned.

Vines: In Vines’ Expository Dictionary, αὐτοκατάκριτος is described as the state of being condemned by one’s own actions or words. Vines highlights that the term reflects a judgment that comes from within, rather than being imposed by others.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon similarly defines αὐτοκατάκριτος as “self-condemned,” noting that it is used in contexts where a person’s own actions or words lead to their condemnation.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s lists αὐτοκατάκριτος as meaning “self-condemned,” focusing on the idea of a person bringing judgment upon themselves through their own actions.

Bible Verses:

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• Titus 3:11 (KJV): “Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”
• Here, αὐτοκατάκριτος is translated as “condemned of himself,” indicating that the individual is guilty by their own admission or actions.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Aristotle: In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle discusses the concept of self-condemnation, although the exact term αὐτοκατάκριτος may not appear, the idea is present in discussions about ethical self-awareness and moral responsibility.
• Epictetus: In his Discourses, Epictetus explores the idea of internal judgment, where an individual becomes aware of their own faults and condemns themselves without external judgment.
• Plutarch: In his writings, Plutarch touches on the idea of self-awareness leading to self-condemnation, particularly in the context of moral and ethical failures.

4. Summary:

αὐτοκατάκριτος (autokatakritos) is a Greek adjective meaning “self-condemned.” Derived from the words for “self” and “to condemn,” it primarily describes someone who, through their own actions or decisions, brings condemnation upon themselves. Lexicons such as BDAG and Thayer’s emphasize the word’s use in contexts where a person acknowledges their own guilt or wrongdoing, thereby passing judgment on themselves. The word is used in the New Testament to convey the idea of self-imposed judgment, particularly in moral or ethical contexts. In classical Greek literature, the concept of self-condemnation is explored by philosophers and writers like Aristotle, Epictetus, and Plutarch, highlighting the significance of internal judgment and moral responsibility. Understanding αὐτοκατάκριτος offers insights into both biblical teachings and philosophical discussions on self-awareness and moral accountability in the ancient world.