Brief Overview of κατήγορος (Strong’s G2725: katēgoros)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential for Biblical studies because it offers deeper insights into the meanings, contexts, and nuances of the original texts. One such word is κατήγορος (katēgoros), meaning “accuser” or “one who brings a charge.” This term is particularly significant because it is often used in New Testament contexts to describe individuals or entities that bring accusations against someone, such as Satan being described as the accuser of the brethren. It also appears in classical Greek literature and legal contexts, helping readers understand the dynamics of accusation and defense in ancient times.

Key Information

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Greek Word: κατήγορος (katēgoros), pronounced [ka-TAY-go-ros].

Etymology: The word κατήγορος comes from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning “against,” and ἀγορά (agora), meaning “assembly” or “marketplace.” Combined, these elements create a term that originally referred to someone who speaks against another in a public assembly, a role often associated with formal accusations in legal and rhetorical settings.

Part of Speech: Noun. κατήγορος is a masculine noun and follows the second declension pattern in Greek grammar. It is typically used to refer to a person who formally brings an accusation or charge against another, either in a legal, judicial, or rhetorical context.

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Primary Meanings

Accuser: The primary meaning of κατήγορος is “accuser.” It is frequently used in both Biblical and secular Greek literature to describe someone who formally charges another with a wrongdoing. In the New Testament, this term often carries a legal or spiritual connotation, particularly when referring to those who accuse Jesus, the apostles, or other early Christians.

One Who Brings a Charge: Another primary meaning is “one who brings a charge,” which emphasizes the act of laying a formal accusation against someone. This usage is common in legal contexts where specific accusations must be articulated before a court or governing body.

Adversary: In a broader sense, κατήγορος can also mean “adversary,” especially in legal or rhetorical disputes. This usage underscores the oppositional role the accuser takes against the accused.

Similar Words

διάβολος (diabolos) [dee-AH-bo-los]: Meaning “slanderer” or “devil,” this term often implies a malicious intent behind accusations, whereas κατήγορος can refer to a formal legal accuser without necessarily implying malice.

ἐγκαλέω (enkaleo) [eng-ka-LEH-oh]: This verb means “to bring a charge” or “to accuse,” focusing on the action rather than the person bringing the accusation. It is used similarly in legal contexts.

μάρτυς (martys) [MAR-tus]: While this word means “witness,” it often appears in legal contexts related to accusations. The difference is that a witness may provide evidence either for or against an accusation rather than being the accuser.

Morphological Features

Case, Number, Gender: As a masculine noun, κατήγορος follows the second declension pattern in Greek. It can appear in various cases (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) and numbers (singular, plural).

Declension: Below is the declension table for κατήγορος:

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Lexicon Insights

In the New Testament, κατήγορος is most often used in contexts where formal accusations are brought against individuals, such as in trials involving Jesus or the apostles. The word captures the tension between the accuser and the accused, often revealing the spiritual or legal battle lines. In classical Greek literature, the word κατήγορος was widely used in legal and public assemblies to describe someone prosecuting a case. This usage highlights the adversarial nature of ancient Greek legal proceedings. In the Septuagint, it retains its meaning in describing those who accuse others before God or in a court of law, reflecting both a spiritual and judicial aspect.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Related Scripture References

Revelation 12:10: “For the accuser [κατήγορος] of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”

John 8:10: “When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers [κατήγοροι]? hath no man condemned thee?”

Acts 23:30: “And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers [κατηγόροις] also to say before thee what they had against him.”

Classical Usage

Summary of κατήγορος (G2725)

κατήγορος (katēgoros) is a Greek noun meaning “accuser” or “one who brings a charge.” It appears in various contexts in both Biblical and classical literature, from legal and judicial settings to spiritual adversarial roles. Understanding this word provides insight into the dynamics of accusation, defense, and judgment in the ancient world, both sacred and secular.

Did You Know?

The English word “category” shares the same Greek root as κατήγορος, stemming from the idea of “speaking against” to classify or differentiate.

In ancient Greece, an ἀγορά (agora) was a central public space where accusations (κατήγορος) were often publicly announced.

The concept of κατήγορος reflects both human and spiritual opposition, showing how early Christians navigated both earthly and spiritual legal systems.