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Introduction
In Biblical studies, understanding the meanings and nuances of Greek words is essential to gain a deeper understanding of the original text. The Greek word καταμαρτυρέω (katamartyreō) is particularly significant as it conveys the concept of bearing witness against someone or something. This word is relevant to New Testament interpretation because it is often used in legal and judicial contexts, underscoring the importance of testimony and evidence. Furthermore, καταμαρτυρέω reflects the cultural emphasis in ancient Greek society on truth, justice, and the integrity of witness, both in legal proceedings and broader ethical discussions.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: καταμαρτυρέω (katamartyreō) [ka-ta-mar-ty-REH-oh]
- Etymology Root Words and Their Meanings: Derived from κατά (kata-), meaning “against” or “down,” and μαρτυρέω (martyreō), meaning “to bear witness” or “to testify.” Combined, they convey the idea of “testifying against” or “bearing witness against.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; used in various tenses and voices.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To bear witness against
- To give evidence in a judicial setting
- To testify against someone or something
Similar Words: μαρτυρέω (martyreō) [mar-ty-REH-oh], which simply means “to bear witness” or “to testify,” is closely related but lacks the prefix κατά (kata-), which adds the nuance of “against.” Another related word is διαμαρτύρομαι (diamartyromai) [di-a-mar-TY-roh-my], meaning “to testify solemnly” or “to declare emphatically,” which carries a stronger emphasis on the gravity and earnestness of the testimony.
Further Insights: The verb καταμαρτυρέω (katamartyreō) is typically used in contexts where a legal or formal testimony is being made against someone. It is distinct from general forms of witnessing due to its adversarial nature. Below is the conjugation of καταμαρτυρέω in the present, imperfect, and future tenses for the active voice:
| Tense | Active Voice |
|---|---|
| Present | καταμαρτυρέω (katamartyreō) |
| Imperfect | κατεμαρτυρούμην (katemartyroumēn) |
| Future | καταμαρτυρήσω (katamartyresō) |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: καταμαρτυρέω is described as “to testify against” or “to give evidence against someone.” It implies an authoritative and formal declaration that is often used in legal contexts.
- Thayer’s Lexicon: Defines καταμαρτυρέω as “to bear witness against” or “to testify against.” It emphasizes the judicial setting and the act of presenting evidence that implicates someone.
- Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Provides the meaning “to bear testimony against,” indicating its use in courtroom settings or situations where formal accusation or evidence is required.
- LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Lists καταμαρτυρέω as meaning “to witness against” or “to denounce.” It notes that this word is used in contexts involving law courts and formal accusations.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines καταμαρτυρέω as “to testify against,” emphasizing its application in legal or adversarial situations.
Related Scripture References
- Mark 14:55: “The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any.”
- Mark 14:56: “Many testified falsely against him, but their testimonies [κατεμαρτύρουν] did not agree.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Demosthenes | Against Meidias | “One must καταμαρτυρέω the false charges laid before the court to ensure justice prevails.” |
| Aristotle | Politics | “It is necessary to καταμαρτυρέω corruption to maintain the integrity of the state.” |
| Thucydides | History of the Peloponnesian War | “The allies were quick to καταμαρτυρέω the treachery of their enemies to rally the support of the league.” |
| Septuagint Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Exodus (LXX) | Exodus 20:16 | “You shall not bear false witness against [καταμαρτυρήσεις] your neighbor.” |
| Proverbs (LXX) | Proverbs 24:28 | “Do not be a witness against [καταμαρτυρήσῃς] your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.” |
| Deuteronomy (LXX) | Deuteronomy 19:16 | “If a false witness rises against [καταμαρτυρήσῃ] any man to testify against him of wrongdoing…” |
Summary of καταμαρτυρέω (G2649: katamartyreō)
The Greek word καταμαρτυρέω (katamartyreō) refers to the act of bearing witness against someone, particularly in a formal or judicial setting. It is used in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature to convey the gravity and seriousness of legal testimony or accusation. The word’s prefix κατά (kata-) adds an adversarial nuance to the act of testifying, distinguishing it from more neutral terms related to witnessing. This word’s presence in key biblical texts, particularly in contexts of legal proceedings, highlights its importance for understanding justice, law, and ethical conduct in both ancient Greek and Jewish cultures.
Did You Know?
- The term καταμαρτυρέω is not only used in legal contexts but also in moral and ethical teachings where bearing false witness is condemned.
- In ancient Greek society, the reliability of a witness’s testimony was paramount; καταμαρτυρέω was a word often employed to stress the seriousness of accusations.
- The concept of καταμαρτυρέω is closely tied to ideas of justice and righteousness, emphasizing the importance of truthful testimony in maintaining social order and integrity.
Understanding καταμαρτυρέω helps readers appreciate the nuances of legal and ethical standards in both biblical texts and ancient Greek society.
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