Brief Overview of κατηγορέω (Strong’s G2723: katēgoreō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament accurately and appreciating the cultural nuances of ancient Greek society. The Greek word κατηγορέω (katēgoreō), meaning “to accuse” or “to charge,” holds particular significance in New Testament interpretation. It is often used in legal and rhetorical contexts, where the concept of accusation, either just or unjust, plays a pivotal role. Exploring this word helps us grasp the dynamics of legal language and public discourse in ancient Greek culture and Biblical contexts.

Key Information

Greek Word: κατηγορέω (katēgoreō), pronounced [ka-tay-gor-EH-oh].

Etymology: The word κατηγορέω is derived from the root κατά (kata), meaning “against,” and ἀγορά (agora), meaning “marketplace” or “public assembly.” The term evokes the idea of speaking against someone in a public setting, like a court or assembly.

Part of Speech: Verb. κατηγορέω is a verb that follows regular Greek conjugation patterns and can appear in various tenses, voices, and moods. It is used primarily in the active voice, as its meaning inherently involves an action performed by a subject toward an object.

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Primary Meanings

To Accuse: The primary meaning of κατηγορέω is “to accuse” someone of wrongdoing. This usage is seen in contexts where formal charges are brought against a person in a legal or rhetorical setting.

To Charge or Blame: It can also mean “to charge” or “to blame,” often used in contexts where someone is being held responsible for a particular action or behavior. This meaning is close to “accuse” but has a slightly broader connotation, encompassing informal settings as well.

To Speak Against: In certain contexts, κατηγορέω may be translated as “to speak against,” particularly when it involves public denouncement or criticism of someone or something.

Similar Words

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διαβάλλω (diaballō) [dee-a-BAL-loh]: Meaning “to slander” or “to falsely accuse,” this word differs from κατηγορέω in that it often implies malice or deceit in the accusation, whereas κατηγορέω can be neutral or justified.

ἐγκαλέω (enkaleō) [eng-ka-LEH-oh]: Meaning “to call to account” or “to bring a charge,” this word is often used in legal contexts but focuses more on the call to answer for an accusation rather than the act of accusing itself.

καταλαλέω (katalaleō) [ka-ta-la-LEH-oh]: This term means “to speak evil of” or “to revile” and is more closely associated with gossip or defamation, differing from the more formal, public accusation implied by κατηγορέω.

Morphological Features

Tense, Voice, Mood: κατηγορέω is typically found in the present, aorist, and perfect tenses. It primarily appears in the active voice but can also be found in the middle/passive, where the meaning shifts slightly to being accused. Common moods include the indicative, subjunctive, and imperative.

Person and Number: The verb is conjugated across all persons (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and numbers (singular, plural) depending on the subject performing the action.

Aspect: κατηγορέω uses imperfective (present, imperfect) and perfective (aorist) aspects. The imperfective aspect indicates an ongoing or repeated action, while the perfective aspect suggests a completed action.

Conjugation Table for Present Indicative Active of κατηγορέω:

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Lexicon Insights

κατηγορέω is frequently used in the New Testament to describe accusations against Jesus or His followers, particularly in legal or judicial settings. For example, in John 8:6, the scribes and Pharisees use this term when attempting to accuse Jesus. The term is also prominent in classical Greek texts, where it appears in contexts of public speeches, court cases, and political debates. In these settings, κατηγορέω conveys not just a legal accusation but also a rhetorical strategy to sway public opinion or discredit an opponent. This layered meaning adds depth to understanding its usage in both secular and Biblical contexts.

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

Related Scripture References

John 8:6: “This they said, tempting him, that they might have [accusation] against him.” (κατηγορήσωσιν)

Mark 15:3: “And the chief priests accused him [κατηγόρουν] of many things: but he answered nothing.”

Acts 24:2: “And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him [κατηγορεῖν], saying…”

Classical Usage

Summary of κατηγορέω (G2723)

κατηγορέω (katēgoreō) is a Greek verb meaning “to accuse,” “to charge,” or “to speak against.” It is a significant term in both Biblical and classical literature, used in legal, rhetorical, and public contexts. Understanding this word offers insight into the dynamics of accusation, legal procedures, and public discourse in ancient Greek and Biblical settings.

Did You Know?

κατηγορέω is related to the English word “category,” derived from the concept of categorizing accusations in public discourse.

The word is often used in ancient Greek rhetoric to discredit opponents in political or legal debates, illustrating its importance in classical literature.

The term appears over 20 times in the New Testament, predominantly in contexts involving legal accusations against early Christians or Jesus Himself.