Brief Overview of κατηγορία (Strong’s G2724: katēgoria)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for interpreting the New Testament accurately and grasping the cultural context of the ancient world. The Greek word κατηγορία (katēgoria), meaning “accusation” or “charge,” is particularly significant in both New Testament interpretation and the study of ancient Greek culture. It appears in legal and rhetorical contexts, helping us understand how accusations were presented, debated, and resolved in public and judicial settings. This word sheds light on the dynamics of early Christian trials and the rhetoric used against Jesus and His followers.

Key Information

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Greek Word: κατηγορία (katēgoria), pronounced [ka-tay-go-REE-ah].

Etymology: The word κατηγορία is derived from κατά (kata), meaning “against,” and ἀγορά (agora), meaning “marketplace” or “public assembly.” Together, they form a term that denotes a public accusation or formal charge, often in a legal or rhetorical setting.

Part of Speech: Noun. κατηγορία is a feminine noun. In Greek grammar, it follows the first declension pattern. It often appears in contexts involving legal disputes, formal accusations, or public denunciations.

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Primary Meanings

Accusation: The primary meaning of κατηγορία is “accusation.” It refers to a formal charge or complaint brought against someone, typically in a legal context. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe the accusations brought against Jesus or the apostles.

Charge: The term can also be translated as “charge,” particularly in contexts where a specific wrongdoing or offense is being formally presented against someone.

Indictment: In some cases, κατηγορία can mean “indictment,” referring to a legal declaration or formal statement of charges against a defendant.

Similar Words

ἐγκαλεῖν (enkalein) [eng-ka-LEH-in]: Meaning “to accuse” or “to charge,” this word is often used in a legal context similar to κατηγορία. However, it focuses more on the act of calling someone to account rather than the accusation itself.

διάβολος (diabolos) [dee-AH-bo-los]: This word means “slanderer” or “accuser,” emphasizing the malicious intent behind the accusation. It is different from κατηγορία, which does not necessarily imply malice.

ἔγκλημα (enklēma) [eng-KLEH-mah]: This word means “charge” or “complaint,” similar to κατηγορία, but is more commonly used in legal contexts to refer to specific charges within a trial.

Morphological Features

Case, Number, Gender: As a noun, κατηγορία is feminine in gender. It follows the first declension pattern, appearing in various cases (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) and numbers (singular, plural).

Declension: The word follows the first declension pattern for feminine nouns. Below is the declension table for κατηγορία:

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Lexicon Insights

κατηγορία is used in various New Testament passages, primarily in legal or courtroom settings where accusations are formally brought against an individual. The term appears when Jesus is accused by the religious leaders, emphasizing the legal and rhetorical nature of the confrontations He faced. In classical Greek literature, κατηγορία was commonly employed in public assemblies, law courts, and philosophical debates, signifying a formal accusation that required a defense. This usage highlights the adversarial nature of ancient Greek legal and rhetorical culture. In the Septuagint, κατηγορία carries similar connotations, often referring to legal accusations or charges. It provides rich insight into the nature of justice and conflict resolution in the ancient world, both sacred and secular.

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

Related Scripture References

John 18:29: “Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation [κατηγορία] bring ye against this man?”

1 Timothy 5:19: “Against an elder receive not an accusation [κατηγορίας], but before two or three witnesses.”

Acts 25:18: “Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation [κατηγορίαν] of such things as I supposed.”

Classical Usage

Summary of κατηγορία (G2724)

κατηγορία (katēgoria) is a Greek noun meaning “accusation” or “charge.” It is significant in both Biblical and classical literature, appearing in contexts of legal disputes, formal charges, and public denunciations. Understanding this word helps illuminate the adversarial dynamics of ancient Greek and Biblical legal systems, where accusations could determine one’s fate in both secular and sacred settings.

Did You Know?

κατηγορία is the root of the English word “category,” reflecting the idea of grouping or classifying accusations or charges.

In ancient Greece, an ἀγορά (agora) was a public gathering place where formal accusations (κατηγορίαι) were often announced.

The concept of κατηγορία is central to understanding the trials of early Christians, where accusations were a common strategy to suppress the new faith.