Introduction:

In the study of Biblical Greek, certain words carry significant legal and ethical implications that deepen our understanding of New Testament texts. One such word is ἔγκλημα (Strong’s G1462: énklēma), which translates to “accusation” or “charge.” This term is particularly relevant in the context of legal proceedings in the ancient world, including those mentioned in the New Testament. Understanding ἔγκλημα offers insight into how accusations were viewed in both a legal and moral sense during the time of the New Testament, which is essential for interpreting passages that deal with themes of justice, sin, and righteousness.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: ἔγκλημα (énklēma) [eng-klay’-mah]
• Etymology: The word is derived from the root verb ἐγκαλέω (enkaléō), meaning “to accuse” or “to bring a charge.” The suffix -μα (-ma) denotes the result of the action, thus forming a noun that signifies the accusation itself.
• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter, Singular)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Accusation: The primary meaning of ἔγκλημα is an accusation or charge, particularly in a legal context. It refers to the formal process of accusing someone of a crime or wrongdoing.
• Charge: It can also mean a formal charge or indictment, emphasizing the legal procedure of bringing someone to trial.

Similar Words:

• κατηγορία (katēgoría) [kat-ay-gor-ee’-ah]: Another word for accusation, often used in a similar legal context. While κατηγορία can refer broadly to any accusation, ἔγκλημα specifically refers to the formal charge or the act of accusing in a judicial setting.
• δίκη (díkē) [dee’-kay]: This word means “justice” or “judgment” and is often used in the context of legal proceedings. It can imply the outcome of an accusation or the judicial process itself.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Insights:
• ἔγκλημα is a noun that, like many Greek nouns, is inflected based on its role in the sentence. It remains neuter in gender and follows the typical declension pattern for neuter nouns.
• The word’s structure, with the root ἐγκαλέω and the suffix -μα, indicates that it is the product of an action—specifically, the outcome or result of making an accusation.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG: ἔγκλημα is defined as “accusation” or “charge,” with specific reference to legal proceedings. The lexicon notes that this term is used in contexts where formal accusations are brought against someone, highlighting its significance in judicial and legal matters.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἔγκλημα as a noun meaning “an accusation” or “a formal charge.” It emphasizes the legal connotations of the term, particularly in the setting of a courtroom or legal dispute.

Vine’s: ἔγκλημα is noted as a noun that denotes “a charge” or “accusation,” often used in the context of legal accusations. Vine’s highlights the word’s importance in understanding New Testament passages that deal with issues of justice and legal righteousness.

LSJ: In classical Greek, ἔγκλημα is recognized as a noun used primarily in legal contexts, meaning “accusation” or “indictment.” The lexicon also notes its broader usage in rhetorical and philosophical discussions about justice and morality.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: ἔγκλημα is listed as “accusation” or “charge,” with particular emphasis on its use in legal contexts. The concordance underscores its application in judicial proceedings, where formal accusations are central to the process.

Scripture References:

Interestingly, ἔγκλημα does not appear in the New Testament itself, but its root verb ἐγκαλέω is used in several passages to describe the act of accusing or bringing charges against someone:

• Acts 19:38: “Therefore, if Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint (ἐγκαλέω) against anyone, the courts are in session, and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges (ἐγκαλέω) against one another.”
• Acts 25:5: “Let those of you who have the authority come down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges (ἐγκαλέω) against him.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἔγκλημα (G1462: énklēma):

The noun ἔγκλημα (G1462: énklēma) is a term deeply embedded in the legal practices of ancient Greece and carries significant implications for understanding accusations and charges in the New Testament context. Although the word itself does not appear in the New Testament, its root verb ἐγκαλέω plays a crucial role in passages that discuss legal accusations. ἔγκλημα embodies the formal process of bringing a charge against someone, often in a legal or judicial setting. This term is essential for interpreting texts that deal with justice, law, and morality in the New Testament and provides a window into the legal culture of the time. Understanding ἔγκλημα enriches our comprehension of the gravity and consequences of accusations in both the ancient world and the Biblical narrative.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? The legal system in ancient Greece was highly developed, and terms like ἔγκλημα played a crucial role in the administration of justice. Accusations were not taken lightly, and the person bringing the ἔγκλημα had to present their case with evidence and witnesses. Failure to prove the charge could lead to penalties for the accuser, reflecting the serious nature of legal proceedings at the time. This historical context helps us appreciate the weight of such terms in the New Testament, where accusations could lead to life-altering consequences.