Pronunciation Guide: ah-kat-AK-ree-tos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G178: ἀκατάκριτος is a judicial term meaning “uncondemned” or “without trial.” It specifically refers to someone who has not been legally tried or sentenced, emphasizing the concept of due process in justice. The word carries strong implications about legal rights and proper judicial procedure.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Components: “α” (negative prefix) + “κατά” (down/against) + “κρίνω” (to judge)
• Primary Usage: Legal/judicial contexts
• Literary Genre: Historical narrative (Acts)
• Register: Technical legal terminology

ἀκατάκριτος Morphology:

• ἀκατάκριτον (accusative singular masculine/neuter) – uncondemned person/state
• ἀκατάκριτοι (nominative plural masculine) – uncondemned people
• ἀκατακρίτους (accusative plural masculine) – uncondemned people (as object)

Origin & History

The term ἀκατάκριτος emerged from the rich legal tradition of ancient Greek society. It combines the Greek legal concept of κρίσις (judgment) with the emphatic negative prefix. While rare in classical Greek literature, it appears in legal documents from the Hellenistic period, particularly in contexts involving citizenship rights and legal procedures.

In the papyri and inscriptions of the first century, the word gained prominence in discussions of Roman civil rights, especially concerning the treatment of citizens versus non-citizens in legal proceedings. This context becomes particularly relevant for understanding its usage in the book of Acts.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• One who has not been legally condemned through proper judicial process
• A person whose rights to legal trial have been violated
• Someone who is uncondemned by due process of law

ἀκατάκριτος Translation Options:

• “Uncondemned” – Emphasizes the legal status of not having been found guilty
• “Without trial” – Highlights the procedural aspect of justice being denied
• “Without due process” – Modern legal equivalent that captures the concept’s essence
• “Legally unsentenced” – Emphasizes the formal judicial aspect

Biblical Usage

The word ἀκατάκριτος appears only twice in the New Testament, both in the book of Acts, and is notably absent from the Septuagint. Its usage is specifically connected to the apostle Paul’s experiences with Roman authorities and his rights as a Roman citizen.

These appearances occur at crucial moments where legal rights and justice intersect with the spread of the Gospel, highlighting the importance of legal protection and proper judicial procedure in the early church’s mission.

• “[ἀκατακρίτους] uncondemned men who are Romans, and have thrown us into prison” Acts 16:37
• “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and [ἀκατάκριτον] uncondemned?” Acts 22:25

Cultural Insights

In the Roman Empire, the concept of being ἀκατάκριτος was particularly significant because it related to the rights of Roman citizenship. Roman citizens had specific legal protections, including the right to a proper trial before punishment could be administered. The violation of these rights was a serious offense that could result in severe consequences for the offending officials.

These legal protections were not universal in the ancient world, making Roman citizenship highly valued. Paul’s use of ἀκατάκριτος in Acts demonstrates how early Christians could legitimately utilize civil rights to protect themselves and advance the Gospel message.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀκατάκριτος in Acts reveals God’s sovereignty in using human legal systems for His purposes. It shows how the Lord employed Roman law and citizenship to protect His servants and advance His kingdom. This demonstrates God’s wisdom in working through established legal frameworks while simultaneously transcending them.

The concept also points to deeper theological truths about justice, righteousness, and proper procedure in judgment – themes that resonate with God’s character as the ultimate righteous Judge. It reminds us that the Lord is concerned with justice being properly administered, even in human legal systems.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀκατάκριτος challenges believers to consider how they can appropriately engage with legal and social systems while maintaining their primary allegiance to God’s kingdom. It encourages wisdom in knowing and appropriately using our rights as citizens, while remaining focused on our higher calling to spread the Gospel.

This word also reminds us to pray for and work toward just legal systems that protect the rights of all people, recognizing that proper legal procedure and protection of rights can serve God’s purposes in the world.

Related Words

• κρίνω (krinō, “to judge”) – The base verb from which ἀκατάκριτος is derived, referring to the act of judgment or decision-making See G2919
• κατάκρισις (katakrisis, “condemnation”) – The noun form of the judgment process See G2633
• δικαιοκρισία (dikaiokrisia, “righteous judgment”) – Refers to just and righteous judgment See G1341
• ἄκριτος (akritos, “unjudged”) – A related term meaning without proper judgment See G178

Did you Know?

• The principle of being ἀκατάκριτος (uncondemned) was so important in Roman law that magistrates who violated it could face severe penalties, including loss of position and citizenship themselves.
• The concept of ἀκατάκριτος influenced the development of modern legal principles like “innocent until proven guilty” and the right to due process.
• The word’s usage in Acts provides one of the earliest documented cases of a Christian appealing to civil rights for protection against religious persecution.

Remember This

ἀκατάκριτος stands as a powerful reminder that God’s sovereignty can work through human legal systems to protect His people and advance His kingdom purposes.