Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament’s theological depth and nuances. The Greek word κατάκριμα (katákrima) is particularly significant because it embodies the concept of condemnation, specifically the judicial sentence resulting from wrongdoing. This term is central to understanding key theological doctrines like sin, judgment, and redemption. By examining κατάκριμα, we can gain insights into how early Christian writers viewed divine judgment and the hope of salvation, which are vital to interpreting New Testament teachings and understanding the cultural backdrop of ancient Greek legal and moral thought.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: κατάκριμα (katákrima) [ka-TAK-ree-mah]
• Etymology Root Words and Their Meanings: Derived from κατά (kata, meaning “down” or “against”) and κρίνω (krínō, meaning “to judge” or “to decide”).
• Part of Speech: Noun, neuter; it is a third declension noun.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Condemnation, particularly in a judicial sense.
• The result or outcome of judgment, a specific sentence or punishment.
• A state of being condemned or damned.

Similar Words: κρίσις (krísis) [KREE-sis], meaning “judgment” or “decision,” differs from κατάκριμα in that it refers more generally to the act of judgment rather than the specific outcome or sentence resulting from that judgment. καταδίκη (katadíkē) [ka-ta-DEE-kay] means “condemnation” or “sentence,” similar to κατάκριμα but often focuses more on the process or act of condemning.

Further Insights: The noun κατάκριμα is a third declension noun in Greek, which often reflects complex concepts related to legal and moral status. Its morphological structure indicates an intensification of the root word κρίνω, with the prefix κατά suggesting a downward or negative direction, emphasizing the gravity of the condemnation. Below is a table showing the full declension of κατάκριμα:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines κατάκριμα as “judicial pronouncement upon a guilty person,” focusing on the legal sense of the term. It is used in contexts where the result of divine or human judgment is a declaration of condemnation.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Describes κατάκριμα as “condemnation” and specifies its usage in a judicial sense, where the emphasis is on the result or sentence following a trial or judgment process.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Elaborates on κατάκριμα as referring to “the sentence pronounced against a person,” highlighting that it is distinct from the process of judgment (κρίσις) itself.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Notes that κατάκριμα is used in classical Greek literature to denote “a condemned state,” often reflecting the outcome of a legal decision or divine judgment.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines κατάκριμα simply as “a sentence” or “a condemnation,” pointing to the punitive result of judgment rather than the act of judgment.

Related Scripture References

• Romans 5:16 – “And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation [κατάκριμα], but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification.”
• Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation [κατάκριμα] for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
  This verse emphasizes the theological significance of κατάκριμα, as it contrasts the condemned state with the freedom found in Christ.

Classical Usage

Summary of κατάκριμα (G2631: katákrima)

The Greek noun κατάκριμα, meaning “condemnation” or “sentence,” is central in both Biblical and classical contexts for understanding themes of judgment, punishment, and divine justice. In the New Testament, κατάκριμα is used to describe the state of being condemned, particularly in relation to sin and divine judgment. In Romans 8:1, the term takes on a pivotal role in expressing the freedom from condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. In classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, κατάκριμα often appears in legal or moral contexts, where it serves as a warning of the consequences of unjust or sinful actions. Understanding κατάκριμα deepens our comprehension of the theological and cultural dimensions of judgment, justice, and redemption in both Biblical and ancient Greek thought.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The concept of κατάκριμα in ancient Greek law was not just about punishment but also about restoring moral and social order by addressing wrongdoing.
• Fact 2: In early Christian theology, κατάκριμα became a key term in discussions about sin, salvation, and the work of Christ in delivering believers from divine judgment.
• Fact 3: The use of κατάκριμα in the Septuagint often reflects the gravity of divine judgment, contrasting the fate of the righteous and the wicked.

Exploring κατάκριμα enhances our understanding of the Biblical narrative and its foundational themes of justice, sin, and salvation.