Lexical Summary katadikazo: To condemn, to pass judgment against Original Word: καταδικάζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance condemn. From kata and a derivative of dike; to adjudge against, i.e. Pronounce guilty -- condemn. see GREEK kata see GREEK dike HELPS Word-studies 2613 katadikázō (from 2596 /katá, "according to, down," which intensifies dikazō, "to act as judge") – properly, judge down, i.e. condemn in an exact (personal) manner that is highly specific. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2613: καταδικάζωκαταδικάζω; 1 aorist κατεδίκασα; 1 aorist passive κατεδικασθην; 1 future passive καταδικασθήσομαι; to give judgment against (one), to pronounce guilty; to condemn; in classical Greek (where it differs from κρίνειν in giving prominence to the formal and official as distinguished from the inward and logical judging (cf. Schmidt, Synonym, chapter 18, 6)) it is followed by the genitive of the person, in the N. T. by the accusative (Buttmann, § 132, 16): Matthew 12:7; Luke 6:37 (here Tr marginal reading the simple verb); James 5:6; passive, Matthew 12:37; (Luke 6:37b (not Tr marginal reading)). (the Sept. Lamentations 3:35; Josephus, Antiquities 7, 11, 3.) STRONGS NT 2613a: καταδίκηκαταδίκη, καταδίκης, ἡ; 1. damnatory sentence, condemnation: Acts 25:15 L T Tr WH; ((Epicharm. in Ath. 2, 3, p. 36 d.), Polybius, Plutarch, Irenaeus 1, 16, 3). 2. penalty, especially a fine; (Thucydides, Demosthenes, Lucian). Strong’s Greek 2613 gathers a small yet potent family of words meaning “to condemn” or “condemnation.” While the vocabulary occurs only six times in the Greek New Testament, each text employs vivid courtroom language to frame the ultimate issue of guilt before God and neighbor. Biblical Usage • Matthew 12:7; 12:37 – Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of religious critics who “condemn the innocent” and warns that idle words will “condemn” a person in the day of judgment. Personal speech thus carries judicial weight. Legal Background In the Greco-Roman world a κατάδικος (condemned person) faced penalties ranging from fines to death. New Testament writers tap this imagery to underline that sin invites a binding verdict, one no earthly advocate can overturn. Old Testament Foundations Condemnation language in Proverbs, Isaiah, and the Psalms anticipates the Greek term through Hebrew verbs such as רָשַׁע (to declare guilty). God condemns bloodshed (Psalm 94:21) yet “does not condemn” the righteous (Psalm 37:33). The New Testament inherits both the moral gravity and the hope that God Himself will vindicate the faithful. Divine versus Human Judgment Jesus reserves ultimate condemnation for God alone (Matthew 10:28) while forbidding a censorious spirit among disciples (Luke 6:37). Human courts are fallible; divine judgment is perfect, impartial, and final. This tension is resolved at the cross where the innocent Son bears the world’s condemnation (compare Romans 8:3). Christ’s Teaching The Lord’s twin commands—“Do not judge… do not condemn” (Luke 6:37)—are positive calls to mercy, not invitations to moral relativism. They assume the reality of objective guilt yet urge believers to imitate God's patience, allowing space for repentance before the Last Day. Apostolic Application James 5:6 warns wealthy oppressors that their ill-gotten verdicts will not stand. Acts 25:15 shows Paul’s confidence in Roman law while trusting the higher court of Christ (2 Timothy 4:8). Together the passages teach respect for civil authority but remind the church that every tribunal is accountable to God. Pastoral and Ethical Implications 1. Speech: Idle words may seal one’s condemnation (Matthew 12:37); therefore believers cultivate edifying conversation. Relation to Justification Condemnation (Strong’s 2613) is the dark backdrop for justification. Where one pronounces guilt, the other declares righteousness. Paul’s theology climaxes in the announcement, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1), transforming the believer’s legal position from guilty to acquitted. Contemporary Ministry Significance • Preaching the Gospel must confront the reality of condemnation to magnify the grace that removes it. Related Terms • κρίσις – judgment (the process) In sum, Strong’s 2613 echoes across Scripture as a solemn reminder: every word, deed, and verdict will face the bar of God’s holiness. Yet the same God offers absolution through the Lamb who was condemned in our place. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 12:7 V-AIA-2PGRK: οὐκ ἂν κατεδικάσατε τοὺς ἀναιτίους NAS: AND NOT A SACRIFICE,' you would not have condemned the innocent. KJV: not have condemned the guiltless. INT: not anyhow you had condemned the guiltless Matthew 12:37 V-FIP-2S Luke 6:37 V-PMA-2P Luke 6:37 V-ASP-2P Acts 25:15 N-AFS James 5:6 V-AIA-2P Strong's Greek 2613 |
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