Lexical Summary katégoria: Accusation, charge Original Word: κατηγορία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance accusationFrom kategoros; a complaint ("category"), i.e. Criminal charge -- accusation (X -ed). see GREEK kategoros NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from katégoreó Definition an accusation NASB Translation accusation (2), accused (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2724: κατηγορίακατηγορία, κατηγοριας, ἡ (κατήγορος) (from Herodotus down), accusation, charge: with the genitive of the person accused, Luke 6:7 R G L Tr marginal reading; (John 18:29 T WH); κατά τίνος, John 18:29 (R G L Tr); 1 Timothy 5:19; with the genitive of the crime, Titus 1:6. Topical Lexicon Overview of the TermThe Greek noun κατηγορία (Strong’s 2724) denotes a formal allegation brought against someone, typically before a court or governing authority. While the concept can describe any claim of wrongdoing, in the New Testament it consistently carries a judicial or ecclesiastical tone, highlighting both the gravity of the charge and the standards required to substantiate it. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. John 18:29 — Pontius Pilate asks the Jewish leaders, “What accusation are you bringing against this Man?”. The term frames the climactic legal conflict surrounding Jesus, underscoring the formality—and ultimate emptiness—of the charges leveled against the sinless Messiah. Judicial and Covenant Context In both Greco-Roman and Jewish law, accusations required evidence and credible witnesses. Mosaic legislation demanded two or three witnesses in capital cases (Deuteronomy 17:6). The New Testament applications in 1 Timothy 5:19 and Titus 1:6 reflect continuity with this standard, setting a high bar that protects against injustice while ensuring holiness in leadership. The same criterion appears in Matthew 18:16 and 2 Corinthians 13:1, showing the broader biblical insistence on verified testimony. Christological Implications John 18:29 places κατηγορία at the center of the passion narrative. The religious authorities brought accusations, yet could produce no consistent testimony (Mark 14:56). Their failure accentuates Christ’s innocence and amplifies the redemptive irony: false accusations propelled the only righteous Man toward the cross, accomplishing divine salvation (Acts 2:23). Ecclesiological Significance Paul’s pastoral letters employ the term to protect both the integrity of church leadership and the reputation of the gospel. Elders must be shielded from unsubstantiated claims, yet they also must live above legitimate reproach. A credible accusation, when established, necessitates action (1 Timothy 5:20), preserving congregational purity. Thus κατηγορία functions both as a safeguard against slander and as a means of enforcing righteous standards. Practical Ministry Applications • Establish Transparent Procedures: Churches should emulate Scripture by requiring corroborating evidence before accepting charges against leaders, thereby preventing gossip-driven turmoil. Conclusion Κατηγορία in the New Testament portrays the sober reality of formal accusation—capable of either maligning the innocent or exposing the guilty. Whether highlighting the baseless charges against Jesus or guiding church order, the term calls the people of God to pursue justice, guard reputations, and walk blamelessly before a watching world. Forms and Transliterations κατηγορια κατηγορία κατηγορίᾳ κατηγοριαν κατηγορίαν kategoria katēgoria kategoríāi katēgoríāi kategorian kategorían katēgorian katēgoríanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance John 18:29 N-AFSGRK: φησιν Τίνα κατηγορίαν φέρετε κατὰ NAS: What accusation do you bring KJV: said, What accusation bring ye against INT: said What accusation bring you against 1 Timothy 5:19 N-AFS Titus 1:6 N-DFS Strong's Greek 2724 |
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