αἰτία (aitia)
aitia
cause/charge
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 20 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun aitia refers to the underlying reason or cause for an event, often carrying a specific legal weight in the New Testament. While it can simply mean "reason" or "case," as when Jesus addresses the disciples’ question about marriage in Matthew 19:3 and 19:10, it frequently appears in forensic contexts involving accusations or charges.
In these judicial settings, the word describes the formal allegation against a person rather than just their guilt. This distinction is visible in Acts, where Paul explains his situation to King Agrippa (Acts 28:20) and where Felix struggles with how to frame the charges against him (Acts 25:18, 27). The sources note that it can refer to a crime itself, such as the inscription on Jesus’ cross in Mark 15:26, or the accusations brought by Pilate’s servants in John 18:38.
Etymologically linked to verbs meaning "to ask" or "demand an account," the term implies a reason that must be given. Translators often render it as "cause," "charge," or "accusation" depending on whether the text focuses on the logical motive behind an action or the legal basis for punishment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels unfair or confusing, we often search for a reason behind our suffering. The Greek word aitia helps us see that every situation has an underlying cause, whether it is a legal charge or a personal motive. In the Gospels, this term appears in moments of intense scrutiny, such as when Jesus stands before Pilate or when a woman openly shares why she touched His garment. These stories remind us that our lives are not random; they are known and accounted for by God.
Even when we face false accusations or unjust treatment, like Paul did in his imprisonment, this word offers comfort. It tells us that the truth eventually comes to light. Pilate declared he found no real charge against Jesus, yet Jesus was still crucified. This shows that while human courts may fail, God’s purpose remains secure. We can trust that our struggles have meaning in His eyes.
For your daily life, this encourages honesty and courage. Like the woman who came forward trembling, we are invited to be open about our needs and reasons before God. He does not dismiss our questions or our pain. Instead, He invites us to bring our whole selves to Him, knowing that He sees the root of every situation and works all things for good.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- cause7×
- reason3×
- guilt.2×
- charge2×
- accusation2×
- guilt1×
- charges1×
- cause?1×
- case1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- αἰτίαν13×
- αἰτίας2×
- αἰτίαν.2×
- αἰτία2×
- αἰτίαν;¶1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 19:3
Pharisees came to him, testing him and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”
This verse shows the word used in a legal-religious debate about divorce, highlighting how 'cause' or 'reason' was central to Pharisaical arguments about the law.
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Luke 8:47
When the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him declared to him in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
Here the woman uses the word to describe her personal motive and healing, showing it can refer to a private reason for an action rather than just a legal charge.
-
John 18:38
Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” When he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no basis for a charge against him.
Pilate’s declaration that he finds no 'basis for a charge' uses the word in a forensic sense, emphasizing the lack of legal grounds against Jesus despite political pressure.
-
Acts 25:27
For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to also specify the charges against him.”
Felix notes it is unreasonable to send a prisoner without specifying the 'charges,' illustrating the word’s technical use in Roman judicial procedure to define the accusation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word aitia mean in the Bible?
How is aitia different from other words for 'cause'?
Where does this word appear in the Gospels?
Does this word imply guilt?
Every Occurrence (20 verses across 8 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Pharisees came to him, testing him and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”
Matthew 19:10His disciples said to him, “If this is the case of the man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.”
Matthew 27:37They set up over his head the accusation against him written, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”