αἰτίαμα (aitiama)
aitiama
charge
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun aitiama refers to a formal charge or accusation brought against someone. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in Acts 25:7, where Paul lists the specific legal allegations made by his Jewish opponents in Caesarea.
Its meaning is rooted in the verb aitiomai, which means to accuse or bring a complaint. The word carries a legal weight, describing the formal grounds on which a case is built rather than a vague suspicion. Translators typically render it as "charges" or "accusations," highlighting the structured nature of the dispute.
Understanding this term clarifies the context of Paul’s defense before King Agrippa and Governor Festus. It shows that the conflict was not merely personal but involved specific, articulated legal claims that required a formal response from the accused.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aitiama describes a formal charge or accusation brought against someone. In Acts 25:7, Paul faces many serious claims from his opponents in Caesarea. These were not vague suspicions but specific legal allegations that required a clear response. Understanding this term helps us see how Paul defended himself with precision and truth.
For your faith, this reminds us that God sees every accusation and injustice. When you face unfair criticism or false claims, remember that God knows the truth about your heart. You do not need to defend yourself with anger or fear. Instead, trust that God will bring justice in His perfect timing.
This word shows that even when others try to harm you through lies, God remains faithful. Paul’s calm response before King Agrippa demonstrates how to stand firm in truth without losing peace. May you find strength in knowing that God sees your integrity and will vindicate you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- charges1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- αἰτιώματα1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 25:7
When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove,
This verse shows Paul facing many serious legal charges from his opponents, highlighting the formal nature of the accusations against him.