αἴτιος (aitios)
aitios
causer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective aitios describes someone or something that is the cause or author of an event, carrying a strong sense of responsibility. It moves beyond simple causality to imply culpability, often identifying the person who is blameworthy or the one accused of a crime. In this sense, it functions as a legal term for the culprit or the source of guilt.
Scripture uses this word to pinpoint agency in significant moments. In Acts 19:40, Paul’s companions worry about being charged with rioting, describing their gathering as "no cause" (to aitios) for such disturbance. Similarly, in Luke 23, Pilate repeatedly declares that he finds no basis for the charges against Jesus, stating there is no crime (to aition) in Him, effectively absolving Him of any legal fault.
The term appears five times across the New Testament, primarily in Luke and Acts, with one instance in Hebrews 5:9 where Christ is called the "author" of eternal salvation. This usage highlights its dual nature: it can denote a negative source of trouble or guilt, but also a positive originator of blessing, depending on context.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aitios points directly to the source of an action or event, carrying a weight of responsibility that goes beyond simple causality. In legal contexts within the New Testament, it identifies who is truly blameworthy for a specific outcome. This clarity helps us understand how Scripture assigns accountability in complex human situations.
Consider Pilate’s repeated declarations in Luke 23 regarding Jesus. Despite political pressure and public outcry, he could not find any valid cause or legal fault in Him. This highlights a profound truth: innocence can stand firm even when surrounded by false accusations. The text shows that true justice relies on evidence, not opinion.
Conversely, Hebrews 5:9 uses this term to describe Christ as the author of eternal salvation. Here, the word shifts from legal guilt to divine origin. It reminds us that God is the ultimate source of grace and deliverance for those who obey Him. Understanding this dual usage helps us see both human accountability and divine provision clearly.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- guilty2×
- worthy1×
- cause1×
- [the] author1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- αἴτιον3×
- αἴτιος1×
- αἰτίου1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 23:4
Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
Pilate uses the concept of 'no cause' to formally declare Jesus innocent before the crowd, establishing a legal baseline for the trial.
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Acts 19:40
For indeed we are in danger of being accused concerning today’s riot, there being no cause. Concerning it, we wouldn’t be able to give an account of this commotion.”
The city clerk warns that there is no valid legal ground (cause) for accusing Paul’s companions, protecting them from riot charges.
-
Hebrews 5:9
Having been made perfect, he became to all of those who obey him the author of eternal salvation,
This verse uniquely applies the term to Christ, identifying Him as the originator or author of eternal salvation rather than a source of guilt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does aitios mean in the New Testament?
How is aitios different from other words for cause?
Why is Jesus called the author of salvation in Hebrews 5:9?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 3 books)
Luke 3 verses
Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
Luke 23:14and said to them, “You brought this man to me as one that perverts the people, and behold, having examined him before…
Luke 23:22He said to them the third time, “Why? What evil has this man done? I have found no capital crime in him. I will…