αὐτοκατάκριτος (autokatakritos)
autokatakritos
self-condemned
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The rare adjective autokatakritos means "self-condemned," describing a person who has already passed judgment on themselves through their own actions or beliefs. Composed of the prefix auto- ("self") and katakritos ("condemned"), it appears only once in the New Testament, in Titus 3:11.
In this context, Paul uses the term to characterize a divisive person who, after being corrected twice, remains obstinate. The word suggests that such individuals are not merely guilty of error but have actively sealed their own spiritual fate by rejecting correction. This usage highlights the seriousness of persistent unrepentance, where the individual becomes their own accuser.
Because it is so uncommon, some scholars suggest it may be a coined term for this specific situation. Its singular occurrence underscores the unique gravity Paul places on unity within the church and the danger of refusing to change one's course after clear instruction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word autokatakritos paints a sobering picture of someone who has become their own judge. It describes a person who, through persistent refusal to accept correction, effectively seals their own spiritual fate. This is not merely about making a mistake; it is about the hardening of heart that rejects truth even when it is clearly presented.
For us, this word serves as a gentle warning against pride and stubbornness. It reminds us that humility is essential for growth. When we are corrected, our instinct might be to defend ourselves, but true wisdom lies in listening and changing. Allowing others to help us see our blind spots protects us from the isolation of self-condemnation.
May we cultivate a spirit that welcomes correction with grace. Instead of becoming defensive, let us remain open to truth, knowing that humility keeps us connected to the community and to God’s guiding love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- self-condemned.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- αὐτοκατάκριτος.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Titus 3:11
knowing that such a one is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.
This is the only New Testament occurrence, where Paul identifies a divisive person as self-condemned after repeated correction.