καταγινώσκω (kataginōskō)
kataginōskō
to condemn
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kataginōskō carries the force of finding fault with someone or bringing a formal accusation against them. Derived from the intensive prefix kata and the root ginōskō (to know), it suggests a thorough, decisive judgment rather than a casual observation. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, highlighting its specific role in addressing guilt and accountability.
Its usage often involves a direct object, as seen when John writes that "God is greater than our heart, and knows all things; if our heart condemns us" (1 John 3:20-21). Here, the internal sense of guilt is described using this term. It also appears in Galatians 2:11, where Paul recounts how Peter was found to be in the wrong and thus subject to blame for his inconsistent behavior. The word implies a verdict that holds weight, marking a person as culpable.
Translators typically render it as "condemn" or "blame," capturing the serious nature of the charge. Unlike simple disagreement, this term points to a recognized failure or sin. Its rarity in Scripture underscores the gravity of being held accountable by God or by fellow believers for actions that violate truth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kataginōskō describes a heavy verdict, one that finds fault and marks someone as guilty. It is not merely a passing criticism but a decisive judgment of failure. When we carry this weight, it can feel isolating, making us question our standing before God and others.
In Galatians 2:11, Paul confronts Peter because his actions stood condemned by the truth of the gospel. This shows that even those close to Christ are held accountable when they drift from integrity. Yet, this word also points to a deeper reality in 1 John 3:20-21. Here, John acknowledges that our own hearts can condemn us with sharp accusations.
But there is hope in the contrast. God is greater than our heart and knows all things. While we may feel the sting of guilt, His knowledge is complete and His grace is sufficient. We do not have to live under the shadow of self-condemnation when we rest in who He is.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- shall condemn [us]1×
- shall condemn1×
- condemned1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καταγινώσκῃ2×
- κατεγνωσμένος1×
Key Verses
-
Galatians 2:11
But when Peter came to Antioch, I resisted him to his face, because he stood condemned.
Paul uses this term to describe Peter’s behavior as standing condemned, showing that even apostolic leaders are subject to correction when they compromise the gospel truth.
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I John 3:20
because if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.
John identifies the internal voice of guilt as a form of condemnation, acknowledging its power while immediately pointing to God’s superior knowledge and love.
-
I John 3:21
Beloved, if our hearts don’t condemn us, we have boldness toward God;
This verse links the absence of self-condemnation with boldness toward God, suggesting that freedom from this heavy verdict allows for confident prayer and worship.