καταδικάζω (katadikazō)
katadikazō
to condemn
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katadikazō means to pronounce judgment against someone, resulting in a formal condemnation or declaration of guilt. Derived from kata ("against") and dikazō ("to judge"), it carries the weight of a legal verdict. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, yet its impact is significant, appearing in the teachings of Jesus and the epistle of James.
Its usage highlights the seriousness of moral accountability. Jesus references it when warning against judging others, noting that by the same standard one uses to condemn, they will themselves be condemned (Matthew 12:37; Luke 6:37). Similarly, James employs it to describe the injustice faced by the righteous, stating that the rich had condemned the innocent man to death (James 5:6).
Translators typically render this word as "condemn," capturing its definitive nature. It is not merely a negative opinion but an authoritative sentence. The sources indicate it can be used absolutely or with specific objects, emphasizing the finality of the judgment passed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katadikazō carries the heavy weight of a legal verdict, meaning to formally condemn or declare someone guilty. It is not simply a harsh opinion or a momentary frustration; it is an authoritative sentence that seals a person’s fate. In the New Testament, this term appears only four times, yet its presence marks critical moments where justice and mercy intersect.
Jesus warns us that the way we treat others defines our own standing before God. In Matthew 12:37, He teaches that our words will either justify or condemn us, reminding us that judgment is a serious responsibility. We are called to reflect God’s mercy rather than acting as harsh judges of those who have wronged us.
James 5:6 offers a sobering counterpoint, describing how the powerful unjustly condemned the righteous man. This historical reality shows that human systems often fail the innocent. Yet, we find hope in knowing that God sees the truth. We are invited to leave judgment to Him and instead extend the grace He has freely given to us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will be condemned.1×
- you may be condemned.1×
- you have condemned1×
- do condemn,1×
- You have condemned1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατεδικάσατε,1×
- κατεδικάσατε1×
- καταδικάζετε,1×
- καταδικασθῆτε.1×
- καταδικασθήσῃ.¶1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 12:37
For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Jesus establishes a direct link between our speech and our final accountability, showing that words carry the power to condemn.
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Luke 6:37
Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Set free, and you will be set free.
This verse pairs condemnation with judgment, warning that the standard we apply to others will be applied to us in return.
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James 5:6
You have condemned and you have murdered the righteous one. He doesn’t resist you.
James uses this strong legal term to highlight the grave injustice suffered by the righteous at the hands of the wealthy.