κατακρίνω (katakrinō)
katakrinō
to condemn
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katakrinō means to deliver a final judgment against someone, resulting in condemnation or a sentence of punishment. In the New Testament, it appears eighteen times, with significant weight in Romans and the Gospels. It carries the force of a legal verdict that seals a person’s guilt, as when Jesus predicts his own suffering by saying he will be condemned to death (Matthew 20:18; Mark 10:33). This usage is stronger than general criticism; it implies a decisive ruling of worthiness for penalty.
A notable distinction exists between katakrinō and the more common krinein, which simply means to judge. While krinein can be neutral, katakrinō always carries a negative outcome. Interestingly, the sources note a metaphorical use where a good example serves to condemn others’ wickedness by contrast. This occurs when the repentance of Nineveh stands as a witness against the current generation (Matthew 12:41-42), or when Noah’s faith condemns his unfaithful contemporaries (Hebrews 11:7). In these cases, the act itself becomes the evidence of judgment.
The word often appears in passive forms, describing those who are condemned. This includes those who doubt and are thus condemned by their own lack of faith (Romans 14:23), or those whose actions bring condemnation upon themselves (1 Corinthians 11:32). The term underscores the seriousness of divine judgment, highlighting that final accountability is not merely a suggestion but a settled verdict.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katakrinō carries the weight of a final legal verdict. It is not merely criticism or a passing opinion; it signifies a decisive ruling that results in condemnation or punishment. In the New Testament, this term underscores the seriousness of divine judgment, reminding us that accountability before God is a settled reality, not a vague suggestion.
Yet the biblical narrative offers profound hope within this framework. While the word describes those who stand condemned by their own unbelief or actions, it also highlights Christ’s intercession. Romans 8:34 asks, "Who is he who condemns?" pointing to Jesus, who died and rose again to plead for us. This truth invites us to rest in His work rather than living under the shadow of fear.
For those who doubt or act without faith, the word serves as a sobering warning that our choices have eternal consequences. However, for believers, the verdict has been shifted by grace. We are called to live with integrity, knowing that our standing rests on Christ’s righteousness, not our own perfection. This assurance allows us to face life with confidence and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will condemn4×
- they will condemn2×
- condemned2×
- you are condemning;1×
- will be condemned.1×
- we may be condemned.1×
- he condemned1×
- has condemned?1×
- has been condemned,1×
- do condemn;1×
- condemning?1×
- He was condemned,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατακρινοῦσιν4×
- κατέκρινεν3×
- κατακρινεῖ2×
- κατέκρινεν;1×
- κατέκριναν1×
- κατεκρίθη,1×
- κατακέκριται,1×
- κατακρίνω·1×
- κατακρίνεις·1×
- κατακρινῶν;1×
- κατακριθῶμεν.¶1×
- κατακριθήσεται.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 8:34
Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
This verse uses the word to pose a rhetorical question that highlights Christ’s active role in defending believers against any final accusation.
-
John 8:11
She said, “No one, Lord.” Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way. From now on, sin no more.”
Here Jesus uses the term to declare that He does not issue a verdict of condemnation for the woman caught in adultery, offering forgiveness instead.
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Matthew 20:18
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death,
Jesus predicts His own suffering by stating He will be condemned to death, showing the word’s use regarding legal execution.
-
Romans 14:23
But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn’t of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin.
Paul explains that a person who doubts is condemned when they act against their conscience, linking the verdict to internal faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does katakrinō mean in the New Testament?
How is katakrinō different from krinein?
Does this word apply to Christians today?
Where else does this word appear?
Every Occurrence (18 verses across 8 books)
Matthew 4 verses
The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for they repented at the…
Matthew 12:42The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for she came from the…
Matthew 20:18“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they…
Matthew 27:3Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and brought back the thirty pieces of…