κατάκρισις (katakrisis)
katakrisis
condemnation
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun katakrisis denotes a formal verdict of guilt or condemnation. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both within Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. The word carries the weight of a legal judgment, indicating that a charge has been proven and a sentence pronounced against the accused.
Paul uses this term to contrast two distinct ministries in 2 Corinthians 3:9. He describes the old covenant as one that brings katakrisis, or condemnation, because it reveals human failure under the law. This stands in sharp opposition to the new covenant, which he characterizes by righteousness and the Spirit. The term underscores the serious consequence of failing to meet divine standards.
The word derives from the verb katakrinō, meaning to judge against or convict. Its rarity in Scripture highlights its specific theological function here. Paul employs it not to describe general sinfulness, but the definitive outcome of a trial where guilt is established. This usage clarifies why the ministry of the Spirit is presented as superior: it does not end in this final verdict of condemnation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katakrisis carries the heavy weight of a legal verdict. It describes the moment a judge pronounces guilt, leaving no room for appeal. In 2 Corinthians 3:9, Paul contrasts this final sentence with the free gift of righteousness. He shows us that while the old covenant highlighted our failure, the new covenant offers a different outcome through Christ.
This distinction brings deep relief to anyone who feels weighed down by their past mistakes. The law reveals where we fall short, but it cannot save us from the resulting condemnation. Instead, God’s grace provides a path away from that verdict. We do not need to live under the shadow of a guilty sentence when forgiveness is available.
Understanding this helps us see why Paul speaks so passionately about the ministry of the Spirit. It is not about earning favor through strict rule-following, but about receiving life. This shift changes how we view our standing before God. We are invited to rest in a righteousness that does not end in judgment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of condemnation [was]1×
- condemnation1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατάκρισιν1×
- κατακρίσεως1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 3:9
For if the service of condemnation has glory, the service of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.
Paul uses this term to define the old covenant's outcome, contrasting the glory of condemnation with the greater glory of righteousness.
-
II Corinthians 7:3
I say this not to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and live together.
Although Paul does not use the noun here, he clarifies his intent by stating he is not writing to condemn them, showing his pastoral heart.