καταδίκη (katadikē)
katadikē
judgment
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun katadikē refers to a formal sentence of condemnation or judgment. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 25:15, where the Roman governor Festus explains his dilemma regarding the Apostle Paul. Festus notes that he wanted to send Paul to Jerusalem so that the Jewish leaders could bring their charges against him and receive a legal verdict there.
The word carries the weight of a final decision by an authority figure. It is not merely a opinion or a suspicion, but an official ruling that determines guilt. In this specific instance, it highlights the political tension between Roman civil law and Jewish religious accusations, showing how Paul was caught in the middle of two conflicting systems of judgment.
Its rarity in Scripture makes its single occurrence significant. It underscores the seriousness of the legal proceedings Paul faced, framing his situation not just as a theological dispute but as a matter requiring a formal judicial sentence. The term reminds readers that early Christian leaders often navigated complex legal landscapes where their fate depended on official decrees.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katadikē points to a formal verdict, a final decision made by an authority figure. In Acts 25:15, the Roman governor Festus uses it to describe the legal sentence sought against Paul. This term reminds us that judgment is not just a casual opinion but a weighty declaration with real consequences.
For your faith, this highlights the seriousness of standing before God’s justice. While human courts may render verdicts based on partial information or political pressure, we trust in a Judge who sees all things clearly. Paul faced these proceedings with peace, knowing his ultimate standing was secure in Christ.
This single occurrence invites us to reflect on how we view judgment. It is not something to fear when we are aligned with God’s truth, but a reality that underscores the need for grace. We can rest in the assurance that our lives are held by a just and loving Father.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- penalty;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καταδίκην·1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 25:15
about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, asking for a sentence against him.
This verse uses katadikē to describe the formal legal sentence the Jewish leaders sought against Paul, highlighting the official nature of the accusation.