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G2631 · Greek · New Testament
κατάκριμα
katakrima
Noun, neuter
condemnation/penalty of condemnation

Definition

A noun meaning condemnation or the penalty that results from condemnation — the verdict of guilty and its consequence. It is a legal term for the formal sentence of condemnation, emphasizing not just the judgment but the resulting penalty. Paul's most famous use is the declaration of no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.

Usage & Theological Significance

Romans 8:1 — 'There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus' — is one of the most liberating sentences in all of Scripture. The word katakrima refers not just to the feeling of being condemned but to the actual legal verdict and its penalty. Paul has spent Romans 1-7 establishing that all humanity stands under God's righteous katakrima. Romans 8 announces the reversal: the condemnation has been absorbed by Christ on the cross. The condemned are declared not guilty. This is not the cancellation of justice but its fulfillment — the penalty was paid, the law satisfied, the condemnation exhausted in Christ.

Key Bible Verses

Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 5:16 The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification.
Romans 5:18 Just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.
John 3:18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already.
Romans 8:34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died — more than that, who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

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