καταγινώσκω (G2607) — Greek Lexicon

καταγινώσκω

kataginṓskō

G2607 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To know or perceive something against someone or to recognize as blameworthy; to judge to be at fault, to condemn or censure. The primary sense is to form an adverse judgment by means of perception or knowledge, often with the implication of verbal or mental reproach. In extended use, it refers to expressing disapproval or finding someone in the wrong, sometimes with the nuance of self-reproach or inward condemnation.

Semantic Range

to find fault with, to blame, to condemn, to censure, to inwardly condemn or reproach, to recognize as blameworthy, to judge unfavorably

Root / Etymology

From κατά (kata, 'down, against') and γινώσκω (ginōskō, 'to know, to perceive'). The compound conveys the sense of knowing or perceiving something to someone’s disadvantage, i.e., bringing knowledge against them.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Καταγινώσκω is attested from Classical Greek but is uncommon; its primary use emerges in Hellenistic and Koine sources, including the Septuagint and New Testament. In these contexts, it denotes the act of pronouncing blame or condemnation, either in legal, communal, or interpersonal relationships (e.g., 1 John 3:20–21, referring to the heart condemning or not condemning an individual). Unlike the stronger term κατακρίνω (to pronounce a legal sentence of condemnation), καταγινώσκω is more general and can refer to any censure, often of a moral or inward nature. In Septuagint usage, it may parallel the Hebrew root רשע (to declare wicked), with a focus on judgmental assessment. Standard English translations render it 'condemn,' 'blame,' or 'find fault with,' but do not always distinguish its nuance from other Greek words for condemnation. The verb thus refers to a process of recognizing guilt or fault, not necessarily enacting formal punishment.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from κατά and γινώσκω; to note against, i.e. find fault with:--blame, condemn.

Root Family

καταγινώσκω (kataginōskō) — to know against, to recognize as blameworthy, to condemn, to censure

Root γινώσκω to know, to recognize, to perceive

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G2607-01`	καταγινώσκῃ	kataginoske	`V PRS ACT SUBJ 3P SG`	condemn	may condemn	may condemn	2
`G2607-02`	κατεγνωσμένος	kategnosmenos	`V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M SG`	he stood condemned	having been condemned	having been condemned	1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G2607-02`	Galatians 2:11	κατεγνωσμένος	kategnosmenos	`V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M SG`	he stood condemned	having been condemned	having been condemned
`G2607-01`	1 John 3:20	καταγινώσκῃ	kataginoske	`V PRS ACT SUBJ 3P SG`	condemns	may condemn	may condemn
`G2607-01`	1 John 3:21	καταγινώσκῃ	kataginoske	`V PRS ACT SUBJ 3P SG`	condemn	may condemn	may condemn

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