[Greek] κατηγορία (katēgoria), [Latin] accusare, [Latin] accusatio accusation, category, predicament, complaint, criminal charge, legal charge, predicate (something which affirms); Jn.18:29, 1Tim.5:19, Tit.1:6, Lk.6:7
The remains of the Roman agora in Athens.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means accusation and charges made against. This term derives from (agoreuo) “to speak in assembly” and (kata-) “against”. In a sense, one being accused of something is essentially put in a “category”. Aristotle’s Organon, a standard collection of logic, states that all possible kinds of things can be the subject or the predicate of a proposition. A predicament is essentially something predicated (something required). Interestingly, the related Greek verb diaballo means to accuse or to slander. This term essentially means to “throw (-ballo) across (dia-). The Greek diabolos means accuser or slanderer. Not surprisingly, this refers to the devil (Satan).
Herodotus’ The Histories 6.50 states “Regarding this accusation Cleomenes crossed over to Aegina intending to arrest the most culpable of all people.” Xenophon’s Anabasis 5.8.1 states “Accusations were also made against Xenophon by certain men who claimed that he had beaten them, and so brought the charge of wanton assault.” Xenophon’s Memorabilia 1.2.9 states “But said his accuser (Polycrates), Socrates taught his companions to despise the established laws by insisting on the folly of public officials by lot.”
New Testament: This term means crime, accusation, and charge. These scriptural references pertain to the reasons for a charge and accepting a charge. Pilate inquires about what type of crime that Jesus should be charged with. The scribes and Pharisees, watching Jesus to see if He heals on the Sabbath, will have a reason to charge Him for violating the Sabbath laws. Paul warns against accepting an accusation against a presbyter unless it is supported by 2 or 3 witnesses. Paul instructs Titus to appoint blameless presbyters without accusations of bad character.
Scripture:
“Do not accept an accusation against a presbyter unless it is supported by two are three witnesses.” 1Tim.5:19
Paul instructed Timothy to make sure the truth of an accusation against someone be made public and be proven.
“The scribes and the Pharisees watched Him closely to see if He would cure on the Sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse Him.” Lk.6:7
It was against the Sabbath laws to work on the Sabbath. The scribes and Pharisees were looking for any reason or cause to arrest and persecute Jesus.
Conclusion:
Category, categorical, accuse, accusation
In the Greek Hellenistic era, it was interesting to discover that this word was a legal term for accusing or charging someone. This is in contrast to one responding to a charge (apology). Aristotle provides a more philosophical perspective in providing classifications. This term also becomes a grammatical term affirming or stating something about the subject in a sentence. The predicate essentially tells what happens with the subject.
Not surprisingly, Satan is the greater accuser, who “throws” accusations, deceit, and defiance toward individuals.
The Law required that 2 or 3 witness must be needed to prove the evidence of the accusations (charges) against a person. Otherwise, a charge cannot be made. Interestingly, Jesus uses this principle of 2 or 3 gathered together as witnesses of His presence.
The scribes and Pharisees were very happy to find any reason (evidence) to accuse Jesus of blasphemy. The Jews wanted Pilate to charge Jesus of such crimes. Paul instructs Timothy to appoint presbyters with great integrity and integrity. Any such stated accusations made must be publicly investigated.
One who is accused of crimes (sexual abuse, harassment, etc) is put in a “category” in the public arena. These persons receive greater scrutiny, publicity, or notoriety. Whether or not these are true or false, these persons find themselves in a predicament (a situation defined by something). In light of the Church sexual abuse crisis, the scriptural mandate to appoint honest and worthy presbyters and priests is now more important than ever.
I must categorically state that I found this term to be very interesting. This was predicated on my previous lack of knowledge about this term.