[Greek] κατηγορέω (katēgoreō), [Latin] accusare, [French] incriminer: to accuse, to charge, to be an accuser, to object, to prosecute, to speak in the assembly; 24 scriptural references
Background information:
Etymology: The agora was the central public gathering place or assembly. The related Greek verb agoreuo means to speak in the public assembly. The Greek verb kategoreo means to accuse against (kata-) someone in the public assembly. The Greek noun kategoros is the accuser (prosecutor). The Greek noun kategoria means accusation. In a sense, the one accused is often categorized or labeled by that accusation. (Crime ==> criminal).
Sycophant: This term literally means “fig revealer.” Folklore suggests that sycophants would shake the trees to reveal the figs (sykos). Private litigants were often employed to make up questionable or false prosecutions and accusations. Sometimes fig farmers would try to avoid paying taxes when buying or selling figs. Fig farmers would often hire informants (fig revealers) to spy on their competitors. Unscrupulous sycophants would often extort or falsely accuse competitors for personal or financial gain.
Greek Hellenism: This term means to accuse, to be an accuser, to betray, to make known, to speak against (before judges), and to inform.
Plato’s Euthyphro 2c: “What sort of indictment has been brought against you?”
Demosthenes’ Against Midias 21.134: “But if you did not do it and it was a fabrication, it only shows that such that from your general manner of life they thought that such a story exactly fitted you.”
Demosthenes’ On the Crown 18.266: “You have already the reputation of an informer. And the question for you is whether you are still to continue in that trade.”
Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus 514: “Fellow citizens, having learned that Oedipus the king lays dire charges against me, I have come in indignation.”
Plato’s Apology 18a: “Then it is right for me to defend myself against the false accusations brought against me.”
Xenophon’s Cyropaedia 1.4.3: His talkativeness disclosed not impertinence, but naivety, education, curiosity, and an affectionate disposition.”
Sophocles’ Ajax 907: “But by whose hand can the ill-fated man have contrived this end? He did it with his own hand; it is obvious.”
Old Testament: The devil is known as the accuser of sinful man before God. It is also interesting to note that the Greek noun diabalos means one who accuses or casts through. The Greek verb diaballo means to slander, to throw across, and to accuse. Zechariah’s vision shows the adversary accusing Joshua (Zech 3:1). The devil is roaming the earth and patrolling it (Job 2:3). A satan rose up against Israel (1Chr.21:1).
New Testament: This term means to accuse, to be accused, to bring charges against, and to trap (catch). The Jews repeatedly tried to trap Jesus regarding healing on the Sabbath, adultery, and His statements. The Jews brought several charges, ultimately leading to His arrest, crucifixion, and death. The Roman commander brought Paul before Sanhedrin. Paul, as a Roman citizen, makes his appeal to Caesar. Jesus states that Moses is the one who will accuse the Jewish non-believers. Paul claims that God made it possible for the Gentiles to instinctively know the difference between right and wrong. Their conscience bears witness and conflicting thoughts accuse them.
Scripture:
“They said this to test Him, so that they could have some charges to bring against Him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger.” Jn.8:6
The Jews brought forth an adulterous woman before Jesus. The law required that this woman be stoned. They wanted to know what Jesus would say about this. Jesus pointed out that the sinless person would be able to throw the stones. All the Jews left.
“They show that the demands of the law are written in the hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or defend them.” Rom.2:15
The Gentiles were not be to held to the same standard concerning the law. God made it possible for the Gentiles to know the difference between right and wrong in their hearts.
“The next day, wishing to determine the truth about why Paul was being accused by the Jews, the Roman commander freed him and ordered the chief priest and the whole Sanhedrin to convene, they he brought Paul down and made him stand before them. Acts 22:30
The commander was alarmed that Paul was a Roman citizen and held bond. As a Roman citizen, Paul was entitled to face his accusers and to respond the accusation made against him. The commander then brought Paul before the Sanhedrin.
Conclusion:
Accuse, accusation, incriminate, criminal, incrimination, sycophant, category, categorical, agora, diabolical
I can categorically say that this is a very interesting term. It was interesting to discover the nuanced meanings of this term which is still applicable to today. It seems corruption in govt. has become a time “honored” tradition throughout history, with indictments, fabrications (lies), informants, sycophants (yes- men and yes-women), public indignation, and betrayal.
And now you know why informants are sometimes called “shake-down” artists or extortionists.
In the Old Testament, the devil is an accuser, adversary, and principality ruler.
In the New Testament, the Pharisees and priests were also trying to entrap Jesus about healing on the Sabbath. Jesus repeatedly denounced the Pharisees and law scholars. This in turn further impels them to try to entrap (catch) Jesus about what He might say.
As a Roman citizen, Paul was entitled to certain rights like facing his accusers, being able to respond to charges, and the “honor” of being killed by decapitation.
Update: We are now currently living in a political age where indictments can be made possible by both fabricated evidence and actual evidence. (This essentially becomes an indictment on our current political system).
We are now living in an age where pro-life advocates must be called “anti-abortion” advocates. Calling them “pro-life” is just not acceptable.
Caveat accusator (Let the accuser beware): Calling Catholics and Christians hateful (when they get their beliefs and values from God). You are then calling God hateful!
Over the years the mainstream media have disavowed their claim of being impartial and unbiased. They continue to remain biased.
More and more news organizations (and journalists) are now being sued for defamation of character for making inflammatory statements on individuals.
The FBI continue to show their questionable behavior (of informants) in their investigations and sting operations.
It remains to be seen what will be the potential consequences and findings of Hunter Biden’s actions through his own hands. It is obvious that these investigations are only just getting started.
It can be categorically said that many of us live in fearful times involving inflation, war, supply chain issues, and social and political wars. Many are afraid that their revered notions of censorship and content moderation are crumbling. Yet others fear about what has become of their rights and liberties. It is often hard to find someone who doesn’t give a fig as to what is happening. Many are alarmed about might happen as a result of our next election in the US. The West must not have any apprehension in fully coming to the support of Ukraine. Yet sometimes we become terrified of the accusations and labels that people throw our way in the court of public opinion.
Next post: fear and trembling