### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word αὐτοκατάκριτος (autokatákritos, `{{G843}}`) is a compound adjective formed from two distinct elements: αὐτός (autos, `{{G846}}`), meaning "self" or "same," and a derivative of κατακρίνω (katakrinō, `{{G2632}}`), which means "to condemn," "to judge against," or "to pass sentence upon." Thus, αὐτοκατάκριτος literally translates to "self-condemned" or "condemned by oneself."
The semantic range of this term points to a state where an individual's own actions, words, or internal knowledge provide the basis for their condemnation. It implies an internal verdict, where one's own conscience, understanding of truth, or adherence to a known standard renders them culpable and without excuse. It is not merely a subjective feeling of guilt, but an objective state of being judged by the very standard one possesses or violates, demonstrating a willful persistence in error despite having sufficient light or admonition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word αὐτοκατάκριτος (autokatákritos, `{{G843}}`) appears uniquely in the New Testament in a single, yet highly significant, passage:
* **Titus 3:10-11:** "Reject a divisive person after a first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned."
* In this pastoral epistle, Paul provides Titus with instructions on church order and conduct. The immediate context concerns how to deal with a "divisive person" (αἱρετικὸν ἄνθρωπον), often translated as a "heretic" or one who causes factions.
* Paul's directive is precise: the church leader is to admonish such an individual once, then a second time. If the person persists, they are to be rejected.
* The rationale for this rejection is profoundly insightful: the divisive person is "perverted and sinful" (ἐξεστραπται καὶ ἁμαρτάνει), and crucially, "being self-condemned" (ὢν αὐτοκατάκριτος).
* This final phrase indicates that the divisive individual, by their continued actions and rejection of admonition, demonstrates an internal awareness of their error, yet chooses to persist. Their own behavior, in light of the truth they have been given or the standards they are expected to uphold within the Christian community, serves as the basis for their condemnation. They are not condemned arbitrarily by Titus or the church, but their own choices and knowledge lead to their state of being condemned. It highlights a deliberate turning away from truth despite having been confronted with it.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Related Greek Words:**
* αὐτός (autos, `{{G846}}`): The root for "self," found in numerous compound words indicating self-action or identity (e.g., αὐτάρκης (autarkēs, self-sufficient, `{{G829}}`)).
* κατακρίνω (katakrinō, `{{G2632}}`): The verb "to condemn," used frequently in the New Testament in contexts of legal or moral condemnation (e.g., [[Matthew 20:18]], [[Romans 8:3]]).
* κρίνω (krinō, `{{G2919}}`): The more general verb "to judge," from which κατακρίνω is derived.
* κατάκριμα (katakrima, `{{G2631}}`): The noun form meaning "condemnation" or "judgment leading to condemnation" (e.g., [[Romans 5:16]]).
* **Related Theological Concepts:**
* **Conscience:** The internal moral compass that testifies for or against one's actions ([[Romans 2:15]]). The self-condemned individual acts against their own conscience or against the light they possess.
* **Willful Sin:** The concept that sin committed knowingly and deliberately, especially after receiving truth or warning, carries greater culpability (cf. [[Hebrews 10:26]]).
* **Lack of Excuse:** Similar to how humanity is without excuse for rejecting God's truth evident in creation ([[Romans 1:20]]), the self-condemned person is without excuse because their own actions or knowledge condemn them.
* **Hypocrisy:** While not identical, there is an overlap in that a hypocrite often condemns others for actions they themselves commit, thereby implicitly condemning themselves ([[Romans 2:1-3]]).
### Theological Significance
The concept of αὐτοκατάκριτος holds profound theological significance, particularly concerning divine justice, human accountability, and the nature of sin within the community of faith.
* **Divine Justice and Human Culpability:** This term underscores a crucial aspect of God's justice: His judgment is not arbitrary but is often predicated on human culpability. Individuals who are "self-condemned" are judged based on their own internal standard, their knowledge of truth, or their actions that violate a known standard. It highlights that individuals are fully accountable for their choices, especially when they persist in error despite having received truth or admonition. This aligns with the biblical principle that judgment begins with those who have been given more light ([[Luke 12:48]]).
* **The Gravity of Divisiveness:** In the context of Titus, αὐτοκατάκριτος elevates the seriousness of being a "divisive person" within the church. It's not merely a matter of differing opinions or personality clashes, but a spiritual state rooted in perversion and sinfulness that leads to self-condemnation. Such an individual, by their continued actions, demonstrates a willful rejection of unity, truth, and the Spirit's work, despite knowing better.
* **The Efficacy of Admonition:** The instruction to admonish a divisive person twice before rejecting them is vital. It provides an opportunity for repentance and restoration. However, it also establishes that the subsequent rejection is not a punitive act of the church, but rather a recognition of the individual's "self-condemned" state. Their persistence in divisiveness after clear warnings confirms their deliberate choice against truth, making their own actions the source of their condemnation.
* **The Inwardness of Sin:** This term emphasizes that sin is not merely an outward transgression but can stem from an internal state of rebellion or perversion, where one's own moral compass or understanding of truth is overridden by a willful choice. It points to a deep-seated spiritual issue, where the individual's own conscience or knowledge bears witness against them.
### Summary
The Greek word αὐτοκατάκριτος (autokatákritos, `{{G843}}`) is a potent adjective meaning "self-condemned." It is derived from αὐτός ("self") and κατακρίνω ("to condemn"), signifying a state where an individual's own actions, knowledge, or conscience serves as the basis for their judgment. Its singular New Testament appearance in [[Titus 3:10-11]] is highly instructive. Here, Paul describes a "divisive person" as "perverted and sinful, being self-condemned." This implies that such an individual, despite being admonished, persists in error, thereby demonstrating a willful rejection of truth that renders them culpable by their own standard. The term profoundly illustrates the principle of divine justice, where human culpability is tied to one's own knowledge and choices, underscoring the gravity of willful sin and the internal dimension of moral accountability. It serves as a stark reminder that God's judgment is just, as individuals can, by their own deliberate choices, render themselves without excuse.
TRV