Word study greek legal

Word Study — Greek legal vocabulary of the New Testament

ἐξουσία (exousia) — authority, jurisdiction, right to act. The root idea is a sanctioned, recognized right: not raw power, but legitimate standing to exercise power. Used of Pilate’s jurisdiction over Jesus’ case (John 19:10–11), a ruler’s domain (Luke 4:6), and claims of universal jurisdiction elsewhere in the Gospels.

δύναμις (dynamis) — power, capability, might. This is raw ability. English dynamite was named from this word. It is often paired with ἐξουσία but does not mean the same thing: δύναμις is can; ἐξουσία is may. Casting out demons is often δύναμις. The right to forgive sins (Matthew 9:6) is ἐξουσία. Both appear in the same events because capability and legal right work together.

κρίσις (krisis) — judgment, verdict, the act of deciding. English crisis comes from this word: a turning point where a decision falls. Used of final judgment (John 5:24, 29) and of judgment as a process.

κρίμα (krima) — related to κρίσις, but leans toward the sentence handed down rather than the act of judging. Used of condemnation already rendered (Romans 5:16).

δικαιόω (dikaioō) — to justify, to declare righteous, to acquit. In Paul this is a courtroom verdict over a defendant, not a word for moral self-improvement. Central to Romans and Galatians.

νόμος (nomos) — law. The governing statute or body of law. Used of the Mosaic law and of law as a category (Romans 2:14).

κατάκριμα (katakrima) — condemnation, the formal negative verdict. In Romans 5:16 it stands across from δικαίωμα. In Romans 8:1: no κατάκριμα for those in Christ.