This noun denotes a verdict of guilt and its resulting penalty. Paul contrasts ministries in 2 Corinthians 3:9: 'if the ministry of condemnation (κατακρίσεως) has glory, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory.' He refers to the law's condemning function—it reveals sin and pronounces judgment—versus the Spirit's justifying work. In 2 Corinthians 7:3, Paul reassures the Corinthians: 'I do not say this to condemn you (πρὸς κατάκρισιν), for I said before that you are in our hearts.' Here the term is the goal avoided—Paul writes not to pronounce judgment but to build up.