Brief Overview of δικαίωμα (G1345: dikaíōma)

Word Details

• Transliteration: δικαίωμα (dik-AH-yoh-mah)
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek verb δικαιόω (dikaióō), meaning “to justify” or “to declare righteous,” combined with the noun-forming suffix -μα (-ma), which indicates the result of an action. The term δικαίωμα thus refers to something that has been made right or a requirement that reflects righteousness.
• Part of Speech: Noun
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

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• Justification: δικαίωμα primarily refers to “justification” or “the act of making righteous,” particularly in the context of divine law or decrees.
• Ordinance or Requirement: The word can also mean “ordinance” or “requirement,” signifying a specific law, statute, or command that is deemed just or righteous.
• Righteous Act: δικαίωμα can denote a “righteous act” or “deed” that conforms to divine or moral law, often seen as the result or outcome of justification.

Further Insights

• Gender: Neuter
• Number: Singular
• Case: Nominative
• Declension: Third Declension

Further Insights Explained:

• δικαίωμα in its typical usage is a neuter noun in the singular form, and it appears in the nominative case, which often functions as the subject of a sentence. As a third declension noun, δικαίωμα follows a particular pattern of inflection in Greek grammar.

Disclaimer: The morphological analysis provided here is based on common forms of δικαίωμα as found in Greek texts. The specific form may vary depending on the grammatical and syntactical context in which it appears.

Lexicon Descriptions

BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich):

• BDAG defines δικαίωμα as “a righteous deed, statute, or legal requirement.” It emphasizes the word’s use in contexts related to divine or moral laws, where it often refers to acts or decrees that are just and right.
• Scripture Reference: Romans 5:16, where Paul contrasts the free gift leading to justification (δικαίωμα) with the condemnation brought by one man’s trespass.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon describes δικαίωμα as “that which has been deemed right so as to have force of law,” including “a judicial decision” or “a righteous act.” It also notes the word’s application to the requirements of the Mosaic Law.
• Scripture Reference: Luke 1:6, which refers to Zechariah and Elizabeth as “walking in all the commandments and ordinances (δικαιώματα) of the Lord blameless.”

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ expands on δικαίωμα as “an ordinance, a decree, or a judgment,” highlighting its usage in classical Greek literature, where it could refer to any legal decision or official requirement.
• Classical References: The word appears in works by historians like Herodotus and Thucydides, where it often denotes laws or decrees enacted by governing authorities.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s defines δικαίωμα as “an act of righteousness,” with particular reference to actions or decrees that fulfill the requirements of God’s law. It underscores the theological implications of the term in describing the state of being made right with God.
• Scripture Reference: Romans 8:4, which speaks of the “righteous requirement (δικαίωμα) of the law” being fulfilled in those who walk according to the Spirit.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines δικαίωμα simply as “an ordinance or a righteous act,” focusing on the idea of a decree or action that aligns with divine justice.
• Scripture Reference: Revelation 19:8, where the fine linen worn by the saints is described as “the righteous acts (δικαιώματα) of the saints.”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: In Herodotus’s Histories, δικαίωμα is used to refer to legal judgments or decrees made by kings and rulers, often in the context of ancient laws.
• Plato, Laws: Plato uses δικαίωμα in his work Laws to describe the ordinances or statutes that are considered just and right within the framework of a well-ordered society.
• Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War: Thucydides applies the term in discussions about treaties and legal agreements, where δικαίωμα signifies the binding judgments or decisions that were agreed upon by different states.

Summary

δικαίωμα (G1345: dikaíōma) is a Greek noun that primarily means “justification,” “ordinance,” or “righteous act.” It is derived from the verb δικαιόω, which means “to justify” or “to declare righteous.” The noun form δικαίωμα emphasizes the result or outcome of being made righteous, whether in the form of a legal decree, a moral requirement, or a righteous action. In the New Testament, δικαίωμα is often used to describe the righteous requirements of God’s law or the justification provided through Christ. The word also has significant usage in classical Greek literature, where it refers to legal decisions, decrees, or statutes that are just and right. Understanding δικαίωμα provides a deeper insight into the concepts of justice, righteousness, and divine law in both biblical and classical contexts.