Brief Overview of δικαστής (G1348: dikastḗs)

Word Details

• Transliteration: δικαστής (dee-kas-TAYS)
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek root word δίκη (díkē), meaning “justice” or “judgment,” combined with the suffix -στής (-stḗs), which is used to form agent nouns, indicating a person who performs the action. Thus, δικαστής refers to one who renders judgment—a judge.
• Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Judge: The primary meaning of δικαστής is “judge,” referring to an individual who has the authority to make decisions or judgments, particularly in a legal or formal context.
• Arbiter: The term can also be understood as an “arbiter” or “adjudicator,” someone who resolves disputes or makes determinations in various settings, not limited to formal courts.
• Authority in Legal Matters: δικαστής implies a role of authority, especially concerning the interpretation and application of law and justice, whether in a civic, religious, or communal setting.

Further Insights

• Form: Noun, Masculine
• Number: Singular

Further Insights Explained:

• As a noun, δικαστής refers specifically to a person who is tasked with judging or making decisions based on law or justice. The term is masculine and is typically used in a singular form to denote an individual judge. In ancient Greek society, the role of δικαστής was significant, as it involved both legal authority and moral responsibility.

Disclaimer: The above breakdown is based on the word’s general form and usage in classical and biblical Greek. The specific meaning can vary depending on the context in which the word is used.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• BDAG defines δικαστής as “judge” and notes its use in both legal and non-legal contexts, where it denotes someone with the authority to make decisions. The term is often used to describe figures of authority in judicial settings, particularly in ancient Greek and Hellenistic societies.
• Scripture Reference: Luke 12:14, where Jesus responds, “Who made me a judge (δικαστής) or arbitrator over you?”

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Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon emphasizes δικαστής as a legal term, describing someone who presides over court cases or disputes. It also highlights the broader role of the δικαστής in ancient Greek culture, where judges were often seen as moral and legal arbiters.
• Scripture Reference: Acts 18:15, where Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, is addressed as a δικαστής concerning matters of Jewish law.

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ notes that δικαστής in classical Greek primarily refers to a “judge” in the formal sense. It is used extensively in legal texts, where it indicates an individual with the responsibility of rendering legal judgments or verdicts.
• Classical Reference: The term is frequently found in the works of ancient Greek playwrights such as Aristophanes, where δικαστής often plays a role in legal and civic matters.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s describes δικαστής as a term denoting someone who exercises judgment, typically in a formal, legal capacity. Vine’s also notes its metaphorical use in the New Testament to describe God or Christ as the ultimate judge.
• Scripture Reference: James 4:12, where it states, “There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest (δικαστής) another?”

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines δικαστής simply as “judge” and emphasizes its use in legal contexts. The term is connected with the broader theme of justice and righteousness, central to both secular and religious life in ancient Greek culture.
• Scripture Reference: Acts 24:10, where Paul addresses Felix, recognizing him as a δικαστής with authority over legal matters.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: δικαστής is used to describe individuals who held judicial power in various city-states, responsible for interpreting and enforcing laws.
• Plato, Apology: The term is used to refer to the judges presiding over Socrates’ trial, highlighting the significance of δικαστής in legal and philosophical contexts.
• Aristophanes, The Wasps: The comedic play features δικασταί (plural of δικαστής) as central characters, satirizing the judicial system of Athens and the role of judges in society.

Summary

δικαστής (G1348: dikastḗs) is a noun meaning “judge” or “arbiter,” derived from the root word δίκη (díkē), which relates to justice or judgment. The term refers to an individual with the authority to make decisions, particularly in legal matters. In the context of ancient Greek society, δικαστής held a significant role in both civic and legal frameworks, symbolizing authority, moral responsibility, and the power to adjudicate disputes. The word is used in the New Testament to refer to human judges as well as metaphorically to describe God or Christ as the ultimate judge. Understanding δικαστής provides insight into the ancient concepts of justice, authority, and the legal processes of the time.