Brief Overview of δίκαιος (G1342: dikaios)

Word Details

• Transliteration: δίκαιος (DI-kai-os)
• Etymology: The word δίκαιος originates from the Greek word δίκη (díkē), which means “custom,” “right,” or “judgment.” The root concept behind δίκαιος is the idea of being in accordance with what is right or just, typically in the context of social or legal norms.
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

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• Righteous: The most common meaning of δίκαιος is “righteous” or “just,” referring to a person who acts in accordance with divine or moral laws. This term is often used to describe individuals who are upright and virtuous in their conduct.
• Just: δίκαιος can also mean “just,” particularly in legal or ethical contexts, indicating someone who renders fair decisions and judgments, or who adheres to principles of fairness and equity.
• Innocent: In some contexts, δίκαιος carries the connotation of being “innocent” or “guiltless,” particularly when describing someone who is blameless in a legal sense or who is free from wrongdoing.

Further Insights

• Gender: Masculine
• Number: Singular
• Case: Nominative
• Declension: First and Second Declension

Further Insights Explained:

• The term δίκαιος is a masculine singular adjective, most commonly found in the nominative case, indicating that it often serves as a subject or a predicate adjective in sentences. As a first and second declension adjective, it has different endings depending on the gender (masculine, feminine, neuter) and case it is used in. The adjective is frequently used to describe the ethical quality of individuals, actions, or decisions in various contexts.

Disclaimer: The morphological features provided are based on the word’s typical form as used in Greek texts. Depending on the context, the case or number may change to reflect different grammatical roles in a sentence.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• BDAG defines δίκαιος as “righteous” or “just,” with a particular emphasis on ethical righteousness that aligns with God’s standards. This term is used in contexts where moral integrity and adherence to divine law are in focus.
• Scripture Reference: Matthew 1:19, where Joseph is described as a “righteous” man, indicating his moral character and adherence to God’s law.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon describes δίκαιος as “righteous,” “observing divine laws,” and “innocent.” It emphasizes the ethical and legal dimensions of the term, often in the context of describing someone who is free from guilt or who upholds justice.
• Scripture Reference: Romans 3:10, where Paul states that “none is righteous,” highlighting the universal need for God’s grace.

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ offers a broader definition, including “just,” “righteous,” and “lawful,” and notes its use in both legal and ethical contexts. The lexicon also includes references to classical Greek literature where the term is used to describe individuals who uphold justice and fairness.
• Classical References: The term is used extensively in philosophical works, such as those of Plato, where it is often associated with the ideal characteristics of a just ruler or a virtuous citizen.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s describes δίκαιος as “righteous” or “just,” and particularly focuses on its use in the New Testament to describe individuals who are in right standing with God, as well as the justice of God Himself.
• Scripture Reference: 1 John 1:9, where it is said that God is “faithful and just” to forgive sins.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines δίκαιος simply as “righteous” or “just,” and notes its frequent use in the New Testament to describe both God’s character and the expected conduct of believers.
• Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:45, where it is used to describe the “just” in contrast to the “unjust.”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Plato, Republic: In Plato’s Republic, δίκαιος is used extensively to describe the ideal qualities of a just person and a just society, emphasizing fairness, virtue, and adherence to moral principles.
• Sophocles, Antigone: In Antigone, δίκαιος is employed to contrast the actions of the characters, highlighting the moral righteousness of Antigone’s actions compared to the unjust laws of Creon.
• Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: Aristotle uses δίκαιος to describe the virtue of justice, particularly in the context of distributive and corrective justice, where fairness and equity are central themes.

Summary

δίκαιος (G1342: dikaios) is a Greek adjective that primarily means “righteous” or “just.” It is derived from the root word δίκη, meaning “right” or “justice,” and is used to describe individuals, actions, or decisions that align with moral, ethical, or divine standards. The term is frequently used in the New Testament to describe both God’s character and the moral conduct expected of believers. In classical Greek literature, δίκαιος is a central concept in discussions of justice, particularly in the works of Plato and Aristotle, where it is associated with the virtues of fairness, integrity, and adherence to moral law. Understanding δίκαιος provides insight into both the ethical demands of the Christian faith and the broader Greek philosophical tradition concerning justice and righteousness.