Brief Overview of δίκη (G1349: díkē)

Word Details

• Transliteration: δίκη (DEE-kay)
• Etymology: The word δίκη is rooted in ancient Greek and is often connected to the concept of “justice,” “right,” or “judgment.” It also relates to the idea of “retribution” or “penalty” for wrongdoing, reflecting the broader cultural and legal significance of justice in ancient Greek society.
• Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Justice/Righteousness: The primary meaning of δίκη is “justice” or “righteousness,” referring to the principle or concept of what is right, fair, and equitable.
• Judgment: The term is also used to denote “judgment,” particularly in a legal sense, where it involves the process of making a decision or decree based on law or fairness.
• Punishment/Retribution: δίκη can imply “punishment” or “retribution,” especially when referring to the consequences or penalties imposed for wrongdoing or criminal behavior.
• Legal Process: In some contexts, δίκη refers to the “legal process” itself, encompassing the entire procedure of bringing someone to justice, including trials and sentencing.

Further Insights

• Form: Noun, Feminine
• Number: Singular
• Case: Nominative

Further Insights Explained:

• As a feminine noun, δίκη often appears in texts relating to both philosophical discussions on justice and in legal contexts describing judgments and penalties. The word’s form remains consistent, but its meaning can shift slightly depending on the context—ranging from abstract justice to concrete legal punishment.

Disclaimer: The above morphological breakdown is based on the general form and usage of δίκη in ancient Greek texts. The meaning and application may vary depending on the specific context within a sentence or passage.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• BDAG outlines δίκη primarily as “justice,” emphasizing its role as a central concept in Greek philosophy and law. It also highlights the term’s use in describing both divine and human judgment, where δίκη embodies the ideal of fairness.
• Scripture Reference: Acts 28:4, where the term is personified as “Justice” in the statement, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet Justice (δίκη) suffereth not to live.”

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Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon expands on δίκη as “justice,” “right,” or “judgment,” and includes its use in both secular and theological contexts. It also explores the term’s association with penalties or punishments, particularly in legal settings.
• Scripture Reference: 2 Thessalonians 1:9, describing the punishment (δίκη) that will come upon those who do not know God.

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ emphasizes δίκη as a multifaceted term that can mean anything from “custom” or “usage” to “justice” and “penalty.” It is noted for its use in legal and philosophical texts, where it often represents the foundational principles of law and morality in Greek culture.
• Classical Reference: In Aeschylus’ Eumenides, δίκη is central to the establishment of legal justice in Athens, marking the transition from personal vengeance to state-administered justice.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s highlights δίκη as a term that encapsulates the idea of justice or “what is right,” and notes its use in both individual and communal contexts. The term can imply moral righteousness as well as legal judgment.
• Scripture Reference: Romans 1:32, referring to the righteous decree (δίκη) of God against sin.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines δίκη as “justice” or “judgment,” and places emphasis on its role in describing the act of judging or the outcome of such a judgment, often in the form of a penalty or retribution.
• Scripture Reference: Revelation 18:20, where “God hath avenged you on her” reflects the idea of divine justice (δίκη).

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Homer, The Iliad: δίκη appears as a concept tied to the gods, reflecting divine justice or the right order of things, particularly in the context of war and punishment.
• Herodotus, Histories: The term is used to describe the justice meted out by kings and leaders, reflecting the balance between law and custom in Greek society.
• Aeschylus, Eumenides: δίκη is portrayed as a foundational principle for the legal system of Athens, representing the shift from personal revenge to organized legal justice.

Summary

δίκη (G1349: díkē) is a complex noun that primarily denotes “justice” or “righteousness,” deeply rooted in both the philosophical and legal traditions of ancient Greece. It represents the principles of fairness and right judgment, extending to both human and divine contexts. In addition to its abstract meanings, δίκη also refers to the practical application of justice, including judgment, legal decisions, and the penalties associated with wrongdoing. As such, δίκη is a term that embodies the Greek understanding of law, morality, and order, making it central to many discussions in both classical literature and biblical texts.