Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding the nuances of Greek words can significantly deepen our comprehension of scripture. The word ἔνδικος (endikos) is particularly noteworthy as it relates to concepts of justice, righteousness, and fairness—key themes in both the Old and New Testaments. This word offers insight into how justice was perceived and applied in ancient Greek culture, and its application in the New Testament carries important theological implications, especially in discussions about divine justice and human responsibility.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἔνδικος (endikos) [EN-dee-kos]
• Etymology: The word is composed of the prefix ἐν (en), meaning “in” or “within,” and δίκη (dikē), meaning “justice” or “judgment.” Together, ἔνδικος conveys the idea of something being “in accordance with justice” or “rightful.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective (third declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Just, Righteous: ἔνδικος primarily means something or someone that is just, righteous, or fair, in accordance with established laws or principles of justice.
• Deserving, Proper: The word can also imply something that is appropriate or deserved, often in the context of judgment or punishment that is considered right or fitting.

Similar Words:

• δίκαιος (dikaios) [DI-kai-os]: This word also means “righteous” or “just,” but it is more commonly used in the New Testament to describe people who are morally upright or in right standing with God.
• ἀδίκως (adikos) [a-DI-kos]: The opposite of ἔνδικος, this word means “unjust” or “wrongful,” used to describe actions or judgments that are contrary to justice.
• νομίμως (nomimos) [no-MI-mos]: Meaning “lawful” or “according to law,” this word focuses more on legality rather than the moral or ethical implications of justice.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: As an adjective, ἔνδικος modifies nouns and can agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns it describes. It often appears in legal contexts or when discussing the moral character of actions or individuals.
• Linguistic Features: The combination of ἐν (en) with δίκη (dikē) emphasizes the inherent quality of justice, suggesting that what is ἔνδικος is naturally or intrinsically just. This makes the word particularly significant in theological discussions about the nature of divine justice.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG notes that ἔνδικος is often used to describe something that is “right” or “just” according to divine or moral standards, emphasizing its application in contexts where fairness or rightful judgment is discussed.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon highlights the word’s usage in both legal and moral contexts, noting that it can describe actions, judgments, or conditions that are deemed appropriate or fitting according to justice.

LSJ:
Liddell-Scott-Jones points out that ἔνδικος is frequently found in classical Greek literature in legal contexts, often describing judgments or actions that are just or deserved based on the circumstances.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses the theological implications of ἔνδικος, particularly in the New Testament, where it is used to describe God’s just actions or judgments, emphasizing the righteousness inherent in divine justice.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s concordance defines ἔνδικος as “just” or “deserved,” noting its use in contexts where justice or proper retribution is the focus.

Scripture References

• Romans 3:8: “And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just (ἔνδικος).”
• Hebrews 2:2: “For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just (ἔνδικος) retribution.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἔνδικος (G1738: endikos)

The word ἔνδικος (endikos) carries significant weight in discussions of justice, righteousness, and moral propriety. In both classical Greek literature and the New Testament, it is used to describe actions, judgments, and individuals that align with principles of fairness and justice. Its usage emphasizes the intrinsic quality of justice, whether human or divine, making it a key term in understanding the biblical concepts of righteousness and judgment. The study of ἔνδικος not only enriches our understanding of New Testament passages but also connects us to broader discussions of justice in ancient Greek thought.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in the works of Plato and Aristotle, the concept of justice (δίκη) was central to discussions of ethics and politics. The adjective ἔνδικος, meaning “just” or “righteous,” was used to describe not only legal judgments but also the character of individuals who embodied the ideal of justice. This word’s usage in the New Testament reflects this deep cultural and philosophical tradition, linking the concept of divine justice with the moral and ethical standards of the time.