Pronunciation Guide: ah-DEE-kos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G94: ἄδικος (adikos) describes that which is unjust, unrighteous, or morally wrong. It specifically denotes actions, attitudes, or persons that deviate from God’s standard of righteousness. The term carries a strong moral and ethical connotation, often contrasting with God’s perfect justice and righteousness.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Components: Derived from alpha privative (ἀ-) + δίκη (justice)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Ethical and legal contexts, particularly in narrative and teaching passages
• Literary Form: Common in both descriptive and didactic texts

ἄδικος Morphology:

• ἄδικος (nominative singular masculine/feminine) – unrighteous person
• ἄδικον (nominative/accusative singular neuter) – unrighteous thing
• ἀδίκου (genitive singular) – of an unrighteous person
• ἀδίκῳ (dative singular) – to/for an unrighteous person
• ἄδικοι (nominative plural) – unrighteous people

Origin & History

The term ἄδικος has deep roots in classical Greek literature and legal terminology. In ancient Greek society, it was frequently used in legal contexts to describe those who violated established laws or acted contrary to accepted moral standards. Plato uses the term extensively in “The Republic” when discussing justice and its opposite, particularly in his dialogues about the nature of righteousness and the ideal state.

The word gained particular significance in Hellenistic Jewish literature through the Septuagint translation, where it became a key term for describing behavior that violated divine law. This usage bridged classical Greek ethical thought with Jewish theological concepts of righteousness and sin.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• One who acts contrary to established divine or moral law
• A person or action that violates principles of justice
• Behavior that demonstrates disregard for righteous standards
• Character marked by moral corruption or ethical failure

ἄδικος Translation Options:

• Unrighteous – Best captures the moral and spiritual dimensions
• Unjust – Emphasizes the legal and ethical aspects
• Wicked – Reflects the character quality but may be too strong in some contexts
• Unfair – Modern equivalent but may not capture full moral weight
• Wrong-doer – Emphasizes the active nature of unrighteousness

Biblical Usage of ἄδικος

The New Testament employs ἄδικος to establish a stark contrast between human unrighteousness and divine righteousness. Its first appearance in Matthew 5:45 occurs in Jesus’ teaching about God’s impartial love, where He makes rain fall on both the righteous and unrighteous. This usage sets the tone for understanding God’s character in relation to human moral failure.

The term appears in several pivotal theological contexts:

• “Matthew 5:45 – “That you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
• “Luke 16:10 – “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.”
• “Romans 3:5 – “But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say?”
• “1 Corinthians 6:9 – “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?”
• “Hebrews 6:10 – “For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name.”

Cultural Insights into ἄδικος

In the Greco-Roman world, ἄδικος carried significant weight in both legal and social contexts. The concept was closely tied to the Greek understanding of natural law and cosmic order. To be labeled ἄδικος meant more than just breaking human laws; it implied acting against the natural order established by the gods.

This cultural understanding adds depth to New Testament usage, particularly in Paul’s writings, where he often contrasts human unrighteousness with divine righteousness. The term carried both personal moral implications and broader societal consequences, making it particularly powerful in addressing both individual and communal ethical concerns.

Theological Significance of ἄδικος

The theological weight of ἄδικος lies in its role in articulating the fundamental human condition apart from God’s grace. It serves as a crucial term in explaining human depravity and the universal need for salvation. The word helps establish the contrast between human moral failure and God’s perfect righteousness, highlighting why the gospel is necessary.

This term plays a vital role in understanding God’s justice and mercy. While identifying human unrighteousness, it simultaneously points to God’s perfect righteousness and His gracious provision for human redemption through the Messiah Jesus. The usage of ἄδικος in biblical texts helps believers understand both the severity of sin and the magnitude of God’s grace in providing salvation.

Personal Application

Understanding ἄδικος challenges believers to examine their lives in light of God’s righteous standards. Rather than leading to despair, this examination should point us to the grace available in the Messiah Jesus. The term reminds us that while we were once characterized by unrighteousness, God’s transforming work makes it possible to grow in righteousness.

This word study should motivate us to pursue justice and righteousness in our daily lives, recognizing that we are called to reflect God’s character in our relationships and actions.

Related to ἄδικος

• δίκαιος (dikaios) [DEE-kai-os] – righteous, just; the positive counterpart to ἄδικος. See G1342
• ἀνομία (anomia) [ah-no-MEE-ah] – lawlessness, focusing more on violation of law than moral character. See G458
• ἁμαρτωλός (hamartōlos) [ha-mar-to-LOS] – sinful, emphasizing the act of missing God’s standard. See G268
• ἀσεβής (asebēs) [a-se-BACE] – ungodly, emphasizing lack of reverence toward God. See G765

Did you Know?

• The alpha privative (ἀ-) at the beginning of ἄδικος functions similarly to the English “un-” or “in-,” making it a direct negation of righteousness or justice (δίκη). This linguistic feature emphasizes the complete opposition to what is right and just.
• In ancient Greek courts, an ἄδικος verdict could result in various penalties, including loss of citizenship rights (ἀτιμία), showing how seriously the concept of injustice was taken in classical society.
• The term appears in several important early Christian writings outside the New Testament, where it often describes persecution against Christians by “unjust” authorities, showing how the early church applied this concept to their daily struggles.

Remember This

ἄδικος represents not merely the absence of righteousness, but active opposition to God’s perfect standard of justice and truth, highlighting our desperate need for His transforming grace.