Pronunciation Guide: ah-dee-KEH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G91: To act unjustly or do wrong, to injure or harm. The word carries the foundational meaning of violating God’s standards of righteousness and causing injury to others through unrighteous actions.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root: From ἄδικος (adikos), combining ἀ- (negative prefix) + δίκη (diké, “justice”)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative and teaching passages
• Common in ethical discussions and legal contexts

Word Morphology:

• ἀδικέω (present active indicative) – I do wrong
• ἀδικήσω (future active indicative) – I will do wrong
• ἀδικῶ (contracted present active) – I am doing wrong
• ἀδικοῦμαι (present passive) – I am being wronged
• ἠδίκησα (aorist active) – I did wrong
• ἠδικήθην (aorist passive) – I was wronged

Word Origin & History

The concept of ἀδικέω emerges from ancient Greek legal and philosophical discourse, where it played a crucial role in discussions of justice and moral behavior. In Plato’s Republic, the term appears frequently in discussions about justice and the nature of righteous behavior. Aristotle used it extensively in his Nicomachean Ethics when examining the relationship between justice and character.

The word gained particular significance in Hellenistic Greek, where it became a standard term in legal documents for describing civil wrongdoing and criminal behavior. Papyri discoveries from Ptolemaic Egypt show its frequent use in legal complaints and court proceedings.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To act unjustly or unrighteously
• To hurt, damage, or harm someone
• To withhold what is due to another
• To violate divine law or moral standards
• To defraud or take advantage of others

Translation Options:

1. “To wrong” – Best captures both the legal and moral dimensions of the term
2. “To act unjustly” – Emphasizes the violation of justice and ethical standards
3. “To harm/injure” – Focuses on the practical effects of unrighteous actions

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀδικέω appears in contexts ranging from personal relationships to cosmic spiritual warfare. It often carries judicial overtones, particularly in Revelation where it describes harm inflicted by spiritual forces. The word is especially significant in passages addressing Christian behavior, emphasizing that followers of the Messiah should neither commit nor respond to injustice with wrongdoing.

The Septuagint uses ἀδικέω extensively to translate Hebrew terms related to oppression and injustice, particularly in prophetic literature denouncing social injustice. This translation choice emphasizes the word’s connection to covenant violations and social responsibility.

Key Biblical References:

• “[ἀδικῶν] Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong” Rev 22:11
• “If I have [ἠδίκησα] cheated anybody out of anything” Luke 19:8
• “Why do you not rather be [ἀδικεῖσθε] wronged?” 1 Cor 6:7
• “He has done no [ἀδικήσαντα] wrong” Acts 25:10
• “You [ἀδικεῖτε] wrong and defraud” 1 Cor 6:8

Cultural Insights

In ancient Greek society, ἀδικέω was deeply embedded in the legal system, where it described actions that violated established social norms and justice. The concept was so fundamental that Greek cities often had public inscriptions listing specific acts of ἀδικέω and their corresponding punishments.

The term carried particular weight in the context of business transactions and social relationships. In papyri documents from the first century, we find numerous legal complaints where individuals claim they were “wronged” (ἀδικέω) in business dealings, showing how the concept bridged both moral and commercial spheres.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀδικέω in Scripture reveals God’s deep concern for justice and righteousness. It emphasizes that unrighteous actions are not merely violations of human law but offenses against God’s divine order. This understanding transforms our view of wrongdoing from merely social infractions to spiritual transgressions requiring divine remedy.

The word takes on special significance in light of the Messiah’s perfect righteousness. Jesus, who “committed no sin” (1 Peter 2:22), demonstrates the antithesis of ἀδικέω, showing us what perfect righteousness looks like in human form. His sacrificial death addresses the ultimate consequences of human ἀδικέω, providing redemption for those who have done wrong.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀδικέω challenges believers to examine their actions not just against human standards of fairness, but against God’s perfect standard of righteousness. It calls us to recognize that every act of wrongdoing, however small it might seem, is a deviation from God’s intended order and impacts our relationship with both God and others.

This word should motivate us to pursue justice actively while trusting God with the wrongs we suffer. When we’re tempted to respond to injury with injury, remembering Jesus’ example of not returning evil for evil (1 Peter 3:9) can guide our responses to being wronged.

Related Words

• ἄδικος (adikos) [AH-dee-kos] – unrighteous, unjust person, emphasizing character. See G94
• ἀδικία (adikia) [ah-dee-KEE-ah] – unrighteousness, injustice, wrongdoing as a concept. See G93
• δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosyné) [dik-ah-yos-OO-nay] – righteousness, justice, the opposite state. See G1343
• παρανομέω (paranomeó) [par-an-om-EH-oh] – to transgress law, related concept. See G3891
• ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanó) [ham-ar-TAN-oh] – to sin, miss the mark. See G264

Did You Know?

• In ancient Greek courts, cases involving ἀδικέω were heard in the Heliaia, the people’s court, where up to 6,000 jurors might participate in major cases, highlighting the community’s role in addressing wrongdoing.
• The concept of ἀδικέω was so important in Greek philosophy that Socrates argued it was better to suffer wrong than to do wrong, a principle that profoundly influenced early Christian ethics and martyrdom.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀδικέω (αδικώ) in legal contexts, showing the enduring relevance of this ancient concept in contemporary justice systems.

Remember This

ἀδικέω reminds us that every act of wrongdoing ripples through both human society and our relationship with God, calling us to pursue righteousness in all our dealings while trusting in His perfect justice.