Pronunciation Guide: ah-DEE-koce

Basic Definition

Strong’s G95: ἀδίκως (adikōs) describes suffering or treatment that is undeserved, unjust, or wrongful. It emphasizes experiencing hardship without having done anything to merit such treatment. The term carries strong moral implications of injustice and unfairness, particularly in contexts of persecution or mistreatment.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adverb
• Derived from ἄδικος (adikos) – unjust, unrighteous
• Used primarily in narrative and teaching passages
• Compound word: ἀ- (negative prefix) + δίκη (justice)

ἀδίκως Morphology:

• ἀδίκως (adverb) – unjustly, wrongfully
• ἄδικος (adjective) – unjust, unrighteous
• ἀδικία (noun) – injustice, unrighteousness

Origin & History

The word ἀδίκως has deep roots in classical Greek literature and jurisprudence. In Plato’s “Republic,” the term appears in discussions of justice and proper governance, where it describes actions that violate natural or divine law. Aristotle employs it in his “Nicomachean Ethics” when examining the nature of justice and injustice in human relationships.

The concept evolved in Hellenistic literature to encompass not only legal injustice but also moral and ethical wrongdoing. In the works of Plutarch, the term frequently describes the suffering of virtuous individuals at the hands of corrupt authorities or circumstances.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Suffering without cause or justification
• Experiencing hardship despite innocence
• Being treated contrary to what is right or deserved
• Enduring persecution without warrant

ἀδίκως Translation Options:

• “Unjustly” – emphasizes the moral wrongness of the treatment
• “Without cause” – highlights the lack of justification
• “Undeservedly” – stresses the innocence of the sufferer
• “Wrongfully” – focuses on the violation of moral or legal rights

Biblical Usage of ἀδίκως

The term appears most prominently in contexts of righteous suffering and persecution. Its first appearance in 1 Peter 2:19 sets the tone for its theological significance, where Peter commends those who endure grief while suffering wrongfully. This usage establishes a crucial connection between unjust suffering and divine approval.

The concept resonates throughout the New Testament’s teaching on persecution and martyrdom. While the specific adverb ἀδίκως is rare, its conceptual framework appears frequently in passages discussing the suffering of the righteous.

• “For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly [ἀδίκως].” 1 Peter 2:19
• “But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me.” John 8:45
• “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12

Cultural Insights into ἀδίκως

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of unjust suffering was deeply intertwined with the philosophical discourse on virtue and justice. The Stoics, in particular, developed sophisticated arguments about the nature of undeserved suffering and its relationship to moral character. This cultural context would have resonated with the first-century readers of Peter’s epistle, who were likely familiar with both philosophical discussions of unjust suffering and the practical reality of persecution.

The early Christian community’s understanding of ἀδίκως was uniquely shaped by their experience of persecution and their theological interpretation of suffering in light of the Messiah’s own unjust death. This created a distinctive Christian perspective on undeserved suffering as potentially redemptive and spiritually significant.

Theological Significance of ἀδίκως

The theological importance of ἀδίκως lies in its connection to the suffering of the Messiah Jesus, who endured the ultimate unjust treatment for the sake of others. This creates a paradigm where unjust suffering becomes an opportunity for believers to participate in the sufferings of Christ and demonstrate the power of divine grace.

The term also highlights the sovereignty of God in the midst of apparent injustice. When believers suffer ἀδίκως, they’re called to entrust themselves to Him who judges justly, following the example of Jesus who, “while being reviled, did not revile in return” (1 Peter 2:23).

Personal Application

When we encounter unjust treatment or persecution, understanding ἀδίκως helps us frame our experience within God’s larger narrative of redemption. Rather than becoming bitter or seeking revenge, we’re called to view undeserved suffering as an opportunity to demonstrate Christ-like character and trust in God’s ultimate justice.

This perspective transforms our response to unfair treatment from mere endurance to purposeful witness, knowing that our unjust suffering can become a powerful testimony to God’s grace and sovereignty.

Related to ἀδίκως

• δικαίως (dikaiōs) [dih-KAH-yoce] – justly, righteously; direct antonym of ἀδίκως. See G1346
• ἀδικία (adikia) [ah-dee-KEE-ah] – unrighteousness, injustice; noun form related to ἀδίκως. See G93
• πάσχω (paschō) [PAS-kho] – to suffer, endure; often used with ἀδίκως in contexts of unjust suffering. See G3958
• ὑπομένω (hypomenō) [hoo-poh-MEH-no] – to endure, remain under; describes the patient endurance of unjust suffering. See G5278

Did you Know?

• In ancient Greek courts, ἀδίκως was a technical legal term used to describe verdicts that violated established law or natural justice, showing how the early church adapted legal terminology to describe spiritual realities.
• The concept of ἀδίκως suffering played a crucial role in early Christian martyrdom accounts, where it was seen as a mark of authentic discipleship and a way of participating in Christ’s suffering.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀδίκως in legal contexts, maintaining its connection to justice and fair treatment, though it has expanded to include more general uses in everyday speech.

Remember This

Unjust suffering (ἀδίκως) in God’s economy becomes a platform for displaying His grace and a pathway for spiritual growth, transforming apparent defeat into divine victory.