Brief Overview of δικαίως (G1346: dikaíōs)

Word Details

• Transliteration: δικαίως (dik-AH-yos)
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek adjective δίκαιος (díkaios), meaning “righteous” or “just,” combined with the adverbial suffix -ως (-ōs), which transforms an adjective into an adverb. Therefore, δικαίως literally means “righteously” or “justly.”
• Part of Speech: Adverb
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Justly: δικαίως primarily means “justly” or “righteously,” indicating an action done in accordance with what is right or fair.
• Uprightly: The term can also convey the sense of acting “uprightly” or “in a morally correct manner.”
• Deservedly: Another meaning includes “deservedly,” reflecting the idea that someone receives what is due to them, whether in reward or punishment.

Further Insights

• Form: Adverb
• Degree: Positive

Further Insights Explained:

• As an adverb, δικαίως modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe the manner of an action. In this case, it describes actions that are carried out justly or in a righteous manner.
• The word is in the positive degree, meaning it does not compare to other actions (as a comparative would) or represent the highest degree of the quality (as a superlative would). It simply denotes an action performed righteously or justly.

Disclaimer: The above breakdown is based on the word’s general form and usage in classical and biblical Greek. The specific meaning can vary depending on the context in which the word is used.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• BDAG defines δικαίως as “justly, righteously,” and highlights its use in contexts where actions align with divine or moral law. It is often used in New Testament passages to describe behavior or actions that are in accordance with God’s standards of justice.
• Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 2:23, where Jesus is described as entrusting himself to “him who judges justly (δικαίως).”

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Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon explains δικαίως as “righteously, justly,” indicating actions that conform to the requirements of justice or righteousness. It often carries a moral implication, emphasizing the ethical correctness of an action.
• Scripture Reference: Luke 23:41, where the thief on the cross acknowledges that they are punished “justly (δικαίως)” for their deeds.

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ extends δικαίως to classical Greek, where it denotes “rightly” or “deservedly.” It is used in various contexts to describe actions or judgments that are fair and appropriate to the circumstances.
• Classical Reference: The term appears in works by Aristotle, particularly in his Nicomachean Ethics, where he discusses the nature of justice and righteousness.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s notes δικαίως as meaning “in a just or righteous manner,” with a focus on the ethical and moral dimensions of the word. It is used to describe actions that meet the standards of fairness and equity.
• Scripture Reference: 1 Timothy 1:8, where Paul discusses the proper use of the law, implying that it must be applied “justly (δικαίως).”

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines δικαίως as “justly” or “righteously,” emphasizing the fairness or moral correctness of actions performed in this manner.
• Scripture Reference: Colossians 4:1, where masters are instructed to treat their slaves “justly (δικαίως) and fairly.”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: Aristotle frequently uses δικαίως in his discussions of justice and ethics, describing actions that align with what is fair and right according to the principles of virtue.
• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses δικαίως to describe judgments and actions in legal and political contexts, where fairness and adherence to law are emphasized.
• Plato, Republic: Plato employs the term in his exploration of justice, particularly when discussing the just actions of individuals and the governance of the state.

Summary

δικαίως (G1346: dikaíōs) is an adverb meaning “justly” or “righteously.” Derived from the adjective δίκαιος, which means “righteous,” this adverb describes actions carried out in a manner that is fair, upright, and morally correct. In the New Testament, δικαίως is used to emphasize the ethical and just nature of actions, often in relation to divine law or moral principles. The term also appears in classical Greek literature, where it retains its connotation of fairness and justice in various contexts, from legal judgments to philosophical discussions on ethics. Understanding δικαίως provides insight into how justice and righteousness are perceived and applied in both biblical and classical Greek thought.