Brief Overview of δικαίωσις (G1347: dikáiosis)

Word Details

• Transliteration: δικαίωσις (dik-EYE-oh-sis)
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek verb δικαιόω (dikaióō), meaning “to justify” or “to declare righteous,” combined with the suffix -σις (-sis), which forms nouns indicating action or process. Thus, δικαίωσις literally refers to the act of justifying or the process of being made righteous.
• Part of Speech: Noun
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Justification: The primary meaning of δικαίωσις is “justification,” referring to the act of being declared righteous, particularly in a legal or moral sense. This term is significant in theological contexts, especially in discussions of divine justice and righteousness.
• Vindication: The term can also be understood as “vindication,” where one is shown to be righteous or justified, often in the face of accusations or challenges.
• Righteousness: δικαίωσις also conveys the concept of righteousness as an outcome of the process of justification, emphasizing the state of being right or just before God or others.

Further Insights

• Form: Noun, Feminine
• Number: Singular

Further Insights Explained:

• As a noun, δικαίωσις refers to the action or result of justifying. It is a feminine noun in the singular form, which is typical for abstract nouns in Greek that describe processes or actions.
• This term is often used in theological contexts to describe the divine act of declaring someone righteous or just, often as part of a broader discussion on salvation, law, and grace.

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 δικαίωσις primarily as “justification,” particularly in a legal or forensic sense. It is used to describe the act of declaring someone righteous, often in relation to divine judgment. The term is crucial in Pauline theology, where it underscores the believer’s standing before God through faith.
• Scripture Reference: Romans 4:25, where Paul writes that Jesus was “raised for our justification (δικαίωσις).”

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Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon emphasizes δικαίωσις as the process of “justification,” focusing on its theological implications. It highlights the term’s use in explaining how individuals are declared righteous before God, particularly through faith in Christ.
• Scripture Reference: Romans 5:18, where the term is used to describe the result of Christ’s righteous act leading to justification for all.

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ notes that δικαίωσις in classical Greek often refers to the act of justifying or making someone righteous. The term is used in legal contexts where justification or acquittal is granted based on the merits of the case.
• Classical Reference: The term appears in legal writings where it describes the process of exoneration or vindication, such as in the works of Demosthenes.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s emphasizes δικαίωσις as “justification” and discusses its theological significance in the New Testament. It is particularly noted in the context of Paul’s epistles, where it is integral to the doctrine of salvation.
• Scripture Reference: Romans 3:28, where Paul argues that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines δικαίωσις as “justification” or “the act of pronouncing righteous.” It highlights the term’s use in the context of legal righteousness, particularly as it relates to God’s declaration of believers as righteous through Christ.
• Scripture Reference: Romans 5:16, where the term is used to contrast condemnation with justification through Christ.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Plato, Republic: δικαίωσις is used in discussions on justice and the state, often referring to the justification of actions or policies within a legal framework.
• Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: The term appears in Aristotle’s exploration of ethical virtues, where it is used to describe the process of being justified or vindicated in moral decisions.
• Demosthenes, Orations: In legal speeches, δικαίωσις is often employed to describe the outcome of a trial where the defendant is acquitted or justified by the court.

Summary

δικαίωσις (G1347: dikáiosis) is a noun meaning “justification” or “vindication.” Derived from the verb δικαιόω, which means “to justify,” δικαίωσις specifically refers to the process or act of being declared righteous. This term is especially significant in theological discussions, particularly in the writings of Paul, where it denotes the believer’s justification before God through faith in Christ. δικαίωσις also appears in classical Greek literature, where it retains its connotation of legal or moral vindication. Understanding δικαίωσις is essential for comprehending key biblical doctrines related to justice, righteousness, and salvation.