Brief Overview of ἐκδικέω (Strong’s G1556: ekdikeō)

Introduction

The Greek word ἐκδικέω (ekdikeō) is a verb with significant implications in Biblical studies, especially when discussing themes of justice, vengeance, and retribution. Understanding this term is crucial for interpreting New Testament passages that address divine justice and human responses to wrongdoing. This word reflects the deep cultural and legal perspectives of ancient Greek society, where concepts of justice were integral to maintaining social order. In the context of the New Testament, ἐκδικέω offers insights into the early Christian understanding of God’s justice and the appropriate human behavior in response to offenses.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐκδικέω (ekdikeō) [ek-dee-KEH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of,” and δίκη (dikē), meaning “justice” or “right.” The compound suggests the idea of carrying out justice or administering punishment.
• Part of Speech: Verb (Present Active Indicative)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To avenge: The most direct meaning of ἐκδικέω is to avenge or take vengeance. This can refer to personal retribution or, more commonly in the New Testament, to divine vengeance or justice.
• To carry out justice: In a broader sense, the term can also mean to administer justice, particularly in a way that rectifies a wrong or punishes an offense.
• To punish: ἐκδικέω also encompasses the act of punishing someone for wrongdoing, aligning with the legal context in which the term was often used.

Similar Words:

• δίκη (dikē) [DEE-kay]: While this noun refers to justice or judgment, it is related to ἐκδικέω in that it provides the root for the concept of carrying out justice.
• τιμωρέω (timōreō) [tee-moh-REH-oh]: This verb means to punish or to take revenge, similar to ἐκδικέω but often with a more personal or emotional connotation.

Further Insights

• Morphology: ἐκδικέω is a present active indicative verb, meaning it describes a continuous or repeated action. It is a regular verb in terms of conjugation and follows typical Greek verb endings.

Lexicon Insights

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• BDAG: Defines ἐκδικέω as “to avenge” or “to carry out justice,” emphasizing its use in contexts where justice is administered, either by divine or human agents.
• Thayer’s: Explains ἐκδικέω as “to exact vengeance,” often highlighting its usage in scriptural contexts where divine justice is portrayed as a response to sin.
• Vine’s: Notes that ἐκδικέω carries both the meanings of retributive justice and protection of rights, often used to describe God’s actions in defending the oppressed.
• LSJ: Describes the word’s broader use in classical Greek, where it can refer to legal justice or the personal act of vengeance.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἐκδικέω as “to carry out justice,” particularly focusing on its New Testament usage in discussing divine retribution and justice.

Scripture References:

• Romans 12:19 – “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'”
• Luke 18:7 – “And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?”

Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, ἐκδικέω is used to describe the act of taking vengeance or administering justice, often in legal or moral contexts. Below are examples from classical texts:

Summary of ἐκδικέω (G1556: ekdikeō)

The Greek verb ἐκδικέω plays a significant role in conveying themes of justice, vengeance, and divine retribution in the New Testament. It is a term that encapsulates the idea of administering justice, whether through divine or human action. Understanding this word is crucial for interpreting passages where God’s justice or human responses to wrongdoing are discussed. Its classical usage also highlights the deep cultural and legal importance of justice in ancient Greek society. By examining ἐκδικέω, we gain insights into both the theological concepts of justice in the New Testament and the broader cultural values of the time.

Did You Know?

The concept of justice in ancient Greece, reflected in the word ἐκδικέω, was not just about punishment but also about restoring balance and protecting the community. This idea of justice as a communal responsibility is reflected in many New Testament passages where divine justice is portrayed as both retributive and restorative.