from δίκαιος and κρίσις; a just sentence:--righteous judgment.
Transliteration:dikaiokrisía
Pronunciation:dik-ah-yok-ris-ee'-ah
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word dikaiokrisía (`{{G1341}}`) is a compound noun derived from two significant terms: dikaios (`{{G1342}}`), meaning "righteous" or "just," and krisis (`{{G2920}}`), meaning "judgment," "decision," or "separation." Therefore, dikaiokrisía literally translates to "righteous judgment" or "just sentence." It denotes a judgment that is inherently fair, impartial, and perfectly aligned with the divine standard of righteousness. Unlike human judgments, which are often flawed by bias or incomplete information, dikaiokrisía implies a verdict that is absolutely true, equitable, and reflective of God's perfect moral character. Its semantic range is narrow yet profound, emphasizing the *quality* of the judgment as being righteous in its very essence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term dikaiokrisía (`{{G1341}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Romans 2:5]]. The full verse reads: "But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath for yourselves on the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment (dikaiokrisía) will be revealed."
In this singular occurrence, dikaiokrisía is used to describe the nature of God's impending judgment. Paul is addressing those who, despite knowing God's truth, persist in sin and refuse to repent. Their unyielding hearts are said to be accumulating wrath, which will culminate in "the day of wrath." It is on this day that God's dikaiokrisía will be made manifest. The context highlights several crucial points:
1. **Divine Origin:** It is *God's* righteous judgment, underscoring its ultimate authority and infallibility.
2. **Inescapable Reality:** The revelation of this judgment is certain and unavoidable for the unrepentant.
3. **Moral Basis:** The judgment is described as "righteous," directly linking it to God's inherent justice and the moral standard by which humanity is judged. It is not arbitrary but perfectly deserved, based on the actions and attitudes of individuals.
4. **Contrast with Human Unrighteousness:** The "stubbornness and unrepentant heart" of humanity stand in stark contrast to the perfect righteousness of God's judgment, emphasizing the gravity of sin and the necessity of divine intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of dikaiokrisía (`{{G1341}}`) is deeply intertwined with several other key biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **δίκαιος (dikaios - `{{G1342}}`):** The root word for "righteous" or "just." This highlights that God's judgment flows from His very nature and character as perfectly righteous.
* **κρίσις (krisis - `{{G2920}}`):** The root word for "judgment" or "decision." This emphasizes the act of discerning and pronouncing a verdict.
* **δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē - `{{G1343}}`):** Righteousness or justice, often referring to the attribute of God or the state of being right with God. God's dikaiokrisía is an expression of His dikaiosynē.
* **κρίμα (krima - `{{G2917}}`):** A verdict or sentence, often implying condemnation. While krisis is the process, krima is the outcome. dikaiokrisía ensures that the krima is just.
* **The Day of Judgment:** This eschatological concept is the specific time when God's dikaiokrisía will be fully revealed. It is the culmination of divine justice.
* **Impartiality of God:** The concept of dikaiokrisía reinforces that God judges without favoritism or prejudice, "according to truth" ([[Romans 2:2]]) and "according to deeds" ([[Romans 2:6]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of dikaiokrisía (`{{G1341}}`) is profound, touching upon the very nature of God, human accountability, and the eschatological hope:
* **Divine Attribute:** dikaiokrisía underscores God's absolute righteousness and justice as an inherent attribute. His judgments are not merely correct or fair; they are *righteous* because He Himself is righteous. This guarantees the moral integrity of the universe.
* **Basis of Accountability:** It establishes the unwavering standard by which humanity will be judged. Since God's judgment is perfectly righteous, there can be no legitimate appeal or accusation of unfairness. Every individual is fully accountable for their actions and the state of their heart before a just Judge.
* **Certainty of Justice:** For those who suffer injustice in this world, dikaiokrisía offers the ultimate assurance that all wrongs will eventually be righted. God's righteous judgment ensures that no sin will go unpunished and no righteous act unrewarded in the final analysis.
* **Warning to the Unrepentant:** The context in [[Romans 2:5]] serves as a solemn warning that continued rebellion against God's truth, coupled with an unrepentant heart, inevitably leads to a just and deserved outpouring of divine wrath. This righteous judgment is a terrifying prospect for those who reject God's grace.
* **Foundation for Hope:** Conversely, for those who humble themselves and repent, God's dikaiokrisía is not a threat but a source of comfort, knowing that the Judge of all the earth will do what is right and just. It highlights the necessity of seeking God's mercy through Christ.
### Summary
dikaiokrisía (`{{G1341}}`) is a potent Greek term meaning "righteous judgment" or "just sentence," formed from the roots dikaios (righteous) and krisis (judgment). Its sole appearance in the New Testament in [[Romans 2:5]] powerfully describes the nature of God's impending judgment upon humanity. This judgment is revealed to be perfectly just, impartial, and entirely consistent with God's holy and righteous character. The concept of dikaiokrisía affirms God's moral perfection, establishes the basis for human accountability, provides both a solemn warning to the unrepentant, and offers ultimate hope that divine justice will prevail. It stands as a cornerstone of biblical eschatology, assuring that the final verdict will be absolutely righteous.
TRV