from δίκη; equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively):--just, meet, right(-eous).
Transliteration:díkaios
Pronunciation:dik'-ah-yos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term δίκαιος (díkaios, `{{G1342}}`) derives from δίκη (dikē), meaning "justice" or "right." At its core, δίκαιος signifies conformity to a standard of right, whether divine or human. This standard implies equity, fairness, and adherence to what is proper or due. Its semantic range extends to several nuanced applications:
* **Moral Rectitude:** It describes an individual's upright character, one who adheres to divine law or moral principles. This includes being virtuous, pious, and blameless in conduct.
* **Legal Justice:** In a forensic sense, it can mean "innocent" or "acquitted," signifying one who is not guilty or has been declared just in a legal context.
* **Fulfillment of Obligation:** It can refer to doing what is appropriate, fitting, or obligatory, as in fulfilling a duty or requirement.
* **Divine Attribute:** Most profoundly, it describes God's inherent nature as perfectly just, righteous, and equitable in all His dealings.
* **Human State:** It denotes humans who are in a right relationship with God or who live according to His revealed will, either by inherent character (as in Old Testament saints) or by divine imputation (as in Pauline theology).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δίκαιος occurs frequently throughout the New Testament, applied to God, Christ, and humans in various contexts:
* **God's Righteousness:** God is consistently portrayed as δίκαιος. [[John 17:25]] refers to the "righteous Father." [[Romans 3:26]] states that God is "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus," highlighting His righteousness in the act of salvation. Similarly, [[2 Timothy 4:8]] speaks of the Lord as the "righteous judge," and [[1 John 1:9]] affirms that God is "faithful and just" to forgive sins. This underscores God's unwavering integrity and moral perfection.
* **Christ's Righteousness:** Jesus is the quintessential δίκαιος. Peter identifies Him as "the Holy and Righteous One" in [[Acts 3:14]]. [[1 John 2:1]] calls Him "Jesus Christ the righteous," who serves as an advocate for believers. His life was one of perfect obedience and righteousness, making Him the spotless sacrifice.
* **Human Righteousness:**
* **Old Testament Figures:** The term is applied to Old Testament saints who lived in obedience to God's commands, such as Noah ([[Matthew 24:38]]), Lot ([[2 Peter 2:7-8]]), and Zechariah and Elizabeth ([[Luke 1:6]]). Joseph, the husband of Mary, is called δίκαιος in [[Matthew 1:19]] because he sought to deal with Mary justly and mercifully.
* **Justification by Faith:** In Pauline theology, δίκαιος is central to the doctrine of justification. Humans are not inherently δίκαιος in God's sight ([[Romans 3:10]]). Rather, they are declared δίκαιος (righteous) by God through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from works of the law ([[Romans 3:28]], [[Romans 5:1]]). This is a forensic declaration of a right standing before God.
* **Ethical Conduct:** Beyond a declared status, δίκαιος also describes the ethical conduct expected of believers. Those who are justified are called to live righteously, reflecting God's character ([[Ephesians 4:24]], [[Titus 2:12]]).
* **"Meet" or "Fitting":** In some contexts, δίκαιος can mean "proper" or "fitting." For example, in [[Matthew 3:15]], Jesus tells John the Baptist, "Permit it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness," indicating that His baptism was the appropriate action to fulfill God's plan.
* **Suffering of the Righteous:** The New Testament also acknowledges the suffering of the δίκαιος, often in parallel to Christ's own suffering ([[1 Peter 3:18]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of δίκαιος is significantly enriched by its cognates and related terms:
* **Cognates:**
* δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, `{{G1343}}`): This noun, meaning "righteousness" or "justice," is the state or quality of being δίκαιος. It is a foundational theological concept, especially in Paul's letters.
* δικαιόω (dikaioō, `{{G1344}}`): The verb "to justify," "to declare righteous," or "to make righteous." This is the action by which one becomes δίκαιος.
* δικαίωμα (dikaiōma, `{{G1345}}`): Refers to a righteous deed, a righteous requirement, or an ordinance.
* δικαίωσις (dikaiōsis, `{{G1347}}`): "Justification" or "acquittal," the act of being declared righteous.
* **Antonym:** ἄδικος (adikos, `{{G92}}`), meaning "unjust" or "unrighteous," stands in direct opposition to δίκαιος, highlighting the stark contrast between those in right standing with God and those who are not.
* **Hebrew Equivalents (LXX):** In the Septuagint (LXX), δίκαιος frequently translates the Hebrew צַדִּיק (tsaddiq, `{{H6662}}`), which similarly denotes "righteous" or "just," applied to both God and upright individuals. Another related Hebrew concept is מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat, `{{H4941}}`), referring to justice, judgment, or right.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δίκαιος is profound and multifaceted:
* **God's Unchanging Character:** It is a core attribute of God, assuring humanity of His absolute moral perfection, trustworthiness, and impartiality. His justice guarantees that He will always do what is right and uphold His covenant promises.
* **The Human Predicament:** The New Testament, particularly Romans, makes it clear that humanity is not inherently δίκαιος in God's sight due to sin ([[Romans 3:10-12]]). This underscores the universal need for a divine solution to reconcile humanity to a righteous God.
* **Justification as a Gift:** The concept of being declared δίκαιος (justified) by faith in Christ is central to the Gospel. It is not earned by human merit or works but is a gracious gift from God, providing a right standing before Him ([[Romans 3:21-26]]). This forensic declaration transforms a sinner's status before God.
* **Christ as the Embodiment of Righteousness:** Jesus Christ is the ultimate manifestation of δίκαιος. His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection provide the basis for humanity's justification. He is presented as "our righteousness" ([[1 Corinthians 1:30]]), and believers become the "righteousness of God in Him" ([[2 Corinthians 5:21]]).
* **Ethical Transformation:** While justification is a divine act, being δίκαιος also entails an ethical imperative. Those who are declared righteous are called to live righteously, demonstrating the fruit of their new identity in practical obedience and moral conduct ([[Ephesians 4:24]], [[Titus 2:12]]). This is the process of sanctification, where the imputed righteousness is increasingly reflected in lived experience.
* **Eschatological Hope:** The return of Christ will bring about the full revelation of God's justice, where the δίκαιος will receive their eternal reward, and a new heavens and new earth, "in which righteousness dwells," will be established ([[2 Peter 3:13]]).
### Summary
The Greek term δίκαιος (díkaios, `{{G1342}}`) signifies "just," "righteous," or "equitable," rooted in the concept of conformity to a standard of right. It is preeminently applied to God, whose very nature is perfectly just, and to Jesus Christ, the uniquely "Righteous One." For humanity, δίκαιος denotes an upright character or actions that align with divine will. Crucially, Pauline theology emphasizes that humans are declared δίκαιος (justified) by God's grace through faith in Christ, rather than by their own merit. This forensic declaration leads to an ethical imperative for believers to live out their new righteous status in practical conduct. The word thus encompasses both a divine attribute and a transformative human state, central to the Gospel's message of salvation and sanctification, culminating in an eschatological hope for a world where righteousness fully reigns.
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