### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **díkaios**, represented by `{{G1342}}`, is a foundational term for what is **righteous**, **just**, or **right**. It appears 81 times across 76 unique verses in the Bible. Based on the concept of what is equitable in character or action, the term extends to mean innocent or holy, establishing a standard for both divine and human conduct.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1342}}` is used to describe God, Christ, and the character of believers. God's judgments are declared to be **just** and true [[Revelation 15:3]]. Jesus is repeatedly called "the Just One" [[Acts 7:52]], the **righteous** advocate who suffered for the unjust [[1 Peter 3:18]]. In a key recurring statement, Jesus clarifies his mission is not to call the **righteous**, but sinners to repentance [[Matthew 9:13]]. The term also defines the expected state of believers, as "The **just** shall live by faith" [[Romans 1:17]]. It serves as a moral benchmark for human relationships, such as when masters are instructed to provide what is **just** to their servants [[Colossians 4:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of righteousness and moral standing:
* `{{G94}}` **ádikos** (unjust; by extension wicked): As the direct antonym, this word is frequently contrasted with `{{G1342}}`. Scripture describes the **just** suffering for the **unjust** [[1 Peter 3:18]] and a future resurrection of both the **just** and the **unjust** [[Acts 24:15]].
* `{{G1343}}` **dikaiosýnē** (righteousness): This noun represents the state of being righteous. It is the quality that God reveals through faith, which enables the **just** to live [[Romans 1:17]].
* `{{G1344}}` **dikaióō** (to render just or innocent): This verb denotes the act of being made or declared righteous. While hearers of the law are not automatically **just** before God, the doers of the law will be **justified** [[Romans 2:13]].
* `{{G268}}` **hamartōlós** (sinful, i.e. a sinner): This term is set in opposition to the **righteous**. Jesus states that there is more joy in heaven over one **sinner** who repents than over ninety-nine **just persons** who need no repentance [[Luke 15:7]].
* `{{G40}}` **hágios** (holy): This term often appears with `{{G1342}}` to describe a person's consecrated character. John the Baptist was known to be a **just** and **holy** man [[Mark 6:20]], and at the end of days, the one who is **righteous** is commanded to be **holy** still [[Revelation 22:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1342}}` is immense, framing the relationship between God and humanity.
* **The Standard of God:** The word establishes God's perfect moral character. He is the **righteous** Judge [[2 Timothy 4:8]] and the **righteous** Father [[John 17:25]], whose judgments are always **just** [[Revelation 19:2]].
* **The State of Humanity:** Scripture makes the stark declaration that "There is none **righteous**, no, not one" [[Romans 3:10]], defining the universal human condition and the need for a righteousness that comes from outside oneself.
* **The Identity of Christ:** Jesus is presented as the ultimate fulfillment of this standard. He is uniquely called "the Just One" [[Acts 3:14]], and it is through the sacrifice of the **just** for the unjust that humanity can be brought to God [[1 Peter 3:18]].
* **Righteousness by Faith:** The core Christian doctrine of justification is built on this word. The declaration that "the **just** shall live by faith" [[Galatians 3:11]] separates righteousness from works of the law, rooting a person's right standing with God in their faith in Christ's work.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1342}}` is far more than a simple moral adjective. It is a cornerstone of biblical doctrine, defining the absolute standard of God's character, the unique person of Christ, the fallen state of humanity, and the means of salvation through faith. The word demonstrates how a single concept of what is "right" or "just" underpins the entire narrative of judgment and redemption.
TRV