from δικαιόω; an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision:--judgment, justification, ordinance, righteousness.
Transliteration:dikaíōma
Pronunciation:dik-ah'-yo-mah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun δικαίωμα (dikaíōma, `{{G1345}}`) is derived from the verb δικαιόω (dikaioō, `{{G1344}}`), meaning "to declare righteous" or "to justify." Consequently, dikaíōma carries a semantic range that reflects the outcome or expression of righteousness. Its primary meanings include:
1. **A righteous deed or act:** An action that is just, right, or in conformity with divine law.
2. **A righteous requirement, ordinance, or statute:** A decree or precept that is just and binding, often referring to God's laws or commands.
3. **A just judgment or decision:** A verdict or ruling that is equitable and righteous.
Unlike δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, `{{G1343}}`), which denotes the *state* or *quality* of righteousness, dikaíōma typically refers to a specific *expression*, *result*, or *declaration* of righteousness. It can describe an act of God's justice, a requirement He imposes, or a righteous act performed by humans.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Dikaíōma appears ten times in the New Testament, primarily in Romans, Luke, Hebrews, and Revelation, each context illuminating a facet of its meaning:
* **God's Just Decrees/Judgments:** In [[Romans 1:32]], Paul states that unbelievers "know God’s righteous decree (dikaíōma)" that those who practice evil deserve death. Here, dikaíōma refers to God's just and established judgment against sin. Similarly, [[Revelation 15:4]] speaks of God's "righteous acts (dikaíōma)" being revealed, referring to His just judgments against the wicked.
* **Righteous Requirements/Ordinances of the Law:** [[Luke 1:6]] describes Zechariah and Elizabeth as "walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances (dikaíōma) of the Lord," indicating God's righteous statutes. In [[Romans 2:26]], Paul questions whether a Gentile who keeps the "righteous requirements (dikaíōma) of the law" will be counted as circumcised. [[Hebrews 9:1]] and [[Hebrews 9:10]] refer to the "regulations (dikaíōma) for worship" and "regulations for the body" under the old covenant, highlighting the just and divinely appointed ordinances of the Mosaic Law.
* **Christ's Justifying Act:** Crucially, in [[Romans 5:16]] and [[Romans 5:18]], dikaíōma takes on a profound theological significance related to Christ's work.
* [[Romans 5:16]]: "For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification (dikaíōma)." Here, dikaíōma refers to God's act of declaring righteous, or the righteous verdict, that results from Christ's atoning work.
* [[Romans 5:18]]: "Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness (dikaíōma) led to justification and life for all men." This verse explicitly identifies dikaíōma as the "one act of righteousness" of Christ, referring to His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, which provides the basis for humanity's justification.
* **Righteous Deeds of Believers:** [[Revelation 19:8]] states that the fine linen of the bride of Christ "is the righteous deeds (dikaíōma) of the saints." This refers to the righteous acts performed by believers, enabled by God's grace and as a demonstration of their transformed lives.
### Related Words & Concepts
Dikaíōma is part of a significant word group centered around the concept of righteousness:
* δικαιόω (dikaioō, `{{G1344}}`): The verb "to justify," "to declare righteous." dikaíōma is often the *result* or *expression* of this divine action.
* δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, `{{G1343}}`): "Righteousness," the inherent quality or state of being just and right. dikaíōma can be an *act* that flows from or demonstrates dikaiosynē.
* δίκαιος (dikaios, `{{G1342}}`): The adjective "righteous" or "just."
* νόμος (nomos, `{{G3551}}`): "Law." Dikaíōma is often used in conjunction with nomos to describe the righteous requirements or ordinances of God's law.
* κρίμα (krima, `{{G2917}}`): "Judgment," "condemnation." While dikaíōma can mean "just judgment," krima often carries a more negative connotation of a condemnatory sentence. The contrast in [[Romans 5:16]] between krima (condemnation) and dikaíōma (justification) is particularly illustrative.
* ἔργον (ergon, `{{G2041}}`): "Work," "deed." Dikaíōma specifies a *righteous* deed, distinguishing it from any general work.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of dikaíōma is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Justice and Sovereignty:** The term underscores God's absolute righteousness and His just governance of the world. His decrees, ordinances, and judgments are inherently equitable and righteous, reflecting His perfect character. This provides a foundation of divine order and moral truth.
* **The Efficacy of Christ's Work:** In Romans 5, dikaíōma encapsulates the singular, perfect "act of righteousness" performed by Jesus Christ. This refers to His complete obedience to the Father, culminating in His atoning death on the cross. This dikaíōma of Christ is the *objective basis* for the justification of all who believe, contrasting sharply with the "one trespass" of Adam that brought condemnation. It highlights that salvation is not based on human merit or deeds, but on Christ's accomplished work.
* **Justification by Grace Through Faith:** The concept of dikaíōma in Romans 5 is central to Paul's theology of justification. It is God's declaration of righteousness over the sinner, made possible by Christ's righteous act, received through faith, not by works of the Law. This emphasizes the gratuitous nature of God's salvation.
* **Transformed Living:** While salvation is not earned by human dikaíōma, the term also points to the expected outcome of a justified life. The "righteous deeds of the saints" in [[Revelation 19:8]] are not meritorious works but the fruit of the Holy Spirit working in believers, demonstrating their new nature and allegiance to Christ. They are a response to God's justifying grace, glorifying Him.
### Summary
Dikaíōma (`{{G1345}}`) is a rich Greek term signifying an "equitable deed," a "righteous requirement," or a "just judgment." Derived from δικαιόω (`{{G1344}}`), "to declare righteous," it encompasses acts or decrees that are inherently just and right. In the New Testament, it describes God's righteous ordinances and judgments (e.g., [[Luke 1:6]], [[Romans 1:32]], [[Hebrews 9:1]]), affirming His perfect justice and authority. Most significantly, in [[Romans 5:16]] and [[Romans 5:18]], dikaíōma refers to the singular, perfect "act of righteousness" accomplished by Jesus Christ—His obedient life and atoning death—which serves as the divine ground for the justification and eternal life of all who believe. Furthermore, it can denote the righteous deeds performed by believers, not as a means of earning salvation, but as the Spirit-empowered evidence and expression of their justified state ([[Revelation 19:8]]). Thus, dikaíōma profoundly articulates God's just character, the decisive redemptive work of Christ, and the resultant call to a life of righteous living in response to divine grace.
TRV