adverb from δίκαιος; equitably:--justly, (to) righteously(-ness).
Transliteration:dikaíōs
Pronunciation:dik-ah'-yoce
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb δικαίως (dikaíōs, `{{G1346}}`) is derived from the adjective δίκαιος (dikaios, `{{G1342}}`), meaning "just" or "righteous." As an adverb, dikaíōs describes an action or manner that is in conformity with what is right, just, or righteous. Its core meaning conveys the idea of acting "justly," "righteously," "equitably," or "fairly." It emphasizes the moral quality and uprightness of an action, indicating that something is done in a way that aligns with divine or ethical standards. The semantic range thus encompasses not merely legal correctness but also moral integrity and adherence to truth and fairness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term dikaíōs appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, but each instance carries significant weight regarding divine judgment and human conduct:
* **[[Luke 23:41]]**: In the account of the crucifixion, one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus acknowledges his guilt, stating, "And we indeed dikaíōs (justly); for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss." Here, dikaíōs underscores the justice of the punishment being received, implying that their suffering is a righteous consequence of their actions. It highlights a recognition of divine or moral accountability.
* **[[1 Corinthians 15:34]]**: Paul exhorts the Corinthians, "Awake dikaíōs (to righteousness), and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame." The adverb here functions as a call to live righteously, to act in a just and upright manner, rather than continuing in sin or ignorance. It implies a moral awakening that leads to righteous living.
* **[[1 Thessalonians 2:10]]**: Paul appeals to the Thessalonians' knowledge of his conduct: "Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and dikaíōs (justly) and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe." Here, dikaíōs describes the integrity and righteousness of Paul's actions and ministry, affirming that his conduct was exemplary and morally sound in their midst. It speaks to a life lived in accordance with ethical and spiritual principles.
* **[[Titus 2:12]]**: In a passage outlining the grace of God and its transformative power, Paul writes, "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, dikaíōs (righteously), and godly, in this present world." This verse presents dikaíōs as one of the three pillars of Christian living (soberly, righteously, godly), emphasizing the ethical dimension of faith—acting justly and fairly in all interactions.
* **[[1 Peter 2:23]]**: Describing the suffering of Christ, Peter states, "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth dikaíōs (righteously)." This is a profound theological statement, asserting that God is the ultimate judge who always acts dikaíōs, with perfect justice and righteousness. It provides comfort and assurance that ultimate vindication rests with a perfectly just God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word dikaíōs (`{{G1346}}`) belongs to a rich family of Greek words centered around the concept of righteousness and justice. Key related terms include:
* δίκαιος (dikaios, `{{G1342}}`): The adjective, meaning "just," "righteous," "upright." dikaíōs is the adverbial form of this word, describing *how* something is done in a righteous manner.
* δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, `{{G1343}}`): The noun, meaning "righteousness," "justice," "uprightness." This refers to the state or quality of being righteous.
* δικαιόω (dikaioō, `{{G1344}}`): The verb, meaning "to justify," "to declare righteous," "to make righteous." This describes the act of bringing someone into a state of righteousness.
These words collectively articulate the biblical understanding of divine character, the process of salvation, and the expected conduct of believers. Concepts closely associated with dikaíōs include equity, integrity, moral uprightness, and the administration of impartial judgment. It stands in contrast to concepts of injustice (ἀδικία, adikia, `{{G93}}`) and unrighteousness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of dikaíōs is multifaceted.
Firstly, it profoundly speaks to the character of God. As seen in [[1 Peter 2:23]], God is the one who judges dikaíōs. This attribute of divine righteousness is foundational to biblical theology, assuring believers that God's judgments are always fair, impartial, and perfectly aligned with His holy nature. It underscores His trustworthiness as the ultimate arbiter of justice and truth.
Secondly, dikaíōs serves as a critical descriptor of the expected conduct for believers. The New Testament repeatedly calls Christians to live dikaíōs (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 15:34]], [[Titus 2:12]]). This is not merely an abstract ideal but a practical outworking of faith. Having been justified by grace through faith, believers are called to demonstrate their new life in Christ through actions that are just, fair, and righteous in their dealings with God and humanity. This ethical living is a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel and a reflection of Christ's own righteous life.
Thirdly, the usage in [[Luke 23:41]] highlights the human recognition of just consequences, even from those outside the covenant. It points to an innate understanding of right and wrong, and the fairness of receiving due recompense for one's deeds.
In essence, dikaíōs bridges the gap between divine character and human responsibility, emphasizing that God's actions are always just, and human actions, especially those of believers, are called to reflect that divine standard.
### Summary
δικαίως (dikaíōs, `{{G1346}}`) is an adverb meaning "justly," "righteously," or "equitably." It describes the manner in which an action is performed, emphasizing its conformity to divine or moral standards of rightness. Biblically, it is used to affirm God's perfectly righteous judgment (e.g., [[1 Peter 2:23]]) and to exhort believers to live lives characterized by justice and moral uprightness (e.g., [[Titus 2:12]]). As part of the dikaios (`{{G1342}}`) word family, it underscores the comprehensive biblical emphasis on righteousness, both as an attribute of God and as a call to ethical conduct for those who follow Him. The word thus encapsulates a vital aspect of both divine character and practical Christian living.
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