from δικαιόω; aquittal (for Christ's sake):--justification.
Transliteration:dikaíōsis
Pronunciation:dik-ah'-yo-sis
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun δικαίωσις (dikaíōsis) derives from the verb `{{G1344}}` δικαιόω (dikaioō), meaning "to justify" or "to declare righteous." Its core meaning is "acquittal," "vindication," or "declaration of righteousness." It carries a distinct forensic or legal connotation, signifying a favorable verdict pronounced by a judge. Unlike `{{G1345}}` δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē), which refers to the inherent quality or state of righteousness, δικαίωσις emphasizes the *act* or *process* of being declared righteous, or the *state* that results from such a divine declaration. It is the effect or result of God's justifying act, rather than the inherent character of righteousness itself. This term points to a divine initiative, a legal pronouncement by God on behalf of humanity, not an achievement of human merit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δικαίωσις occurs only twice in the New Testament, both instances appearing in Paul's Epistle to the Romans, a letter central to the doctrine of justification by faith:
* [[Romans 4:25]]: "who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification." In this pivotal verse, Christ's resurrection is directly linked to the believer's justification (δικαίωσις). His death addressed the penalty for sin (trespasses), while His resurrection is presented as the divine seal and basis for the declaration of righteousness for believers. It signifies that His work was fully accepted by God, thereby securing the believer's acquittal. The resurrection is not merely an event subsequent to the crucifixion but is integral to the efficacy of Christ's atoning work in bringing about δικαίωσις.
* [[Romans 5:18]]: "Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness led to justification and life for all men." Here, δικαίωσις is presented as the direct antithesis to "condemnation" (κατάκριμα). Paul draws a parallel between Adam's sin, which brought universal condemnation and death, and Christ's "one act of righteousness" (likely referring to His obedient life culminating in His atoning death), which brings about δικαίωσις and life for all who are "in Christ." This verse underscores the universality of both sin's effect and the potential scope of Christ's salvific work, establishing δικαίωσις as the divine verdict that reverses the condemnation of sin, leading to spiritual life.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{G1344}}` δικαιόω (dikaioō): The verb "to justify" or "to declare righteous." δικαίωσις is the noun form, representing the *act* or *result* of this divine declaration.
* `{{G1345}}` δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē): "Righteousness." While closely related, δικαιοσύνη refers to the inherent quality or state of being righteous, whereas δικαίωσις is the divine act of imputing or declaring δικαιοσύνη to a believer.
* `{{G1342}}` δίκαιος (dikaios): "Righteous," "just." This adjective describes the state of being in conformity with God's standards.
* Forensic Theology: The concept of δικαίωσις is foundational to forensic theology, which views God as a righteous Judge who declares sinners righteous based on the merits of Christ, rather than on their own performance.
* Atonement: The atoning work of Christ, particularly His death and resurrection, is the indispensable basis for δικαίωσις. Without Christ's sacrifice, there is no ground for God's declaration of acquittal.
* Imputation: The doctrine that Christ's righteousness is credited to the believer's account, and the believer's sin is credited to Christ's account. δικαίωσις is the divine act of this imputation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δικαίωσις is profound and central to Christian doctrine:
* **Divine Initiative and Grace:** δικαίωσις is entirely a work of God's grace, not something earned by human effort or merit. It is a declaration God makes based on Christ's finished work, highlighting divine sovereignty in salvation.
* **Basis in Christ's Work:** The "acquittal" is irrevocably tied to Christ's perfect obedience, atoning death, and victorious resurrection. [[Romans 4:25]] explicitly connects Christ's resurrection to the believer's δικαίωσις, emphasizing that His triumph over death is the guarantee of our justified standing before God.
* **Forensic Declaration:** It is a judicial act, a divine verdict. God, as the supreme Judge, declares the guilty sinner "not guilty" and righteous in His sight, not by overlooking sin, but by satisfying justice through the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. This means the believer's legal standing before God is fundamentally altered.
* **Imputed Righteousness:** While δικαίωσις does not inherently make a person righteous in their being (that is sanctification), it declares them righteous by imputing Christ's righteousness to them. This is a vital distinction, ensuring that human works play no part in achieving this justified status.
* **Foundation for Peace and Life:** As seen in [[Romans 5:18]], δικαίωσις leads directly to "life," contrasting sharply with the condemnation and death brought by sin. It establishes a right relationship with God, removing enmity and laying the foundation for peace ([[Romans 5:1]]).
* **Irreversible Status:** Once declared justified by God, this status is eternal and irreversible. It is a definitive act, not a provisional state.
### Summary
δικαίωσις (dikaíōsis) denotes the divine act of declaring a sinner righteous, an acquittal that is entirely grounded in the atoning work and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a forensic term, it represents a judicial verdict by God, who, through Christ's sacrifice, imputes righteousness to the believer, thereby removing the condemnation of sin. Its two occurrences in Romans ([[Romans 4:25]], [[Romans 5:18]]) underscore its critical role in salvation: Christ's resurrection is the guarantee of our δικαίωσις, and His singular act of righteousness reverses the universal condemnation inherited from Adam, leading to life. This term is distinct from the inherent quality of righteousness (`{{G1345}}` δικαιοσύνη) but describes the definitive act or result of being made righteous in God's sight, securing an eternal and peaceful relationship with the Creator.
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