### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term δικαστής (dikastḗs, G1348) is derived from δίκη (dikē), which signifies justice, right, or a judicial process. Consequently, δικαστής refers to one who presides over such a process, functioning as a "judger" or "judge." It denotes an arbiter, one who pronounces judgment, particularly in the context of a legal or civil dispute. The core meaning emphasizes the role of adjudicating, settling disagreements, and administering justice, often within a secular or governmental framework. This individual possesses the authority to hear a case, evaluate evidence, and render a decision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δικαστής appears infrequently in the New Testament, primarily within the Gospels and Acts, consistently referring to a human figure invested with judicial authority.
* **[[Luke 12:14]]**: In this significant passage, Jesus is asked by someone to arbitrate an inheritance dispute: "Man, who made me a judge or an arbiter over you?" (τίς με κατέστησεν δικαστὴν ἢ μεριστὴν ἐφ᾽ ὑμᾶς;). Jesus' explicit refusal to act as a δικαστής in a civil matter underscores the distinction between His spiritual mission and the functions of earthly legal systems. His primary focus is on the kingdom of God and spiritual reconciliation, not the resolution of material disputes. This highlights that His authority transcends, and is not bound by, worldly judicial roles.
* **[[Acts 7:27]]**: In Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin, he recounts the history of Israel, quoting the question posed to Moses by an Israelite in Egypt: "Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?" (τίς σε κατέστησεν ἄρχοντα καὶ δικαστὴν ἐφ᾽ ἡμᾶς;). Here, δικαστής is paired with ἄρχων (archōn, ruler), emphasizing Moses' perceived role as an authoritative figure in both governance and legal arbitration among the Israelites, even before his formal divine commission.
* **[[Acts 7:35]]**: Stephen further elaborates on Moses: "This Moses whom they rejected, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge?'—this man God sent as both ruler and deliverer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush." This verse reiterates the initial human rejection of Moses in his capacity as a δικαστής and ἄρχων, yet affirms God's ultimate appointment of him to these very roles, demonstrating divine sovereignty over human perception and rejection.
In all these occurrences, δικαστής points to a human agent responsible for making decisions in matters of law, right, or conflict resolution. It is distinct from the ultimate, divine judgment of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding δικαστής includes several important terms that help delineate its specific meaning:
* **δίκη (dikē)**: The root word for δικαστής, meaning justice, right, a legal process, or even a penalty. The δικαστής is the one who administers δίκη.
* **κρίνω (krinō)**: A more general verb meaning "to judge," "to decide," "to discern." While κρίνω encompasses all forms of judgment (divine, human, critical evaluation), δικαστής specifically denotes the *person* who acts as a judge in a formal, often legal, capacity.
* **κριτής (kritēs)**: Another noun for "judge," often used broadly, including God as the ultimate Judge and human judges in general. While κριτής and δικαστής can overlap, δικαστής tends to carry a stronger connotation of one presiding over a *civil* or *legal* case, implying a formal court setting.
* **ἄρχων (archōn)**: Meaning ruler, magistrate, or chief. As seen in [[Acts 7:27]], δικαστής can be a function or aspect of an ἄρχων, indicating a role of authority that includes governance and adjudication.
* **νομικός (nomikos)**: An expert in the law, a lawyer. While not a judge, a νομικός operates within the same legal sphere as a δικαστής, representing parties in legal proceedings.
### Theological Significance
The limited and specific use of δικαστής in the New Testament carries significant theological weight. Unlike κριτής, which is frequently applied to God as the ultimate Judge and to Christ as the one to whom all judgment has been committed ([[John 5:22]]), δικαστής is not directly attributed to the divine.
This distinction underscores the nature of Christ's mission. His refusal to act as a civil δικαστής in [[Luke 12:14]] emphasizes that His kingdom is "not of this world" ([[John 18:36]]). His authority is primarily spiritual and redemptive, focused on eternal salvation and the establishment of God's reign, rather than on the administration of earthly civil law or the resolution of temporal disputes. This highlights the unique character of the Gospel, which addresses the human heart and spirit rather than merely external legalities.
The references to Moses as a δικαστής in Acts 7 illustrate the human expectation for leaders to also be adjudicators, a role that Moses fulfilled by divine appointment. This historical example implicitly contrasts Moses' humanly perceived and rejected judicial role with Christ's ultimate, divine, and universally recognized (by believers) judicial authority. While human δικαστής figures are necessary for maintaining civil order and justice within society, their authority is finite and imperfect. The New Testament subtly reminds believers that ultimate justice and final arbitration rest solely with God, transcending the limitations of human courts and judges.
### Summary
δικαστής (dikastḗs, G1348) denotes a "judge" or "arbiter" specifically within the context of legal or civil disputes, stemming from the concept of δίκη (justice/right). Its rare occurrences in the New Testament are highly instructive. In [[Luke 12:14]], Jesus notably declines the role of a civil δικαστής, thereby emphasizing His spiritual mission over earthly legal entanglements. In Stephen's sermon ([[Acts 7:27]], [[Acts 7:35]]), Moses is identified as a δικαστής and ἄρχων, reflecting the human expectation for leaders to also serve as adjudicators. While related to κρίνω (to judge) and κριτής (judge), δικαστής carries a specific nuance of one presiding over a formal legal case. Theologically, its exclusive application to human figures, and not to God or Christ, underscores the spiritual and eternal nature of Christ's kingdom, differentiating it from the temporal realm of human civil justice and highlighting that ultimate judgment resides with God alone.
TRV