### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ékdikos**, represented by `{{G1558}}`, defines one who is "carrying justice out," specifically a **punisher** or **revenger**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting its specific role in the context of divine and civil judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical text, `{{G1558}}` is used to describe both divine and human agents of justice. In [[Romans 13:4]], a governing authority is called a **revenger** who acts as a "minister of God" to bring wrath upon evildoers. In [[1 Thessalonians 4:6]], the term is applied directly to God, stating that "the Lord is the **avenger**" for those who defraud their brothers, positioning Him as the ultimate executor of justice.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the actions and roles associated with an **ékdikos**:
* `{{G1249}}` **diákonos** (deacon, minister, servant): This word describes an attendant or servant. In [[Romans 13:4]], the civil authority is called a **minister** of God, directly linking the role of servant to the function of being a **revenger** `{{G1558}}`.
* `{{G3709}}` **orgḗ** (anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath): This term refers to violent passion or punishment. It is the **wrath** that the **revenger** `{{G1558}}` is appointed to execute upon evildoers, as stated in [[Romans 13:4]].
* `{{G4122}}` **pleonektéō** (get an advantage, defraud, make a gain): This word means to over-reach or defraud. It is the specific sin of defrauding a brother in [[1 Thessalonians 4:6]] that provokes the Lord to act as the **avenger** `{{G1558}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1558}}` is centered on the administration of justice.
* **Delegated Authority:** The concept of the `{{G1558}}` establishes that God ordains civil authorities to act as His **minister** `{{G1249}}` for executing justice. In [[Romans 13:4]], this authority is not acting on its own but as an instrument of God.
* **Divine Prerogative:** While authority may be delegated, the role of ultimate **avenger** belongs to God. [[1 Thessalonians 4:6]] affirms that the Lord himself will carry out justice for wrongdoing, particularly in matters of personal offense like defrauding a brother.
* **Execution of Wrath:** The `{{G1558}}` is explicitly linked to executing **wrath** `{{G3709}}` upon evil [[Romans 13:4]]. This shows that punishment is not random but a purposeful consequence of sin, administered by a designated agent of God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1558}}` **ékdikos** provides a focused definition of one who executes justice. Though used only twice, it carries significant theological weight by establishing a framework for both civil and divine retribution. It illustrates how God's justice is administered through ordained authorities on earth and ultimately fulfilled by the Lord himself, who acts as the final **avenger** against evil.
TRV