### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G1738}}` (éndikos) is a compound adjective derived from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning "in" or "within," and the noun δίκη (dikē), which signifies "justice," "right," "judgment," or "penalty." Etymologically, `{{G1738}}` therefore means "in justice" or "according to justice." Its core semantic range encompasses that which is "just," "equitable," "righteous," or "deserved." It implies conformity to a standard of what is morally right and fair, aligning with the principles of divine or legal justice. Unlike `{{G1342}}` (dikaios), which describes the state of being righteous, `{{G1738}}` emphasizes being *in accordance with* or *consistent with* justice, particularly in relation to actions or outcomes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G1738}}` appears only twice in the New Testament, yet its strategic placement illuminates profound theological truths:
1. **[[Romans 3:26]]**: "to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." Here, `{{G1738}}` describes God's character. In the context of the atonement, Paul asserts that God, in justifying ungodly sinners through faith in Christ, remains perfectly `{{G1738}}`. This is crucial for understanding how God can be both righteous and merciful. His act of justification is not a compromise of His justice but a demonstration of it, made possible through Christ's propitiatory sacrifice. God's inherent nature is not violated; rather, His δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, `{{G1343}}`) is upheld and revealed as He justly declares righteous those who believe.
2. **[[Hebrews 2:2]]**: "For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty..." In this verse, `{{G1738}}` modifies "penalty" (μισθαποδοσία, misthapodosia, `{{G3406}}`). The author of Hebrews argues for the greater authority of Christ over the Law given through angels. The unalterable nature of the Mosaic Law meant that every transgression against it received a penalty that was `{{G1738}}`—that is, perfectly deserved, equitable, and in accordance with divine justice. This highlights the certainty and fairness of God's judgment, emphasizing that consequences for disobedience are not arbitrary but are precisely calibrated to the offense.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{G1738}}` is closely intertwined with other terms related to justice and righteousness:
* δίκη (dikē, `{{G1349}}`): The root noun, meaning "justice, right, judgment, penalty." `{{G1738}}` expresses the state of being *in* or *according to* this principle.
* δίκαιος (dikaios, `{{G1342}}`): "Righteous, just." While `{{G1342}}` describes a person or action as righteous, `{{G1738}}` often describes a consequence or a quality of an action as being in line with justice.
* δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, `{{G1343}}`): "Righteousness, justice." This abstract noun refers to the quality or state of being just.
* κρίμα (krima, `{{G2917}}`): "Judgment, condemnation." `{{G1738}}` describes the nature of such a judgment as being just.
* ἀλήθεια (alētheia, `{{G225}}`): "Truth." Justice is often seen as an expression of divine truth and order.
These terms collectively affirm a divine moral order where actions have appropriate and `{{G1738}}` consequences.
### Theological Significance
The infrequent but potent use of `{{G1738}}` carries significant theological weight:
* **God's Unchanging Justice**: In [[Romans 3:26]], `{{G1738}}` is a powerful affirmation of God's unwavering justice. Even in the act of justifying the ungodly, God remains perfectly `{{G1738}}`. This demonstrates that salvation is not a suspension of divine justice but its profound fulfillment through Christ's atoning work. It assures believers that God's actions are always consistent with His righteous character, maintaining His integrity even as He extends grace.
* **The Certainty and Fairness of Divine Retribution**: [[Hebrews 2:2]] underscores the absolute reliability of God's word and the `{{G1738}}` nature of the penalties for disobedience. This concept assures that divine judgment is not arbitrary, capricious, or excessive, but precisely measured and deserved. It speaks to the inherent order and moral coherence of God's universe, where every transgression against His revealed will incurs a consequence that is perfectly equitable.
* **Foundation of Moral Order**: The concept embedded in `{{G1738}}` provides a theological bedrock for understanding moral order. It posits that there is an objective standard of right and wrong, and that divine responses to human actions are not random but operate according to a precise, equitable, and `{{G1738}}` system. This provides a basis for trust in God's governance of the world.
### Summary
`{{G1738}}` (éndikos) describes that which is "in accordance with justice" or "equitable." Though appearing only twice in the New Testament, it profoundly articulates the nature of God's character and His dealings with humanity. In [[Romans 3:26]], it affirms God's inherent and unwavering justice, demonstrating how He remains `{{G1738}}` even as He justifies sinners through faith in Christ. In [[Hebrews 2:2]], it highlights the certainty and `{{G1738}}` nature of divine penalties for disobedience, underscoring that God's judgments are always deserved and proportionate. Thus, `{{G1738}}` serves as a vital term for understanding the integrity of God's righteousness, the reliability of His word, and the foundational moral order of His creation.
TRV