### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G5267}}` (hypódikos) is a compound term derived from the preposition ὑπό (hypó), meaning "under" or "subject to," and the noun δίκη (dikē), which signifies "justice," "judgment," "penalty," or "legal process." Etymologically, therefore, `{{G5267}}` means "under justice" or "subject to judgment." Its semantic range extends beyond merely being accused to denoting a state of being "under sentence," "liable to punishment," or "condemned." It implies a verdict or an inescapable accountability before a legal or moral authority. The English translation "guilty" accurately captures this sense of culpability and liability to judgment. It is not merely a potential for judgment, but an established condition of being amenable to its full force.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G5267}}` appears only once in the New Testament, in the pivotal theological discourse of Paul in Romans:
* **[[Romans 3:19]]**: "Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become `{{G5267}}` before God."
In this verse, Paul is building his comprehensive argument for the universal sinfulness of humanity, demonstrating that both Jews and Gentiles are "under sin" ([[Romans 3:9]]). The Law, given to Israel, does not justify but rather serves to reveal sin and to silence any human boasting or self-righteousness. When Paul states that "all the world may become `{{G5267}}` before God," he underscores the absolute and inescapable accountability of every individual to God's righteous judgment. This is not merely a legalistic pronouncement but a profound theological truth: humanity stands condemned and liable to divine retribution due to its inherent sinfulness and transgression against God's holy standard. The Law's function is to bring this universal guilt to light, preparing the way for the revelation of God's righteousness through faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of `{{G5267}}` connect it to a significant cluster of biblical terms:
* ὑπό (hypó - `{{G5259}}`): This preposition frequently denotes subjection, dependence, or being under the authority or influence of something. Its presence in `{{G5267}}` emphasizes the inescapable nature of humanity's position *under* God's judgment.
* δίκη (dikē - `{{G1349}}`): This root word for "justice" or "judgment" is foundational to understanding God's character and actions. It relates closely to:
* δίκαιος (dikaios - `{{G1342}}`): righteous, just.
* δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē - `{{G1343}}`): righteousness, justice.
* δικαιόω (dikaioō - `{{G1344}}`): to justify, declare righteous.
The concept of `{{G5267}}` stands in stark contrast to δικαιοσύνη and δικαιόω. While `{{G5267}}` describes humanity's state of being condemned by divine justice, δικαιόω describes God's act of declaring a sinner righteous through faith in Christ, thereby removing their `{{G5267}}` status. Other related concepts include sin (ἁμαρτία - `{{G266}}`), law (νόμος - `{{G3551}}`), judgment (κρίμα - `{{G2917}}`), and condemnation (κατάκριμα - `{{G2631}}`). The term highlights the universal human condition that necessitates divine intervention for salvation.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of `{{G5267}}` in [[Romans 3:19]] is profoundly significant for Pauline theology and the broader Christian understanding of salvation.
1. **Universal Guilt and Accountability**: `{{G5267}}` underscores the total depravity and universal culpability of humanity before a holy God. No one, whether Jew or Gentile, can stand innocent or righteous on their own merits. Every individual is "under sentence" and liable to God's righteous wrath.
2. **The Law's Function**: The Law's primary purpose is not to save but to expose sin and demonstrate humanity's inability to meet God's perfect standard. By revealing transgression, the Law renders humanity `{{G5267}}`, silencing all self-justification and pride. It functions as a mirror, showing humanity its true, condemned state.
3. **Necessity of Grace**: The state of being `{{G5267}}` creates the absolute necessity for God's gracious intervention. If all are guilty and condemned, then salvation cannot come from human effort or adherence to the Law. This sets the stage for Paul's explication of justification by faith in Christ, which is God's divine provision for those who are otherwise `{{G5267}}`.
4. **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**: The term affirms God's absolute justice. He is not merely a benevolent deity but a righteous judge who holds all creation accountable. Humanity's `{{G5267}}` status is a testament to the inviolable nature of God's law and His sovereign authority.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G5267}}` (hypódikos) literally means "under justice" or "subject to judgment," and semantically conveys the state of being "under sentence," "liable to punishment," or "guilty." Its singular, yet powerful, appearance in [[Romans 3:19]] is foundational to Paul's argument for universal sin and the necessity of justification by faith. It articulates humanity's inescapable accountability and condemnation before God's righteous judgment, a state brought to light by the Law. This universal `{{G5267}}` status underscores the utter inability of humanity to save itself and highlights the profound necessity and glory of God's gracious provision of righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, moving humanity from a state of condemnation to one of justification.
TRV