The Greek word adikéō, represented by G91, defines the act of being unjust or doing wrong. It appears 36 times across 23 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from a root meaning unjust, its scope covers actions that are morally, socially, or physically wrong, and can be translated as to hurt, injure, be an offender, or to suffer or take wrong.
In scripture, G91 is applied in various contexts, from physical harm to interpersonal injustice. In the book of Revelation, angelic beings are commanded not to hurt the earth or the sea Revelation 7:2-3, and demonic locusts are given power to hurt men Revelation 9:10. Jesus promises his followers protection, stating that "nothing shall by any means hurt you" Luke 10:19. On a social level, Paul confronts believers who do wrong to their brethren 1 Corinthians 6:8 and asks why they do not instead "rather take wrong" than go to court 1 Corinthians 6:7. Paul also uses the term to defend his own actions, declaring "to the Jews have I done no wrong" Acts 25:10.
Several related words expand upon the concept of injustice and its opposite:
- G1342 díkaios (just, right(-eous)): This word describes what is equitable and is the direct contrast to being unjust. It is used to describe what is right in God's eyes, such as children obeying their parents Ephesians 6:1, and appears in opposition to G91 in Revelation 22:11.
- G1344 dikaióō (to justify, be righteous): As the verb form, this means to render or regard as just. It is used to explain the doctrine that a person is justified by faith Romans 5:1 and not by works of the law Galatians 2:16.
- G650 aposteréō (to despoil, defraud): This term specifies a particular kind of injustice related to fraud or depriving someone of what is theirs. Paul uses it alongside G91 when he asks the Corinthians why they do not rather "suffer yourselves to be defrauded" 1 Corinthians 6:7.
- G5351 phtheírō (to corrupt, defile, destroy): This word points to the ruinous and depraving nature of certain actions. Paul declares that he and his companions have wronged no one and have corrupted no one 2 Corinthians 7:2.
The theological weight of G91 is significant, highlighting principles of justice and accountability.
- Divine Accountability: The concept of absolute divine justice is clear: "he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons" Colossians 3:25. This establishes that all unjust acts have consequences before God.
- Harm and Injustice: G91 encompasses both physical hurt, as seen in the apocalyptic judgments Revelation 9:4, and moral or social wrong, such as when one person wrongs another Acts 7:26. This connects sinful actions to their tangible, harmful results.
- Conduct Within the Church: The term is used to set a standard for believers. Paul uses it to address internal conflicts, admonishing the church for doing wrong and defrauding one another, actions that are contrary to their calling 1 Corinthians 6:8.
- Final States: In Revelation, a person's relationship with justice is shown as a final state. The one who is unjust is commanded to "be unjust still" Revelation 22:11, contrasted with the righteous, underscoring the eternal significance of one's actions.
In summary, G91 is far more than a simple term for wrongdoing. It functions as a foundational word for understanding injustice in its many forms, from physical injury inflicted by supernatural forces to the moral and social wrongs committed between people. It serves as a stark reminder of divine accountability for all actions and establishes a clear distinction between the path of injustice and the path of righteousness that believers are called to follow.
TRV