The Greek word adíkēma, represented by G92, refers to a wrong done. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible and is translated as evil doing, iniquity, or a matter of wrong. The term specifically denotes a concrete act of injustice or a crime, rather than a general state of sinfulness.
In its biblical usage, G92 appears in both legal and divine contexts. In a civil setting, the Roman proconsul Gallio dismisses a complaint against Paul, stating that he would only intervene if it were a "matter of wrong" or "wicked lewdness," not a dispute over Jewish law Acts 18:14. Similarly, Paul challenges his accusers to identify any "evil doing" he committed while before the council, using the term to refer to a specific, actionable offense Acts 24:20. In a theological context, the term describes the sins of Babylon, whose "iniquities" have piled up so high that God has remembered them for judgment Revelation 18:5.
Several related words help clarify the meaning and impact of G92:
- G266 hamartía (a sin): This word is used in parallel with G92, where "sins" G266 are said to have reached heaven, and God remembers the resulting "iniquities" G92, suggesting that abstract sin leads to specific wrongful acts Revelation 18:5.
- G4190 ponērós (hurtful, evil): This adjective is used to describe the character of an offense associated with G92, emphasizing its hurtful or malicious nature, as seen in the phrase "wicked lewdness" Acts 18:14.
- G4467 rhaidioúrgēma (a crime): Paired directly with G92 in Acts 18:14, this term for "lewdness" or a crime helps define a specific, serious offense that warrants legal action.
- G3421 mnēmoneúō (to exercise memory, i.e. recollect; by implication, to punish): This verb is crucially linked to G92, as God's act to "remember" Babylon's iniquities implies a coming punishment, not just a simple recollection Revelation 18:5.
The theological weight of G92 centers on the concepts of accountability and divine justice.
- Concrete Accountability: Unlike general sinfulness, G92 points to specific, identifiable wrongs. This is clear in the legal challenges in the book of Acts, where an "evil doing" is something that can be proven or disproven Acts 24:20.
- Accumulated Iniquity: The imagery in Revelation suggests that individual acts of wrongdoing can accumulate to a critical point. The "sins" G266 of Babylon are described as having "reached" G2853 unto heaven G3772, manifesting as iniquities that demand a divine response Revelation 18:5.
- Divine Judgment: The fact that God G2316 "remembered" the "iniquities" G92 of Babylon demonstrates that no unjust act is forgotten. This divine memory is active, leading directly to judgment and showing that all wrongs will ultimately be addressed.
In summary, G92 is more than a general term for bad behavior. It signifies a tangible, specific act of wrongdoing with consequences. Whether used in a human legal argument as a "matter of wrong" or in a divine declaration as an "iniquity" ripe for judgment, the word underscores the biblical principle of accountability for one's actions before both human and divine authorities.
TRV