### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἀδίκημα (adikēma, `{{G92}}`) derives from the verb ἀδικέω (adikeō, `{{G91}}`), meaning "to do wrong" or "to act unjustly." As a noun, ἀδίκημα denotes the *result* or *act* of injustice, rather than the state or quality of unrighteousness itself (which is conveyed by ἀδικία, `{{G93}}`). It refers to a concrete wrong, a specific evil deed, or an unrighteous act that has been committed. The term carries the sense of a transgression against what is right or just, often implying an injury or an offense. Its semantic range thus encompasses "a wrong done," "an evil doing," "iniquity," or "a matter of wrong," emphasizing the tangible manifestation of unrighteousness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀδίκημα (adikēma, `{{G92}}`) appears infrequently in the New Testament, primarily in contexts related to legal proceedings or divine judgment.
* **[[Acts 18:14]]**: When Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, dismisses the charges against Paul, he states, "If indeed it were a matter of wrongdoing (ἀδίκημα) or wicked lewdness, O Jews, reason would that I should bear with you." Here, ἀδίκημα refers to a specific, actionable offense that would fall under Roman law, distinguishing it from religious disputes that were outside his jurisdiction. It denotes a demonstrable crime or legal wrong.
* **[[Acts 24:20]]**: In Paul's defense before Felix, he challenges his accusers: "Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing (ἀδίκημα) they found when I stood before the Sanhedrin." Again, the context is legal, with Paul asserting that no specific criminal act or actionable offense could be proven against him during his previous hearing. The word highlights the demand for concrete evidence of transgression.
* **[[Revelation 18:5]]**: In the prophetic judgment against Babylon, it is declared, "For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities (ἀδίκημα)." Here, ἀδίκημα is used in the plural, referring to the accumulated sum of Babylon's specific acts of injustice and wrongdoing. This usage underscores the divine memory and ultimate reckoning for all unrighteous deeds, demonstrating that God's justice extends to every concrete act of sin.
Across these occurrences, ἀδίκημα consistently points to a specific, identifiable act of wrong, whether in a human legal framework or in the divine court of judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἀδίκημα (adikēma, `{{G92}}`) is part of a significant word family in the Greek New Testament centered around the concept of justice and injustice.
* **Root:** The core is δίκη (dikē, `{{G1349}}`), meaning "justice" or "right." The alpha-privative prefix ἀ- negates this, indicating a lack of justice.
* **Verb:** ἀδικέω (adikeō, `{{G91}}`) is the verb from which ἀδίκημα is derived. It means "to act unjustly," "to do wrong," or "to injure." ἀδίκημα is the concrete *act* resulting from ἀδικέω.
* **Noun (State):** ἀδικία (adikia, `{{G93}}`) refers to "unrighteousness" or "injustice" as a state, quality, or principle. ἀδίκημα is the specific *manifestation* or *deed* of ἀδικία.
* **Adjective:** ἄδικος (adikos, `{{G94}}`) describes someone or something as "unjust" or "unrighteous."
* **Antonym:** The direct conceptual antonym is δικαίωμα (dikaioma, `{{G1345}}`), which signifies a "righteous act," "just requirement," or "ordinance." This contrast highlights ἀδίκημα as a deviation from what is righteous and prescribed.
* **Broader Synonyms:** While ἀδίκημα specifically emphasizes the *injustice* or *wrong* done, other terms like ἁμαρτία (hamartia, `{{G266}}`, "sin," "missing the mark") or παράπτωμα (paraptoma, `{{G3900}}`, "trespass," "transgression") also denote moral failings but with slightly different nuances. ἀδίκημα uniquely stresses the violation of a standard of justice or right.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀδίκημα (adikēma, `{{G92}}`) lies in its emphasis on the concrete nature of human wrongdoing in the sight of God.
1. **Divine Accountability:** ἀδίκημα underscores that God's judgment is not merely against a state of unrighteousness but against specific, identifiable acts of injustice. As seen in [[Revelation 18:5]], God remembers and will reckon with every individual ἀδίκημα committed, affirming His perfect justice and meticulous record-keeping.
2. **Legal and Moral Dimension:** The consistent use of ἀδίκημα in legal contexts in Acts highlights that human sin is not merely an abstract concept but involves concrete violations of established laws and moral principles, whether human or divine. It speaks to the objective reality of transgression.
3. **Contrast with God's Character:** By its very definition, ἀδίκημα stands in stark opposition to God's inherent righteousness and justice. Every act of ἀδίκημα is a rebellion against the divine standard and character, revealing the depth of human fallenness.
4. **Necessity of Redemption:** The reality of ἀδίκημα necessitates a means of atonement and reconciliation. Since specific wrongs are committed, a specific and sufficient remedy is required to address them, pointing ultimately to the atoning work of Christ.
### Summary
ἀδίκημα (adikēma, `{{G92}}`) is a crucial Greek noun that denotes a concrete act of injustice, a specific wrong, or an evil deed. Distinct from the state of unrighteousness (ἀδικία, `{{G93}}`), ἀδίκημα focuses on the tangible manifestation of wrongdoing. Its occurrences in the New Testament, particularly in legal contexts in Acts and in the divine judgment of Revelation, highlight its emphasis on actionable offenses and accumulated transgressions. Theologically, ἀδίκημα underscores human accountability for specific acts of injustice before God, affirms God's perfect memory and ultimate reckoning for all wrongdoing, and stands in stark contrast to divine righteousness, thereby emphasizing humanity's profound need for redemption.
TRV