The Greek word adikía, represented by G93, refers to injustice, wrongfulness, and iniquity. It appears 25 times in 24 unique verses, denoting a state or act that is morally wrong or a violation of justice. The term covers a spectrum from legal injustice to a broader sense of moral wrongfulness in character or life.
In scripture, G93 is frequently used to describe the fallen state of humanity and its opposition to God's truth. The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against the unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in their unrighteousness Romans 1:18. It is presented as a condition from which believers must be cleansed, as God is faithful and just to forgive sins and "cleanse us from all unrighteousness" 1 John 1:9. The term can describe a pervasive corrupting influence, such as the tongue being called "a world of iniquity" James 3:6, or refer to specific actions, like the "wages of unrighteousness" 2 Peter 2:15.
Several related words provide a fuller understanding of the biblical concept of justice and injustice:
- G94 ádikos (unjust, unrighteous): This is the adjective form from which G93 is derived, describing a person or act that is unjust. For example, "he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much" Luke 16:10.
- G1342 díkaios (just, right, righteous): The direct opposite of G94, this word describes what is equitable and innocent. God is described as just G1342 to forgive and cleanse from unrighteousness G93 1 John 1:9.
- G1343 dikaiosýnē (righteousness): The conceptual antonym to G93, representing the quality of equity and justification. Believers are instructed not to yield their members as "instruments of unrighteousness" but as "instruments of righteousness" to God Romans 6:13.
- G266 hamartía (sin): This term for sin is explicitly linked to G93, clarifying its moral weight. Scripture states plainly, "All unrighteousness is sin" 1 John 5:17.
The theological significance of G93 is central to understanding sin and salvation.
- Opposition to God's Character: Unrighteousness is fundamentally contrary to God's nature. The question is posed rhetorically, "Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid" Romans 9:14. Likewise, it is said of Christ that "no unrighteousness is in him" John 7:18.
- The Object of Divine Wrath: Scripture teaches that G93 is a primary reason for divine judgment. God's wrath G3709 is revealed against all human unrighteousness Romans 1:18.
- A Comprehensive Definition of Sin: G93 serves as a broad term for human corruption. It is listed as the first characteristic in a description of a fallen humanity that is "filled with all unrighteousness" Romans 1:29.
- The Condition Requiring Forgiveness: The presence of G93 in humanity necessitates God's mercy. Under the new covenant, God promises to be merciful to their unrighteousness Hebrews 8:12, a cleansing made available to those who confess their sins 1 John 1:9.
In summary, G93 is more than a simple term for wrongdoing. It defines a state of injustice and moral wrongfulness that is antithetical to God's perfect character. From the "mammon of unrighteousness" Luke 16:9 to being a foundational aspect of human sinfulness, adikía encapsulates the condition from which humanity needs to be saved, highlighting the necessity of God's mercy and cleansing power.
TRV