from ἄδικος; (legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act):--iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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.
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