The Greek word adíkōs, represented by G95, is an adverb derived from ἄδικος, meaning unjustly or wrongfully. It appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible, focusing its meaning on a singular, powerful concept.
The sole appearance of G95 is in the context of enduring undeserved hardship for God's sake 1 Peter 2:19. The verse states that it is thankworthy when a person, because of conscience toward God, endures grief while suffering wrongfully. G95 directly qualifies the suffering, defining it as unjust and undeserved.
Several related words from its single biblical context illuminate its meaning:
- G3958 páschō (to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)): This verb describes the act of feeling or experiencing hardship. It is directly modified by G95, specifying that the experience is unjust 1 Peter 2:19.
- G5297 hypophérō (to bear from underneath, i.e. (figuratively) to undergo hardship): This word describes the believer's response to the unjust suffering. The instruction is to endure or bear up under the grief 1 Peter 2:19.
- G4893 syneídēsis (co-perception, i.e. moral consciousness): This provides the motivation for enduring. The action is done "for conscience toward God," linking the endurance to a person's moral awareness before Him 1 Peter 2:19.
- G5485 cháris (graciousness... especially the divine influence upon the heart): Translated as "thankworthy" in this passage, it signifies the divine favour or grace associated with enduring wrongful treatment out of faithfulness to God 1 Peter 2:19.
The theological weight of G95 is seen entirely through its solitary use.
- Purpose in Unjust Suffering: The use of G95 establishes that suffering wrongfully is not meaningless. When a person is suffering G3958 this way "for conscience toward God," the act has spiritual significance 1 Peter 2:19.
- Divine Favor: The passage directly connects enduring wrongful hardship with cháris G5485, or divine favour. This indicates that God recognizes and approves of a believer's steadfastness when faced with injustice for His sake.
- God-Centered Endurance: The concept gives purpose to grief G3077 by shifting the focus from the injustice itself to the believer's response. The act of enduring is explicitly tied to one's awareness of and commitment to God G2316.
In summary, G95 adíkōs, though used only once, is a doctrinally significant word. It defines undeserved hardship and places it within a framework of faith. To endure grief wrongfully is presented not as a pointless tragedy, but as an opportunity for a believer to demonstrate a conscience toward God. This specific act of endurance is identified as something thankworthy and a recipient of divine favour 1 Peter 2:19.
TRV