ἀδικία

unrighteousness

Definition

ἀδικία fundamentally means 'unrighteousness' or 'injustice,' describing any action or state that violates God's standard of rightness and justice. It encompasses both active wrongdoing, such as the injustice of an unrighteous judge (Luke 18:6), and a general condition of moral corruption, as seen in humanity's suppression of the truth (Romans 1:18). In some contexts, it refers to the specific consequences of sin, like the 'reward of unrighteousness' that Judas obtained (Acts 1:18). The term thus covers the spectrum from individual unjust acts to the pervasive sinful state opposed to God's character.

Biblical Usage

ἀδικία is used throughout the New Testament, appearing in Gospels, Acts, and Epistles. In Luke's writings, it often describes concrete acts of injustice (Luke 16:8, 18:6). In John, it characterizes the intrinsic nature of falsehood and the devil (John 7:18). Paul employs it more abstractly for the sinful condition of humanity and the world (Romans 1:18, 6:13). The word consistently appears in moral and theological contexts contrasting human failure with God's righteousness.

Etymology

Derived from the alpha-privative ἀ- (meaning 'not' or 'without') and the root δίκη (dikē), meaning 'justice,' 'right,' or 'custom.' Thus, ἀδικία literally means 'without justice' or 'not right.' It is the direct opposite of δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, G1343, 'righteousness'). This formation highlights how the concept is defined in opposition to the established standard of what is right and just.

Semantic Range

This word is crucial for understanding the biblical doctrine of sin. It defines sin not merely as legal transgression but as a fundamental state of being 'not right' in relation to God's perfect justice. It underscores the universal human condition requiring redemption, as all have sinned and fall short (Romans 3:23). Understanding ἀδικία enriches the contrast with God's righteousness (δικαιοσύνη) and the gift of justification through Christ, who knew no ἀδικία (2 Corinthians 5:21).

In the Greco-Roman world, δίκη (justice) was a central civic and philosophical virtue. ἀδικία would thus be understood as a violation of social order, divine law, and personal integrity. The biblical usage deepens this by anchoring 'justice' not in human consensus but in the character of God Himself. Therefore, ἀδικία becomes primarily a theological and relational term, describing rebellion against God's order, not just societal norms.

ἁμαρτία (hamartia, G266) — emphasizes 'missing the mark' or failure. ἀνομία (anomia, G458) — stresses 'lawlessness' or violation of specific commands. πονηρία (ponēria, G4189) — focuses on active wickedness or malicious intent.

Word Details

Scripture References