δίκαιος

just, righteous, impartial

Definition

The adjective δίκαιος primarily means 'just' or 'righteous,' describing someone who conforms to a standard of right, whether human or divine. In a judicial sense, it refers to a person who is impartial and fair in judgment (e.g., Romans 2:13). Its most significant usage is theological, describing a person declared or made right in their relationship with God, as seen in passages about justification by faith (e.g., Romans 3:10, 26). It can also describe actions that are upright or correct, such as the 'righteous acts' of the saints (Revelation 19:8).

Biblical Usage

Δίκαιος is used throughout the New Testament, with high frequency in Matthew, Romans, and the General Epistles. It describes human righteousness (e.g., Joseph in Matthew 1:19), God's own righteous character (e.g., John 17:25), and the status of believers. A key pattern is its use in contrast with 'sinners' (e.g., Matthew 9:13) and in eschatological contexts separating the 'righteous' from the wicked (e.g., Matthew 13:49, 25:46).

Etymology

Derived from the noun δίκη (dikē), meaning 'custom,' 'order,' or 'justice.' The root concept is conformity to a proper standard or norm. Cognates include the verb δικαιόω (dikaioō, G1344, 'to justify') and the noun δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, G1343, 'righteousness').

Semantic Range

This word is central to the biblical doctrine of justification—how sinners are declared righteous before a holy God through faith in Christ (Romans 3:21-26). It connects God's attribute of justice with His act of making people right with Himself. Understanding δίκαιος enriches reading by clarifying that biblical righteousness is both a legal status granted by God and, progressively, an ethical quality lived out by believers.

In the Greco-Roman world, δίκαιος carried strong legal and social connotations of fairness and virtue. For first-century Jews, 'the righteous' (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq) were those faithful to God's covenant, often contrasted with 'sinners' who violated the Law. The New Testament both adopts and transforms this concept, ultimately defining righteousness in relation to faith in Jesus Christ rather than mere law-keeping.

δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, G1343) — the abstract noun 'righteousness,' denoting the quality or state. ὅσιος (hosios, G3741) — emphasizes piety and devotion, often in relation to God. ἀγαθός (agathos, G18) — broader term for 'good' in a moral or beneficial sense.

Word Details

Scripture References