δικαίωσις

acquittal, justification

Definition

δικαίωσις (dikaiōsis) refers to the act or process of being declared righteous or justified. In the New Testament, it specifically denotes God's judicial act of acquitting believers from sin and pronouncing them righteous on the basis of Christ's work. In Romans 4:25, it is linked to Jesus' resurrection, which secures our justification. In Romans 5:18, it is presented as the gracious result of Christ's 'one act of righteousness,' leading to justification and life for all people.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in Paul's letter to the Romans (Romans 4:25 and Romans 5:18). In both instances, it is used in a forensic or legal sense to describe the divine act of justification. Paul employs it to contrast the condemnation brought by Adam's sin with the free gift of justification available through Christ. The usage is consistently theological, focusing on God's declarative act in salvation.

Etymology

Derived from the verb δικαιόω (dikaioō, G1344), meaning 'to justify, declare righteous,' which itself comes from the adjective δίκαιος (dikaios, G1342), meaning 'righteous, just.' The suffix -σις (-sis) indicates an action or process, so δικαίωσις literally means 'a justifying' or 'the act of declaring righteous.' It is part of the δικαι- word group central to Pauline theology.

Semantic Range

This word is crucial for understanding the doctrine of justification by faith. It emphasizes that justification is a definitive legal declaration by God, not a process of becoming morally perfect. In Romans 4:25, it is tied directly to Christ's resurrection, showing that our right standing before God is secured by His finished work. Grasping this Greek term helps readers see that justification is a gift of God's grace, received through faith, not earned by works.

In the Greco-Roman world, the term had a legal background, often used in judicial settings for a verdict of acquittal. For Paul's original audience, this would resonate with the idea of a judge declaring someone innocent. This contrasts with some modern, vague notions of 'justification' as merely being forgiven; the ancient context underscores its nature as a positive declaration of righteousness.

δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, G1343) — refers to the state or quality of righteousness, often translated 'righteousness.' δικαίωμα (dikaiōma, G1345) — can mean a righteous decree, regulation, or act, sometimes translated 'righteous requirement' or 'act of righteousness.'

Word Details

Scripture References