ὑπόδικος

answerable to

Definition

The adjective ὑπόδικος means 'answerable to' or 'liable to judgment.' It describes a person or group who is under the jurisdiction of a court or authority and is therefore accountable for their actions. In its sole New Testament use in Romans 3:19, it carries the specific sense of being 'brought under the judgment of God'—declared guilty and subject to His verdict. This legal term emphasizes not just potential liability but an actual state of being subject to condemnation under the law.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Romans 3:19. The Apostle Paul employs it in a sweeping theological argument to conclude that 'the whole world may become ὑπόδικος to God.' Here, it functions as a powerful legal declaration, summarizing humanity's universal guilt before God's law. The context is Paul's discourse on sin and the law's purpose to silence every mouth and hold all people accountable.

Etymology

Derived from the combination of the Greek preposition ὑπό (hypo, meaning 'under') and the noun δίκη (dikē, meaning 'justice,' 'judgment,' or 'penalty'). Literally, it means 'under justice' or 'subject to judgment.' It is a compound adjective that vividly pictures a person brought under the authority and sentence of a court.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it encapsulates the universal human condition under God's law. In Romans 3:19, Paul uses it to declare that both Jews under the Mosaic Law and Gentiles under the law of conscience are equally guilty and accountable before God. This establishes the critical premise for the gospel: everyone needs the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ (Romans 3:21-22), because all are 'ὑπόδικος' and cannot be justified by works of the law.

In the Greco-Roman world, this was a standard legal term. Someone 'ὑπόδικος' was not merely accused but was in a state of being answerable and liable to the court's sentence. This cultural understanding adds weight to Paul's usage—he is not suggesting a potential future trial but declaring a present, settled verdict of guilt upon humanity apart from Christ.

ὀφειλέτης (opheiletēs, G3781) — emphasizes being a debtor obligated to pay, whereas ὑπόδικος focuses on being under judicial authority and liable to penalty. ἔνοχος (enochos, G1777) — means 'guilty' or 'liable to' a specific punishment, often used in a similar legal sense but with a slightly stronger focus on the resulting penalty itself.

Word Details

Scripture References