δικαίως (G1346) — Greek Lexicon

δικαίως

dikaíōs

G1346 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

In a manner consistent with what is right or just, acting in a way that accords with justice, fairness, or what is deemed proper. Also used for behaving in accordance with ethical norms or law, as well as carrying out an action fairly—without bias or partiality. In different contexts, may refer to acting in alignment with social, civic, or divine standards.

Semantic Range

justly, uprightly, in accordance with justice, fairly, in a proper or lawful manner, righteously

Root / Etymology

From the adjective δίκαιος (díkaios, 'just, righteous') with the adverbial ending -ως, forming an adverb meaning 'justly' or 'in a just manner.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The adverb δικαίως appears in both classical and Hellenistic Greek, often in legal, civic, and ethical contexts to modify actions or judgments as being in accordance with justice or fairness. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it is used to describe conduct that aligns with divine law, social norms, or legal standards and is often contrasted with ἀδίκως ('unjustly'). English translations sometimes render the term as 'justly,' 'righteously,' or 'uprightly,' but the underlying scope covers both the ethical and legal spheres. In the New Testament, δικαίως can reflect both objective standards (as established by law or custom) and subjective character (the perceived uprightness of a person or action). The semantic field is broader than merely religious 'righteousness,' encompassing civic and interpersonal relations as well. There is no significant difference in usage between the Septuagint and New Testament, though in both it can imply harmony with divine instruction.

Translation Consistency

primary "justly" 5 occurrences

The dominant and most natural rendering in the data is “justly” (4 of 5 occurrences). It captures the broad SILEX range—acting fairly, in accordance with justice or proper norms—without the stronger moral/religious connotations that “righteously” can carry. “Justly” is concise and fits typical English usage for the adverbial sense of δικαίως.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

adverb from δίκαιος; equitably:--justly, (to) righteously(-ness).

Root Family

δικαίως (dikaiōs) — justly, uprightly, in accordance with justice, fairly, in a proper or lawful manner

Root δικ- to be just, to be upright, to observe justice

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G1346-01`	δικαίως	dikaios	`ADV`	justly	justly	justly	5

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G1346-01`	Luke 23:41	δικαίως	dikaios	`ADV`	justly	justly	justly
`G1346-01`	1 Corinthians 15:34	δικαίως	dikaios	`ADV`	righteously	justly	justly
`G1346-01`	1 Thessalonians 2:10	δικαίως	dikaios	`ADV`	justly	justly	justly
`G1346-01`	Titus 2:12	δικαίως	dikaios	`ADV`	righteously	justly	justly
`G1346-01`	1 Peter 2:23	δικαίως	dikaios	`ADV`	justly	justly	justly

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