δίκη (G1349) — Greek Lexicon

δίκη

díkē

G1349 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The principle or process of justice; the observance of what is right, order, or custom; by extension, the judgment rendered for a wrong, retribution, or penalty. The core meaning is the concept and administration of justice, which can refer to justice as an abstract principle, a judicial proceeding, or the result or execution of judgment (such as punishment or retribution), depending on context.

Semantic Range

justice (abstract), legal custom, right or what is due, lawsuit or legal proceeding, judgment or sentence, penalty or punishment, retribution, execution of justice

Root / Etymology

From the root δίκ-, related to 'justice' or 'custom,' possibly connected to δείκνυμι ('to show') in terms of setting forth or indicating what is right, but the connection is based on traditional etymologies and is debated by some modern linguists.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, δίκη refers broadly to justice, right, or what is due (often specifically in a legal or customary sense), and the proper way things should be ('order'). It can describe legal proceedings (a lawsuit), the sentence or verdict given, or the penalty itself. In Hellenistic and Koine periods, the term continues to encompass both abstract and concrete senses: justice as an abstract quality, the process of adjudication, and, at times, the specific punishment or vindication associated with a violation. In the Septuagint and New Testament, δίκη commonly refers to judgment, justice, or divine retribution—especially when describing penalties or consequences for wrongdoing. Unlike words for everyday law (such as νόμος for 'law' or κρίσις for 'judgment/decision'), δίκη often stresses the just outcome or principle of right order, as well as the execution or fulfillment of justice. In some English translation traditions, δίκη is rendered 'judgment' or 'vengeance,' but these terms do not always capture the full semantic range, which includes the concept of justice as a universal or cosmic principle. Related terms: δίκαιος ('just/righteous'), δίκαιος ('justice'), δίκαιον ('a just thing'), δίκαιος ('a legal claim').

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably from δεικνύω; right (as self-evident), i.e. justice (the principle, a decision, or its execution):--judgment, punish, vengeance.

Root Family

δίκη (dikē) — justice, right, order, judgment, penalty

Root δίκ- justice, right, order, judgment, penalty

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G1349-02`	δίκην	diken	`N ACC F SG`	penalty	justice	penalty	2
`G1349-01`	δίκη	dike	`N NOM F SG`	Justice	justice	justice	1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G1349-01`	Acts 28:4	δίκη	dike	`N NOM F SG`	Justice	justice	justice
`G1349-02`	2 Thessalonians 1:9	δίκην	diken	`N ACC F SG`	penalty	justice	penalty
`G1349-02`	Jude 1:7	δίκην	diken	`N ACC F SG`	punishment	justice	punishment

← G1348 Greek Lexicon G1350 →