δικαιοσύνη
Equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification
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What does δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosýnē) mean in the Bible?
δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosýnē) is a Greek word meaning "equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification". δικαιοσύνη, -ης, ἡ (δίκαιος), [in LXX chiefly for צֶדֶק, and cognates, Gen. Though fully developed later, this concept anchors the gospel’s saving purpose in Romans. This term runs through the canonical themes of Faith, Holiness, Justice.
Full entry for δικαιοσύνη (G1343) · Browse the biblical lexicon
Meaning
Righteousness as God's character and covenant faithfulness, not merely human moral conformity to law
(δίκαιος), [in LXX chiefly for צֶדֶק, and cognates, Gen.15:6, al., rarely for חֶסֶד, Gen.19:19 ;] the character of ὁ δίκαιος (which see)
Why This Word Matters
Though fully developed later, this concept anchors the gospel’s saving purpose in Romans. 1 John 2:28-29
This term anchors the book; it describes the saving righteousness revealed in Christ. 2 Timothy 4:6-8
It is the status credited to Abraham through faith. Acts 24:22-27
Central to Paul’s argument about how sinners are justified. Philippians 3:4–11
Distinguishes imputed righteousness from legal performance. Romans 1:1-7
Central theme in Paul’s reasoning before Felix. Romans 1:16-17
The crown reflects the righteous verdict and reward given by Christ the Judge. Romans 4:1-12
Ethical transformation is evidence of participation in God’s life.
Grammatical Forms
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
New Testament Witnesses
Additional Occurrences
Appears In
Compound and idiomatic lexemes in which this word is a constituent. Follow a link to study the phrase and its other participating words.
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain