ἀδίκημα (adikēma)
adikēma
crime
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun adikēma refers to a specific act of wrongdoing, injury, or misdeed. Derived from the root for injustice, it denotes the concrete deed itself rather than the abstract state of being unjust. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, carrying the weight of a legal charge or a distinct violation of moral and divine law.
This term is used in Acts to describe specific accusations brought against Paul, highlighting its nature as a tangible offense (Acts 18:14; 24:20). In Revelation, it describes the sins of Babylon that God remembers for judgment (Revelation 18:5). The word emphasizes the action of transgression, serving as a clear label for evil doing or iniquity committed by an individual.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word adikēma points to a specific act of wrongdoing rather than an abstract feeling of guilt. It describes a concrete deed that violates moral or divine law, often carrying the weight of a legal charge. When we encounter this term in Scripture, it reminds us that actions have real consequences and that God sees the specifics of our conduct.
In Acts, Paul uses this concept to clarify that he stands accused of no actual crime, only of preaching the faith. This distinction helps us understand that not every accusation against a believer is valid, and that truth must be defended with clarity. We are called to live in such a way that our actions leave no room for unjust charges.
Revelation shows that God remembers these specific acts of injustice. This is not to suggest He holds grudges, but that His justice is thorough and fair. For your daily life, this means you can trust that no wrong goes unnoticed by Him. You are invited to walk in integrity, knowing that He brings order out of chaos and truth out of confusion.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- unrighteousness2×
- iniquities1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀδίκημά1×
- ἀδίκημα1×
- ἀδικήματα1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 18:14
But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked crime, you Jews, it would be reasonable that I should bear with you;
This verse highlights how the term functions as a legal charge, with Gallio distinguishing between actual crimes and religious disputes.
-
Acts 24:20
Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council,
Here the word is used to demand specific evidence of wrongdoing, emphasizing its nature as a concrete act rather than vague suspicion.
-
Revelation of John 18:5
for her sins have reached to the sky, and God has remembered her iniquities.
This occurrence shows God’s thorough remembrance of specific iniquities, linking the term to divine judgment against systemic injustice.