ἀδικία (adikia)
adikia
unrighteousness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 24 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun adikia denotes unrighteousness or injustice, capturing both a moral condition and specific wrongful acts. Derived from the root meaning "without right," it describes behavior that violates divine or human justice. In the New Testament, this term appears frequently in Romans to describe the fallen state of humanity, as seen in Romans 1:18 where God’s wrath is revealed against such unrighteousness.
Its usage extends beyond abstract sin to concrete actions. Luke 16:9 refers to "unrighteous mammon," highlighting wealth gained through dishonest means, while Acts 1:18 speaks of the "wages of unrighteousness" associated with Judas’s betrayal. The word often stands in sharp contrast to truth and righteousness, as Paul notes in 2 Thessalonians 2:12, where those who reject the truth delight in unrighteousness.
Interestingly, the text also records an ironic usage in 2 Corinthians 12:13. Here, Paul asks what favors (adikia) were shown to the Corinthian church compared to others, using the term for "wrong" or "injustice" to ironically mean a benefit or kindness. This rare twist underscores how deeply the concept of justice permeates even expressions of grace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word adikia describes a state of being without right, capturing both the moral condition of unrighteousness and specific wrongful acts. In the New Testament, it often highlights the fallen nature of humanity, as seen in Romans 1:18 where God’s wrath is revealed against those who suppress the truth. This term reminds us that sin is not just an abstract idea but a concrete violation of divine justice that affects our daily lives.
Yet, the Bible also offers hope through this same word. In 1 John 1:9, we are promised that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and righteous to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This promise assures us that no matter how deep our failures, God’s mercy is greater. It invites us to turn away from dishonesty and toward the truth, finding peace in His forgiveness.
Even in difficult situations, this word calls us to integrity. Jesus warned against using "unrighteous mammon" in Luke 16:9, urging believers to use worldly resources wisely for eternal purposes. By rejecting injustice and embracing righteousness, we reflect God’s character and live in alignment with His will.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 24 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- unrighteousness6×
- unrighteousness,2×
- unrighteous2×
- of unrighteousness.2×
- of unrighteousness,2×
- of unrighteousness2×
- of iniquity2×
- wrong1×
- unrighteousness.1×
- of wickedness1×
- injustice1×
- iniquity1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀδικίας8×
- ἀδικία4×
- ἀδικίας.3×
- ἀδικίᾳ,2×
- ἀδικίᾳ2×
- ἀδικίας,2×
- ἀδικίαν2×
- ἀδικίᾳ.¶1×
- ἀδικίαις1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 1:18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
This verse defines the scope of divine judgment, showing that unrighteousness is not merely personal failure but a suppression of truth that invites God's wrath.
-
Luke 16:9
I tell you, make for yourselves friends by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when you fail, they may receive you into the eternal tents.
Jesus uses this term to warn against dishonest gain, urging believers to use worldly wealth for eternal purposes rather than selfish ends.
-
Romans 6:13
Also, do not present your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
Paul contrasts unrighteousness with righteousness, instructing believers not to offer their bodies as instruments of sin but to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does adikia mean in the Bible?
How is adikia different from hamartia?
Where does this word appear most often?
Can adikia refer to something positive?
Every Occurrence (24 verses across 12 books)
Luke 4 verses
He will say, ‘I tell you, I don’t know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity.’
Luke 16:8“His lord commended the dishonest manager because he had done wisely, for the children of this world are, in their own…
Luke 16:9I tell you, make for yourselves friends by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when you fail, they may receive you…
Luke 18:6The Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says.