ἄδικος (adikos)
adikos
unjust
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word adikos describes someone who is unjust or unrighteous, acting in violation of what is fair and right. It appears eleven times in the New Testament, with a notable concentration in Luke’s Gospel and Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and Romans. The term carries a strong moral weight, pointing not merely to a legal infraction but to a character trait that stands in direct opposition to righteousness.
Its meaning is defined by what it is not: it is the opposite of dikaio, the word for just or righteous. In Luke 16, Jesus uses this contrast sharply when speaking to Pharisees who claim to be wise in their own eyes but are actually unjust in God’s sight. The sources highlight that adikos can describe specific acts of deceit or fraud against others, as seen in Acts 24:15 where the term is linked to a general resurrection of both the just and the unjust.
The word’s etymology reinforces its negative force, combining a negative prefix with dikaios (just). This structure emphasizes a state of being separated from justice. Translators typically render it as "unjust" or "wicked," capturing the idea that such a person operates outside the bounds of divine and human fairness. The term serves as a stark reminder in Scripture that ethical conduct is central to faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word adikos describes a state of being unjust or unrighteous, standing in direct contrast to God’s perfect fairness. It is not merely about breaking a rule but reflects a character that operates outside divine justice. This term appears frequently in the New Testament to highlight the gap between human actions and God’s holy standard.
Yet this word also reveals the depth of God’s grace. In 1 Peter 3:18, we see Christ, the righteous one, suffering for the unrighteous. This shows that God does not leave us in our injustice but provides a way to be brought to Him. His justice is satisfied through Christ, offering hope rather than condemnation.
Understanding adikos helps us appreciate the gift of righteousness we receive in faith. It reminds us that our standing before God is not based on our own fairness but on His mercy. This truth invites us to rest in His work and extend similar grace to others, knowing we are all recipients of His unmerited favor.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- unrighteous4×
- unrighteous.1×
- unrighteous,1×
- unjust [is]1×
- of [the] unjust;1×
- [the] unrighteous,1×
- [the] unrighteous ones1×
- [the] unrighteous1×
- [is] unrighteous1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄδικος3×
- ἄδικός1×
- ἄδικοι,1×
- ἄδικοι1×
- ἀδίκῳ1×
- ἀδίκων·1×
- ἀδίκων,1×
- ἀδίκων1×
- ἀδίκους.1×
- ἀδίκους1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 3:5
But if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, what will we say? Is God unrighteous who inflicts wrath? I speak like men do.
Paul uses this term to address a theological objection, arguing that human unrighteousness actually serves to display God’s righteousness more clearly.
-
Acts 24:15
having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
Here the word is paired with 'just' to describe the universal resurrection, showing that both the morally upright and the unjust will face God.
-
Matthew 5:45
that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.
Jesus illustrates God’s common grace by noting that He sends rain on both the good and the unjust, showing mercy even to those who oppose Him.