δικαίωμα (dikaiōma)
dikaiōma
righteous act
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun dikaiōma refers to a concrete expression of righteousness, often appearing as a specific ordinance or decree established by law. In the New Testament, it frequently translates Hebrew terms for statutes and judgments found in the Old Testament. For instance, Luke 1:6 uses it to describe the righteous requirements of the Lord that Zechariah and Elizabeth kept, while Romans 1:32 speaks of those who approve of others doing such things against God’s ordinance.
Its meaning shifts slightly depending on context, ranging from a legal ruling to a moral action. In Hebrews 9:1 and 9:10, it denotes the ceremonial regulations or rites of worship under the old covenant. Conversely, Romans 5:16 and 5:18 use it to describe the result of God’s judicial act—specifically, the acquittal or justification that leads to life for humanity.
This word bridges the gap between divine law and human conduct. It is not merely an abstract concept but a tangible standard or deed. Whether referring to the statutes given in Revelation 15:4 and 19:8 or the righteous act accomplished through Christ, dikaiōma emphasizes the objective reality of what God has declared right.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dikaiōma points to something concrete: a righteous act or a specific requirement that stands as an objective standard. It is not merely an abstract idea of being good, but a tangible deed or decree that reflects God’s character. When we read about these ordinances in Scripture, we see them as clear markers of how God desires His people to live and worship.
In the New Testament, this term carries a beautiful shift in meaning. While it often refers to the laws given under the old covenant, it also describes the single, decisive act of righteousness accomplished by Christ. This means that our standing before God is not based on our own imperfect efforts to keep every rule, but on the finished work of Jesus who fulfilled the law perfectly.
This truth offers deep comfort. You do not have to strive endlessly to earn your place in God’s family. Instead, you can rest in the justification that comes through faith in Christ. His righteous act is credited to you, allowing you to walk in newness of life by the Spirit, free from the heavy burden of trying to save yourself.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- righteous acts2×
- ordinances2×
- righteousness1×
- righteous decree1×
- requirements1×
- regulations1×
- justification.1×
- act of righteousness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δικαιώματα4×
- δικαίωμα2×
- δικαίωμα.¶1×
- δικαιώματά1×
- δικαιώματος1×
- δικαιώμασιν1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 5:18
So then as through one trespass, all men were condemned; even so through one act of righteousness, all men were justified to life.
This verse uses the word to describe the single act of righteousness by Christ that results in justification and life for all who believe.
-
Luke 1:6
They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.
Here it refers to the specific commandments and ordinances of the Lord that Zechariah and Elizabeth kept blamelessly before God.
-
Romans 8:4
that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
The term highlights the righteous requirement of the law that is fulfilled in believers who walk according to the Spirit rather than the flesh.
-
Revelation of John 19:8
It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
It describes the practical righteous acts of the saints, symbolized by fine linen, which are the result of their faithful living.