ἐκδικέω (ekdikeō)
ekdikeō
to avenge
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekdikeō carries the weight of executing justice, whether by vindicating the innocent or avenging the wronged. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts where God’s righteousness is at stake, such as when Jesus tells the parable of the unjust judge who eventually grants justice to a persistent widow (Luke 18:3–5). Here, the word emphasizes God’s commitment to protect and defend those who cry out to Him.
Its usage extends beyond personal vengeance. In Romans 12:19, Paul cites this term to instruct believers not to take revenge into their own hands, reserving that role for God alone. Similarly, in Revelation, it describes the ultimate vindication of the martyrs’ blood (Revelation 6:10; 19:2). The word thus bridges the gap between human appeals for justice and divine retribution, highlighting a theological boundary: believers are called to trust in God’s timing rather than seeking personal retaliation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekdikeō speaks to the deep human longing for justice when we feel wronged or powerless. It reminds us that God sees the pain of the oppressed and is committed to setting things right. In Luke 18, Jesus uses this concept to encourage a persistent widow, showing that our Heavenly Father hears the cries of those who seek His help against their adversaries.
Yet this word also draws a clear boundary for our hearts. Romans 12:19 instructs us not to take revenge into our own hands, but to trust in God’s righteous judgment. This is not a call to passivity, but to a confident reliance on the One who sees all things. When we release the need for personal retaliation, we find peace in knowing that justice belongs to Him alone.
Ultimately, this promise offers hope to those who suffer unjustly. Revelation 6 and 19 assure us that God will vindicate His people and bring true fairness to a broken world. We can rest in the truth that no wrong goes unnoticed and that God’s timing is perfect for bringing about His righteous purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you avenge1×
- to avenge1×
- do avenge1×
- avenging,1×
- I will avenge1×
- He has avenged1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξεδίκησεν1×
- ἐκδίκησόν1×
- ἐκδικῆσαι1×
- ἐκδικήσω1×
- ἐκδικοῦντες,1×
- ἐκδικεῖς1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 18:3
A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’
This verse introduces the concept by showing a widow appealing to an unjust judge for defense, highlighting the urgency of seeking justice.
-
Romans 12:19
Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”
Paul uses this term to command believers to leave vengeance to God, establishing a key ethical boundary for Christian conduct.
-
Revelation of John 6:10
They cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, Master, the holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”
Martyrs cry out for this divine action, showing how the word connects human suffering with God's future judgment.