ἐκδίκησις (ekdikēsis)
ekdikēsis
vengeance
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ekdikēsis denotes the act of avenging or punishing, specifically in the context of righting a wrong. In the New Testament, it appears nine times, primarily in Luke, Romans, and Thessalonians. The term carries the weight of legal retribution, reflecting the Old Testament concept of divine justice where God acts as the ultimate judge.
Its usage highlights two distinct perspectives: the vindication of the injured party and the punishment of the offender. For instance, Jesus references it in Luke 18:7-8 regarding God’s avenging of his chosen ones, while Paul cites it in Romans 12:19 to urge believers not to take revenge themselves, reserving that role for God. In 2 Thessalonians 1:8, it describes the punishment inflicted on those who do not know God.
The word stems from a root meaning "to execute justice," emphasizing that vengeance is not an emotional outburst but a formal act of judgment. This distinction is crucial in passages like Hebrews 10:30, where it underscores the seriousness of rejecting divine authority. Translators often render it as "vengeance" or "punishment," capturing its legal and solemn nature.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekdikēsis reminds us that injustice is not ignored by God. It describes a formal act of righting wrongs, ensuring that truth prevails and the vulnerable are protected. This concept offers deep comfort to those who suffer silently, knowing that their cries for justice are heard and will be addressed with perfect fairness.
Scripture consistently reserves this role for God alone. In Romans 12:19, believers are urged not to seek personal revenge but to trust in God’s righteous judgment. This frees us from the burden of retaliation and allows us to live in peace, confident that God will ultimately set all things right in His time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- vengeance3×
- avenging2×
- vindication?1×
- vengeance,1×
- of avenging1×
- [is] vengeance ,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκδίκησιν5×
- ἐκδίκησις,2×
- ἐκδίκησιν;1×
- ἐκδικήσεως1×
Key Verses
-
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.”
This verse explicitly commands believers to refrain from personal vengeance, reserving the act of justice exclusively for God.
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Luke 18:7
Won’t God avenge his chosen ones who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them?
Jesus uses this term to reassure believers that God will actively defend those who cry out to Him with persistence.
-
Hebrews 10:30
For we know him who said, “Vengeance belongs to me. I will repay,” says the Lord. Again, “The Lord will judge his people.”
The author quotes Deuteronomy to emphasize that divine judgment and repayment belong solely to the Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ekdikēsis mean in the New Testament?
How is this word different from personal revenge?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 7 books)
Luke 3 verses
Won’t God avenge his chosen ones who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them?
Luke 18:8I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
Luke 21:22For these are days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.