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ὑπόδικος (hupodikos)

hupodikos

accountable

G5267 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The adjective hupodikos describes a state of being subject to legal judgment or liable to punishment. Its meaning is built from two parts: a preposition indicating "under" and a root related to "judgment" or "trial." This creates a clear picture of someone standing under the authority of a court, answerable to a higher power for their actions.

In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Romans 3:19. Paul uses it to explain that the entire law speaks to those who are under its jurisdiction. By stating that the world is hupodikos to God, he emphasizes universal accountability. No one escapes this legal standing; everyone is subject to God’s judgment.

Translators often render this term as "accountable" or "guilty," capturing the sense of being liable to a verdict. The word does not just mean responsible in a general sense, but specifically bound by the consequences of divine law. It highlights that all humanity stands under the same legal pressure before God.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word hupodikos paints a clear picture of standing before a judge. It means being legally accountable or liable to punishment. In Romans 3:19, Paul uses this term to show that the whole world stands under God’s judgment. This is not a distant idea but a present reality for everyone.

Understanding this accountability can feel heavy, yet it brings clarity. It removes any illusion of independence from God. Instead, it invites us to see our need for grace. When we acknowledge we are answerable to Him, we open the door to His mercy and forgiveness.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • under judgment1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • ὑπόδικος1×

Key Verses

  • Romans 3:19
    Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God.

    Paul uses this unique term here to establish that all humanity is legally liable to God's judgment, closing every excuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does hupodikos mean in the Bible?

Hupodikos is a Greek adjective meaning legally accountable or liable to judgment. It combines the idea of being 'under' authority and facing a 'trial.' In Romans 3:19, it describes the world's standing before God.

How is hupodikos different from general responsibility?

While responsibility can be moral or social, hupodikos has a specific legal connotation. It implies being subject to a court's verdict and facing consequences. It highlights our binding answerability to divine law.

Where does this word appear in the New Testament?

This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 3:19. Paul uses it to explain that the Law speaks to those under its jurisdiction, making all the world accountable to God.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Romans 1 verse
Romans 3:19

Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be…