The meaning of “δικαίωσις”
Understanding dikaíōsis reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
justification. - aquittal (for Christ's sake)
δικαίωσις
justification. - aquittal (for Christ's sake)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Romans 4:25 | “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. ” Word: δικαίωσις (dikaíōsis) | |
| Romans 5:18 | “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.” Word: δικαίωσις (dikaíōsis) |
Usage Statistics
Theological Word Study: Justify
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: To be righteous, declare righteous
The Hebrew tsadaq (צָדַק) means to be righteous or to declare righteous—a legal verdict of innocence. Abraham 'believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness' (Genesis 15:6).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: To justify, declare righteous
The Greek dikaioo (δικαιόω) means to declare righteous—a forensic term for acquittal. Believers are 'justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus' (Romans 3:24).