Deep Dive into ἀδικία

The concept of {ἀδικία} (adikia), meaning injustice, unrighteousness, or wrongdoing, is multifaceted, encompassing differences in semantic function,The concept of {ἀδικία} (adikia), meaning injustice, unrighteousness, or wrongdoing, is multifaceted, encompassing differences in semantic function, its opposite concepts, and its evolution from a legal term to a profound religious concept linked to Hebrew sin.

In terms of usage, {ἀδικία} itself is primarily an abstract noun, denoting the general quality or state of unrighteousness and wickedness, or the phenomenon of transgression. It is sometimes used more concretely to signify an act that violates standards of right conduct. {Ἀδικία} stands in contrast to {δικαιοσύνη} (justice or righteousness) and is described as being at enmity with {ἀλήθεια} (truth).

The related verb is {ἀδικέω} (adikeō), which signifies the action of doing wrong, treating someone unjustly, or voluntarily harming someone contrary to the law. In the passive form {ἀδικεῖσθαι}, it refers to suffering wrong or being injured.

Finally, {ἀδίκημα} (adikēma) is the concrete noun, referring exclusively to the specific, completed act of wrong—a deliberate, conscious violation of law, such as fraud or embezzlement. It cannot denote wrong in the abstract. This semantic distinction is analogous to differentiating between a state of disease {ἀδικία}, the process of harmful behavior {ἀδικέω}, and the resulting specific symptom {ἀδίκημα}.

The term {ἀδικία} underwent a significant transition when adopted into biblical Greek (the Septuagint, or LXX). While originally secular, in the LXX it gained a definitive Godward reference, moving beyond mere social injury to become synonymous with sin against God. The most frequent Hebrew term translated by {ἀδικία} is {עָוֺן} (ʿāwōn), meaning misdeed, sin, or guilt caused by sin. It also translates other terms covering violence {חָמָס}, malice {עַוְלָה}, and oppression {עֹ֫שֶׁק}. This usage integrates unrighteousness as sin that actively disrupts relationships with God and the divine order.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

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