ἔκδικος
ékdikos
G1558 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
One who enforces justice, avenger, punisher; specifically, a person (human or supernatural) who takes action to vindicate or uphold what is considered just, often by inflicting retribution or punishment upon a wrongdoer. The term can refer to a legally authorized agent of justice or to one who seeks redress for a perceived wrong.
Semantic Range
avenger, punisher, executor of justice, vindicator, one who exacts redress; a person or agent enacting justice, divine or human punisher, defender of what is just
Root / Etymology
From ἐκ (out of, from) and δίκη (justice, right, custom). It is a compound meaning 'one who brings out justice' or 'one who acts for justice.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἔκδικος was used for one who defends or exacts justice or vengeance, often with formal or legitimate authority. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, including the Septuagint and the New Testament (notably in Romans 13:4), it refers to an agent (human or divine) who enacts punishment or ensures justice, sometimes carrying the nuance of retribution. It lacks the implication of personal, uncontrolled revenge later associated with English 'avenger.' Standard English Bibles often render ἔκδικος as 'avenger' or 'one who punishes', but this omits the word’s strong emphasis on justice and social/legal order rather than personal vendetta. In the context of Second Temple and early Christian texts, ἔκδικος denotes one acting within a recognized framework of authority (such as a magistrate or God) rather than merely an aggrieved party seeking informal revenge.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐκ and δίκη; carrying justice out, i.e. a punisher:--a (re-)venger.
Root Family
ἔκδικος (ekdikos) — justice, vengeance, right, enforcement of justice
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1558-01 |
ἔκδικος | ekdikos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
avenger | justice enforcer | avenger | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1558-01 |
Romans 13:4 | ἔκδικος | ekdikos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
avenger | justice enforcer | justice enforcer |
G1558-01 |
1 Thessalonians 4:6 | ἔκδικος | ekdikos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
avenger | justice enforcer | avenger |