The Greek noun dikaioma refers to a righteous ordinance, legal decree, or a righteous act — what is declared just or required by righteousness. It can mean a legal statute (Romans 1:32), a righteous deed (Romans 5:18), or the requirements of the law (Romans 2:26).
Dikaioma appears at pivotal moments in Paul's theology of justification. In Romans 5:18, the 'one righteous act' (henos dikaiomatos) of Christ — His obedient death — brings justification and life for all. This contrasts with Adam's one trespass that brought condemnation. The word carries the full legal weight of the law court: Christ's righteous act satisfies the righteous decree of God against sin. Romans 8:4 states that God sent His Son 'so that the righteous requirement (dikaioma) of the law might be fully met in us who live not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.'