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G1348 · Greek · New Testament
δικαστής
dikastes
Noun, masculine
Judge

Definition

The Greek noun dikastes refers to a judge — one who decides cases, pronounces verdicts, or arbitrates disputes. It appears in Stephen's speech in Acts 7 describing Moses as a judge or ruler among his people, and in Luke 12:14 where Jesus refuses to be a civil arbiter.

Usage & Theological Significance

Jesus' refusal to be a dikastes over an inheritance dispute (Luke 12:14) is revelatory: He came not as a civil judge but as a Savior. Yet the New Testament is clear that Jesus will be the ultimate judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42; 2 Timothy 4:1). The irony is striking — the One who refused to divide an earthly inheritance will one day divide humanity as sheep from goats (Matthew 25:32). Moses as dikastes among the Israelites in Egypt is a type of Christ, misunderstood and rejected by his own people before becoming their deliverer.

Key Bible Verses

Luke 12:14 Jesus replied, 'Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?'
Acts 7:27 But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, 'Who made you ruler and judge over us?'
Acts 10:42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.
2 Timothy 4:1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead.
James 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy.

Related Words

External Resources

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