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G93 · Greek · New Testament
ἀδικία
Adikia
Noun, feminine
Unrighteousness, injustice, wickedness, wrongdoing

Definition

The Greek noun adikia means unrighteousness, injustice, wickedness, or wrongdoing. It is the negation of dikaiosynē (righteousness) and occurs 25 times in the New Testament. It describes both general moral evil and specific acts of injustice — oppression, dishonesty, and violation of God's righteous standard.

Usage & Theological Significance

Adikia is the theological opposite of dikaiosynē (righteousness/justice) and appears in foundational contexts. Romans 1:18 opens Paul's diagnosis of humanity's condition: God's wrath is revealed against 'all ungodliness and adikia of men who suppress the truth.' This adikia is not merely personal immorality but cosmic rebellion — the suppression of truth about God. John 1:9 offers the remedy: 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all adikia.' Paul also identifies 'unrighteousness' as a spirit to be expelled from the believer: 'What fellowship can light have with darkness? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?' (2 Corinthians 6:14–16).

Key Bible Verses

Romans 1:18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
John 7:18 Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: 'The Lord knows those who are his,' and, 'Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.'
Luke 16:8 The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.

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