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G94 · Greek · New Testament
ἄδικος
Adikos
Adjective
Unjust; unrighteous; dishonest

Definition

The Greek adjective adikos (ἄδικος) is composed of the alpha-privative (a-, not) and dikaios (G1342, just/righteous). It means unjust, unrighteous, wicked, or dishonest — the opposite of the central Greek-biblical virtue of righteousness.

Usage & Theological Significance

Adikos appears in Jesus's parable of the Dishonest Manager (Luke 16:10-11), where Jesus paradoxically commends shrewd use of 'unrighteous wealth' (mamona tou adikiou) for kingdom purposes. Paul uses the word in 1 Corinthians 6:9: 'the unrighteous (adikoi) will not inherit the kingdom of God.' The contrast between the dikaios (righteous) and adikos (unrighteous) runs throughout Scripture, culminating in God's perfect justice at the last day. Yet 1 Peter 3:18 offers the gospel's great reversal: Christ died 'the just for the unjust' (dikaios hyper adikon).

Key Bible Verses

1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous (dikaios) for the unrighteous (adikous), to bring you to God.
1 Corinthians 6:9
Or do you not know that wrongdoers (adikoi) will not inherit the kingdom of God?
Luke 16:10
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest (adikos) with very little will also be dishonest with much.
Matthew 5:45
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous (dikaious) and the unrighteous (adikous).
Romans 3:5
But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust (adikos) in bringing his wrath on us?

Related Words

External Resources

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