Lexical Summary dikaiokrisia: Righteous judgment Original Word: δικαιοκρισία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance righteous judgment. From dikaios and krisis; a just sentence -- righteous judgment. see GREEK dikaios see GREEK krisis HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1341 dikaiokrisía (a feminine noun derived from 1342 /díkaios, "righteous" and 2920 /krísis, "judgment") – properly, the brand of judgment based on God's standard (His own justice), condemning what is wrong in light of His eternal morality (used only in Ro 2:5). See 1343 (dikaiosynē). [Strictly speaking, 1341 (dikaiokrisía) is a compound rather than a pure cognate. It is grouped here however because of its tight connection to the dik- word-family.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dikaios and krisis Definition righteous judgment NASB Translation righteous judgment (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1341: δικαιοκρισίαδικαιοκρισία; δικαιοκρισίας, ἡ, righteous judgment: Romans 2:5. (an uncertain translation in Hosea 6:5 (where the Sept. κρίμα) Test. xii. patr. (test. Levi § 3), p. 547, and (sec. 15), p. 581, Fabric. edition; Justin Martyr, resp. de resurrect. xi. (15) 28, p. 360 edition tert. Otto; (Hippolytus, p. 801 a. edition Migne); Basil, iii., p. 476 d., Garn. edition or, p. 694, Par. edition alt. 1839. (Cf. Winer's Grammar, 25; 99 (94)).) Topical Lexicon Word in Focus and Immediate Context Romans 2:5 sets δικαιοκρισία as the climactic warning to any who rely on outward privilege while persisting in unrepentant sin. Paul declares, “because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed” (Berean Standard Bible). The noun identifies the final, wholly equitable verdict God will render—unbiased, incorruptible, and fully aligned with His moral nature. Theological Themes 1. Divine Character: Scripture consistently links righteousness and justice with God’s very being (Genesis 18:25; Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 89:14). Romans 2:5 gathers these attributes into a single eschatological act. Old Testament Background Though the exact Greek term is absent from the Septuagint, its concept saturates the Hebrew Scriptures: Christological Fulfillment Jesus Christ is appointed to execute God’s righteous judgment (John 5:22; Acts 17:31). The uniqueness of δικαιοκρισία in Romans 2:5 serves to fasten the certainty of that future session to the finished work at Calvary and the empty tomb. Justice and justification converge in Christ: the Judge becomes the propitiation (Romans 3:25-26). Eschatological Dimension Believers anticipate a “day” when righteousness will be unveiled, echoing Daniel 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 5:10. δικαιοκρισία points to a decisive historical event, not merely an abstract principle. It guarantees the rectification of every wrong and the vindication of God’s covenant faithfulness. Pastoral and Practical Implications • Evangelism: Awareness of coming righteous judgment urges earnest proclamation of repentance (Acts 24:25). Related New Testament Vocabulary – κρίμα (judgment, verdict) highlights the act. – δικαιοσύνη (righteousness) indicates the standard. – ὀργή (wrath) expresses the emotional and punitive aspect accompanying δικαιοκρισία. Together they unfold a coherent doctrine: God’s verdict is righteous, His wrath is justified, and His gospel provides acquittal. Reception in the Early Church Early Christian writers echoed Romans 2:5 when warning against complacency. For example, Second Clement urges believers to “think of the righteous judgment” as stimulus to perseverance. The Didache frames two ways—life and death—terminating in divine judgment, mirroring Paul’s dual outcome (Romans 2:6-10). Implications for Mission and Witness Mission is propelled by the conviction that every culture faces the same bar of δικαιοκρισία. Therefore, disciples embrace cross-cultural outreach (Romans 1:14-15), confident that the gospel answers the universal predicament laid bare in Romans 2. Devotional Reflection Meditation on δικαιοκρισία balances comfort and caution. Comfort, because no injustice escapes God’s notice; caution, because hypocrisy will be exposed. The believer, clothed in the righteousness of Christ, can meet that day without dread, yet with sober gratitude that the Judge is also the Savior. Forms and Transliterations δικαιοκρισιας δικαιοκρισίας dikaiokrisias dikaiokrisíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |