Lexical Summary dikastés: Judge Original Word: δικαστής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance judge. From a derivative of dike; a judger -- judge. see GREEK dike NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dikazó (to judge) Definition a judge NASB Translation judge (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1348: δικαστήςδικαστής, δικαστοῦ, ὁ (δικάζω), a judge, arbitrator, umpire: Luke 12:14 (here critical texts κριτήν); Acts 7:27 (from Exodus 2:14); Acts 7:35. (the Sept. for שֹׁפֵט; in Greek writings (Aeschylus and) Herodotus on.) Topical Lexicon Word Overview Rooted in the wider biblical theme of righteous adjudication, the word denotes an authorized arbiter whose authority is publicly recognized. In the New Testament it appears only in Stephen’s defense speech, underscoring Moses’ divinely sanctioned role amid Israel’s rejection. Occurrences in Scripture • Acts 7:27 – “But the man who was abusing his neighbor pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us?’” Historical Background In classical Greek society a δικαστής was a citizen-juror or magistrate entrusted with civic justice. Within Hellenistic Judaism the term naturally migrated to describe those who adjudicated according to God’s law rather than mere civic statute. When Stephen employs the word, his audience—members of the Sanhedrin steeped in the Septuagint—would immediately grasp both its secular resonance and its covenantal weight. Context in Acts 7 Stephen recounts Exodus 2:13-14, reminding Israel that their forefathers spurned God’s chosen deliverer. By citing the taunt, “Who made you ruler and judge?,” Stephen exposes a recurring pattern: Israel’s tendency to reject the very figures through whom God intends deliverance. Moses’ appointment “through the angel” anticipates the greater Mediator whom the Council is now rejecting. Thus the term becomes a mirror revealing Israel’s historical unbelief and foreshadowing final accountability before the risen Christ. Theological Significance 1. Divine Commission – The narrative stresses that true judicial authority originates with God, not popular vote. Moses is “the one God sent,” validating heavenly prerogative over human opinion (Acts 7:35). Connections with Old Testament Judges The Greek translators of the Hebrew Scriptures use the cognate to render the shophetim, leaders raised up to rescue Israel (Judges 2:18; 11:27). This linkage places Acts 7 within a long biblical storyline: God raises judges to rectify disorder, while His people often resist or forget them. Stephen’s citation therefore functions both as historical review and prophetic warning. Christological Implications Jesus fulfills and supersedes all prior judges. While Moses mediated the Sinaitic covenant, Jesus mediates the new covenant in His blood (Hebrews 12:24). As Moses judged internal disputes (Exodus 18:13-26), Christ will judge hearts (Romans 2:16). The rejection of Moses foreshadows the greater culpability of rejecting the Son (Hebrews 10:28-29). Practical Ministry Applications • Church Leadership – Elders and pastors serve as under-shepherds who must render decisions informed by Scripture, modeling impartiality and courage (1 Timothy 5:21). Devotional Reflection The cry, “Who made you ruler and judge?” exposes a fallen heart that resists divine authority. Yielding to God’s chosen Judge—Jesus Christ—brings deliverance; resisting Him brings condemnation. As believers submit to His righteous rule, they become instruments of justice and mercy in a world still echoing that ancient question. Forms and Transliterations δικασταί δικαστάς δικαστην δικαστήν δικαστὴν δικαστής dikasten dikastēn dikastḗn dikastḕnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 7:27 N-AFSGRK: ἄρχοντα καὶ δικαστὴν ἐφ' ἡμῶν NAS: MADE YOU A RULER AND JUDGE OVER US? KJV: a ruler and a judge over us? INT: ruler and judge over us Acts 7:35 N-AFS |
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