Lexical Summary ekdikeó: To avenge, to vindicate, to execute justice Original Word: ἐκδικέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance avenge. From ekdikos; to vindicate, retaliate, punish -- a (re-)venge. see GREEK ekdikos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1556 ekdikéō – to dispense justice, carrying a judgment completely through, i.e. with all that is appropriate to it. See 1557 (ekdikēsis). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ekdikos Definition to vindicate, to avenge NASB Translation avenged (1), avenging (1), give...legal protection (2), legal protection (2), punish (1), take...revenge (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1556: ἐκδικέωἐκδικέω, ἐκδικῶ; future ἐκδικήσω; 1 aorist ἐξεδίκησα; (ἔκδικος, which see); the Sept. for נָקַם, פָּקַד, שָׁפַט; a. τινα, to vindicate one's right, do one justice (A. V. avenge): Luke 18 (1 Macc. 6:22); τινα ἀπό τίνος, to protect, defend, one person from another, Luke 18:3; ἑαυτόν, to avenge oneself, Romans 12:19. b. τί, to avenge a thing (i. e. to punish a person for a thing): τήν παρακοήν, 2 Corinthians 10:6; τό haima] τίνος ἀπό or ἐκ τίνος, to demand in punishment the blood of one from another, i. e. to exact of the murderer the penalty of his crime (A. V. avenge one's blood on or at the hand of): Revelation 6:10; Revelation 19:2; see ἐκ, I. 7. (In Greek authors from (Apollod.), Diodorus down.) The Greek verb tied to Strong’s 1556 forms a concise thread through the New Testament—six occurrences that orbit the idea of “executing justice,” “avenging,” or “vindicating.” Whether on the lips of Christ, Paul, or the heavenly choir of Revelation, the word anchors a consistent biblical conviction: God Himself is the ultimate guarantor of righteous recompense, while His people are called to endurance and prayerful trust. Old Testament Foundations of Divine Vengeance The Septuagint frequently renders Hebrew roots for “avenge” or “vindicate” with cognates of 1556, particularly in passages where the LORD pledges to defend the oppressed or repay the wicked (for example, Deuteronomy 32:35; Psalm 94:1). These antecedents shape the New Testament writers’ assumptions. Divine vengeance is never capricious; it springs from God’s holiness and covenant faithfulness, ensuring that injustice does not have the last word. New Testament Usage 1. Persistent Prayer for Vindication – Luke 18:3, 5 In the parable of the persistent widow, the term frames both her plea and the unrighteous judge’s reluctant compliance: “Grant me justice against my adversary” (Luke 18:3). Jesus applies the lesson to God’s elect, assuring that the righteous Judge “will quickly bring about justice for them” (Luke 18:8). 2. Pastoral Authority and Church Discipline – 2 Corinthians 10:6 Paul speaks of readiness “to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete”. The apostle’s use underscores that church leadership must sometimes act decisively to protect gospel purity, yet always under Christ’s authority, not personal retaliation. 3. Command to Relinquish Personal Retaliation – Romans 12:19 “Never take revenge, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord’”. Here the verb appears in a participial form, emphasizing an ongoing refusal to act as self-appointed avenger. Christian ethics flow from confidence that God sees and will act. 4. Cosmic and Eschatological Vindication – Revelation 6:10; 19:2 The martyrs cry, “How long, O Lord… until You avenge our blood?” (Revelation 6:10). Their request is answered in the triumph song: “He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth… He has avenged the blood of His servants” (Revelation 19:2). The word frames the climax of redemptive history—God’s final act of public justice. Theological Themes • Divine justice is certain, even if delayed. Pastoral and Ministry Implications 1. Counseling the Oppressed Victims of injustice can be assured that silence from heaven is not indifference. The widow of Luke 18 becomes a template for bold, persevering intercession that trusts God’s timing. 2. Teaching on Forgiveness Romans 12:19 balances the call to forgive with the promise that evil will be judged. Believers can relinquish bitterness because God’s court is in session, even if the verdict is executed later. 3. Church Discipline 2 Corinthians 10:6 legitimizes firm correction within the body, yet the motive must mirror God’s—restorative and protective, not retaliatory. 4. Preaching on Judgment Revelation’s scenes supply sober encouragement: history ends, not in moral ambiguity, but in a decisive vindication of God’s holiness and of His persecuted saints. Eschatological Hope The cry “How long?” echoes through generations of believers facing persecution. Strong’s 1556 assures that the question has an answer: Christ will return, and the scales will be balanced. Until that day, the Church’s vocation is clear—proclaim the gospel, love enemies, pray without ceasing, and entrust final justice to the righteous Judge. Interpersonal Relationships: Restraint and Trust in God In practical discipleship, the word instructs believers to resist the impulse to repay insult with insult. Whether in family conflict, societal injustice, or global persecution, the Christian response is marked by patient endurance, active benevolence, and confident appeal to divine justice. Conclusion Strong’s 1556 weaves through Scripture a tapestry of assurance: the God who sees will act. He calls His people to relinquish personal vengeance, persevere in prayer, exercise godly discipline where appropriate, and fix their hope on the day when He will fully and finally “avenge” all wrongs, vindicating His holy name and His faithful servants forever. Englishman's Concordance Luke 18:3 V-AMA-2SGRK: αὐτὸν λέγουσα Ἐκδίκησόν με ἀπὸ NAS: to him, saying, Give me legal protection from my opponent.' KJV: him, saying, Avenge me of INT: him saying Avenge me of Luke 18:5 V-FIA-1S Romans 12:19 V-PPA-NMP 2 Corinthians 10:6 V-ANA Revelation 6:10 V-PIA-2S Revelation 19:2 V-AIA-3S Strong's Greek 1556 |
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