Berean Strong's Lexicon ekdikeó: To avenge, to vindicate, to execute justice Original Word: ἐκδικέω Word Origin: From the Greek preposition "ἐκ" (ek, meaning "out of" or "from") and the noun "δίκη" (dikē, meaning "justice" or "judgment"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - H5358 נָקַם (naqam): To avenge, take vengeance - H8199 שָׁפַט (shaphat): To judge, govern, vindicate Usage: The verb "ekdikeó" primarily means to avenge or to execute justice on behalf of someone. It conveys the idea of carrying out justice or retribution, often in the context of divine or legal justice. In the New Testament, it is used to describe both human and divine actions of bringing about justice or retribution. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, justice was a central theme in both civic and religious life. The concept of vengeance or retribution was often seen as a necessary response to wrongdoing, ensuring that justice was maintained. In the Jewish context, the idea of divine justice was deeply rooted in the belief that God is the ultimate judge who will vindicate the righteous and punish the wicked. This understanding is reflected in the use of "ekdikeó" in the New Testament, where it often pertains to God's righteous judgment. 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.) From ekdikos; to vindicate, retaliate, punish -- a (re-)venge. see GREEK ekdikos 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 |