Original Word: δίκαιος
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: dikaiós
Pronunciation: dee-KAH-yos
Phonetic Spelling: (dik-ah'-yoce)
KJV: justly, (to) righteously(-ness)
NASB: righteously, justly, ought, uprightly
Word Origin: [adverb from G1342 (δίκαιος - righteous)]

1. equitably

justly, righteously.

Adverb from dikaios; equitably -- justly, (to) righteously(-ness).

see GREEK dikaios

Cognate: 1346 dikaíōs (an adverb) – judicially approved (approved by God); justly, uprightly. See 1343 (dikaiosynē).

Word Origin
from dikaios
Definition
righteously, justly
NASB Translation
justly (1), ought (1), righteously (2), uprightly (1).

STRONGS NT 1346: δικαίως

δικαίως, adverb (from Homer down);

1. justly, agreeably to right: κρίνειν (see δίκαιος, 2), 1 Peter 2:23; to suffer, Luke 23:41.

2. properly, as is right: 1 Corinthians 15:

3. uprightly, agreeably to the law of rectitude: 1 Thessalonians 2:10 (ὁσίως καί δικαίως, as Plato, rep. 1, p. 331 a. (cf. Trench, § 88, p. 328)); Titus 2:12.

Overview

The adverb δικαίως appears five times in the Greek New Testament. In every instance it qualifies conduct, judgment, or speech as being fully consonant with God’s righteous standard. It thus serves as a concise testimony that true righteousness is measurable, observable, and morally binding.

Occurrences and Contexts

• Luke 23:41 – The repentant criminal on the cross acknowledges that Jesus suffers “but this Man has done nothing wrong,” contrasting his own just punishment (“we are punished justly”) with Christ’s innocence.
• 1 Corinthians 15:34 – Paul commands the Corinthians, “Sober up as you ought and stop sinning,” linking doctrinal fidelity to moral living that is “rightly” aligned with the resurrection reality.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:10 – Paul appeals to his personal example: “You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly, righteously and blamelessly we behaved toward you who believe.”
• Titus 2:12 – Grace “trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,” presenting δικαίως as a hallmark of sanctified daily life.
• 1 Peter 2:23 – Christ, when reviled, “made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly,” displaying divine vindication through patient suffering.

Key Themes

1. Objective Moral Order

δικαίως underscores that righteousness is not subjective. Whether acknowledging deserved punishment (Luke 23), urging sober holiness (1 Corinthians 15), or describing pastoral integrity (1 Thessalonians 2), the term affirms an external, divine norm.

2. Union of Doctrine and Conduct

Paul’s use in 1 Corinthians 15:34 and Titus 2:12 shows that correct belief (resurrection; saving grace) and correct behavior (righteous living) are inseparable. δικαίως bridges theology and ethics.

3. Exemplary Leadership

In 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Paul sets an apostolic pattern: leaders are called to visible uprightness. This supports accountability and credibility in ministry.

4. Christological Fulfillment

Peter’s portrayal of Jesus entrusting Himself “to Him who judges justly” grounds Christian endurance in Christ’s example. The term points to God’s final vindication of the righteous and the inherent justice of His sovereign governance.

5. Eschatological Hope

Because God “judges justly,” present obedience carries future assurance. Each occurrence hints that present righteousness anticipates ultimate rectification at Christ’s return (cf. Titus 2:13 immediately following verse 12).

Old Testament Connections

δικαίως aligns with Hebrew צֶדֶק (tsedeq), where God’s righteousness is the foundation of His throne (Psalm 97:2). The New Testament adverb conveys living in harmony with that same covenant fidelity.

Historical Use in Church Teaching

Early catechetical manuals (Didache, Shepherd of Hermas) echo Titus 2:12, urging believers to “live righteously.” Reformers cited 1 Peter 2:23 to emphasize Christ’s passive obedience and the believer’s call to patient suffering under unjust authorities.

Pastoral and Ministry Applications

• Accountability: Leaders measure conduct, speech, and motives against the divine plumb line.
• Discipleship: Grace trains believers toward sober, righteous living, not mere avoidance of vice.
• Evangelism: Transparent righteousness, as in Paul’s ministry, authenticates the gospel.
• Suffering: Believers entrust grievances to the God who “judges justly,” avoiding retaliation.

Summary

δικαίως captures the lived expression of God’s righteousness in human affairs. Whether on a Roman cross, in Corinthian moral confusion, or in pastoral counsel, the word calls every disciple to align thoughts, words, and deeds with the holy character of the God who finally and infallibly judges “justly.”

δικαιως δικαιώς δικαίως dikaios dikaiōs dikaíos dikaíōsInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts