Lexical Summary adikéma: Wrongdoing, injustice, offense Original Word: ἀδίκημα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance evil doing, iniquity, matter of wrong. From adikeo; a wrong done -- evil doing, iniquity, matter of wrong. see GREEK adikeo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 92 adíkēma (a neuter noun derived from 93 /adikía, "unrighteousness") – unrighteousness; a violation of God's justice/judgments with emphasis on its results (note the -ma suffix) – i.e. wrongdoing as it brings certain divine retribution. See 93 (adikia). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom adikeó Definition a wrong, injury NASB Translation iniquities (1), misdeed (1), wrong (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 92: ἀδίκημαἀδίκημα, (τος, τό (ἀδικέω) (from Herodotus on), a misdeed (τό ἄδικον ... ὅταν πραχθῇ, ἀδίκημα ἐστιν, Aristotle, Eth. Nic. 5, 7): Acts 18:14; Acts 24:20; Revelation 18:5. Topical Lexicon Underlying Biblical IdeaThe term points to a concrete act of moral or legal injustice—a deed that violates God-ordained standards and therefore brings guilt before both heaven and, when recognized, human authorities. Unlike broader words for “sin,” it highlights the actionable offense, the misdeed that can be charged, prosecuted, or judged. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Acts 18:14 – Gallio dismisses the charges against Paul: “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or a serious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you.” Here the word identifies an indictable offense in Roman civic life; Gallio’s statement shows Roman officials could recognize genuine criminality, yet find none in the gospel ministry. Legal and Judicial Nuances In Acts, the word functions in a forensic setting. It conveys a breach of law serious enough to warrant court intervention. Luke’s narrative stresses that Christian proclamation, though repeatedly accused, is innocent of true injustice. The gospel cannot legitimately be branded criminal; any persecution of it rests on false charges. Moral and Prophetic Nuances Revelation employs the plural to portray systemic evil. Babylon’s iniquities are not isolated slips but a mountain of corrupt deeds entrenched in commerce, idolatry, and persecution of saints. The prophetic picture warns that individual and societal wrongdoing alike accumulate before God until the appointed day of reckoning. Old Testament Background The Septuagint often uses cognate forms to translate Hebrew words such as ʿāwôn (iniquity) and ʿāvel (injustice). This linkage binds the New Testament term to themes of covenant violation, exploitation of the weak, and bloodguilt (Genesis 6:11; Isaiah 59:2–4). Thus the concept is rooted in God’s consistent hatred of oppression and His promise to vindicate the righteous. Christological Significance Jesus Christ was “numbered with the transgressors” (Luke 22:37) yet committed no wrongdoing. His flawless obedience exposes all human injustice and provides atonement for it (1 Peter 2:22–24). Believers, united to Him, are called to “put away all malice and deceit” (1 Peter 2:1), living lives free from actionable evil that would discredit the gospel. Eschatological Dimension Revelation 18 shows that unchecked wrongdoing will provoke final judgment. God’s remembrance is not mere recollection but the activation of justice; what humanity forgets, heaven records. The fall of Babylon guarantees that every unrepentant act of injustice will be answered in the Day of the Lord, encouraging saints to persevere in righteousness. Pastoral and Practical Implications • Integrity in witness: Christians are to live so uprightly that accusations of wrongdoing collapse under honest examination (1 Peter 3:16). Summary Strong’s Greek 92 portrays injustice as a tangible, indictable act that stands condemned both in earthly courts and, supremely, before God. In Acts it vindicates the innocence of gospel messengers; in Revelation it seals the doom of a corrupt world system. The term therefore challenges believers to personal and communal holiness while assuring them that ultimate justice is certain and will be executed by the Righteous Judge. Forms and Transliterations αδικημα αδίκημα αδίκημά ἀδίκημα ἀδίκημά αδικηματα αδικήματα αδικήματά ἀδικήματα αδικημάτων adikema adikēma adíkema adíkemá adíkēma adíkēmá adikemata adikēmata adikḗmataLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 18:14 N-NNSGRK: μὲν ἦν ἀδίκημά τι ἢ NAS: it were a matter of wrong or KJV: it were a matter of wrong or wicked INT: indeed it was unrighteousness some or Acts 24:20 N-ANS Revelation 18:5 N-ANP Strong's Greek 92 |