ἐκδικέω

From the study of Romans 12:19

Range of meaning

Built from ek ('out') and dikē ('justice, legal judgment, penalty'). The verb means to procure justice for someone, to vindicate, to punish a wrongdoer, to avenge. The noun means the exacting of justice: punishment, retribution, vindication. In Greek papyri the verb is used for defending or pursuing a legal claim. In the Bible it often has the sense of a ruler or judge giving a wronged party their due.

Against the English

English 'avenge' and 'vengeance' now lean heavily toward private, emotional retaliation: getting even, payback driven by resentment. The Greek words are more often legal and public: justice carried out by someone with the standing to carry it out. They can mean private revenge too, which is exactly what Paul forbids here.

How it drifted

The English word comes through French from Latin vindicare, 'to lay claim to, to vindicate, to punish'. Over time the English word narrowed toward personal revenge. Revenge stories in literature and film added a picture of grim, personal grudge-settling.

Used elsewhere in the period

Luke 18:3–8 is the clearest NT parallel. The widow says to the judge ekdikēson me, 'grant me justice against my adversary', and Jesus asks whether God will not 'make ekdikēsis for his elect'. Romans 13:4 calls the governing authority God's ekdikos ('avenger', the one who carries out justice) 'for wrath', using the same words as 12:19. LXX Leviticus 19:18 forbids private revenge with the same verb ('your hand shall not take vengeance'). LXX Deuteronomy 32:35 and 32:43 use the noun for God's judgment on enemies and his vindication of his people. In Hebrew background, naqam (the word behind Deuteronomy 32:35) is often the rightful action of a sovereign restoring order (G. E. Mendenhall).

From the study of Revelation 19:2

Range of meaning

To procure justice for someone (vindicate them, give them legal redress). To punish a wrong. To avenge. It is used of judges and rulers securing a verdict, as in Luke 18:3, 5 where the widow asks "grant me justice (ekdikēson me) against my adversary".

Against the English

KJV, BSB, WEB, ESV, NIV and NASB all say "avenged". That is accurate, but to modern ears "avenge" sounds like private, emotional payback. The Greek is at home in the lawcourt: the rightful judge acts for victims who could not get justice for themselves.

How it drifted

English "avenge/revenge" has come to mean personal retaliation outside the law. The Greek and Hebrew background (Hebrew naqam, often translated ekdikeō in the Greek Old Testament) is public, judicial redress, and the right to it belongs to God (Deut 32:35, "vengeance is mine", quoted in Rom 12:19).

Used elsewhere in the period

Deut 32:43 (Hebrew text): "he avenges the blood of his servants". LXX 2 Kgs 9:7: "you shall avenge the blood of my servants the prophets… from the hand of Jezebel" (ekdikēseis… ek cheiros Iezabel), almost word for word the wording here. Rev 6:10: the souls under the altar ask "how long… will you not judge and avenge (ekdikeis) our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"

From the study of Revelation 6:10

Range of meaning

To procure justice for someone (vindicate, defend their rights in court), and to punish the offender (avenge, exact a penalty). In legal and biblical usage the two senses come together: justice for the victim means the wrongdoer is held to account.

Against the English

'Avenge' is not wrong, but modern English hears it as private, emotional revenge. The Greek belongs to the courtroom and to the duty of the rightful authority to set things right.

How it drifted

'Avenge' and 'vengeance' have narrowed in modern English toward personal payback. The KJV-era sense of a judge or ruler 'avenging' the wronged, meaning executing justice, has faded.

Used elsewhere in the period

Septuagint: Deut 32:43 '[he] avenges the blood of his sons'. 4 Kgdms (2 Kgs) 9:7 'you shall avenge the blood of my slaves the prophets... from the hand of Jezebel'. Ps 78(79):10 'let the avenging (ekdikēsis) of the poured-out blood of your slaves be known among the nations'. Luke 18:3–8: the widow begs the judge 'grant me justice (ekdikēson me) against my adversary', and Jesus asks 'will not God give justice to his elect who cry to him day and night?'. Rev 19:2 answers this verse: God 'has avenged the blood of his slaves from her hand'. Papyri use ekdikeō for legal redress (BDAG; MM).