ἔκδῐκ-ος G1558
avenger, one who executes justice or punishment
This adjective used substantively means an avenger or one who maintains justice through punishment. Paul uses it in Romans 13:4 of the governing authority as God's servant and avenger executing wrath, and in 1 Thessalonians 4:6 of the Lord as avenger of sexual immorality. The term emphasizes active vindication of right and punishment of wrong, whether through human authorities or divine judgment.
Senses
1. sense 1 — Describing one who executes vengeance or enforces justice, this sense applies both to civil authorities (Rom 13:4) and to God himself (1 Thess 4:6). The consistent translation as 'avenger' or 'vengador' reflects the active role of executing wrath against wrongdoing. Romans connects this with legitimate governmental authority, while 1 Thessalonians warns of divine retribution for sexual sin. 2×
AR["مُنْتَقِمٌ"]·ben["প্রতিশোধক"]·DE["Raecher"]·EN["an-avenger", "avenger"]·FR["vengeur"]·heb["נוֹקֵם"]·HI["बदलअ-लेने-वअल", "बदला-लेने-वाला"]·ID["pembalas"]·IT["ekdikos", "vendicatore"]·jav["juru-males", "juru-paukuman"]·KO["보복하시는-분이시다", "복수하는-자로"]·PT["vingador"]·RU["-злое", "мститель"]·ES["vengador"]·SW["mlipiza-kisasi"]·TR["intikamçı", "öç-alıcı"]·urd["بدلہ-لینے-والا"]
Related Senses
H4941 1. justice, righteousness (134×)H4941 2. judgment, judicial decision (119×)H4941 3. ordinances, statutes (plural) (110×)H8199 1. to judge, adjudicate (98×)G2919 1. judge, pass judgment (76×)H8199 2. judge (person, office-holder) (61×)G2920 1. judgment / condemnation (48×)H7378 1. Qal: quarrel, contend, strive (42×)H4941 4. prescribed ordinance, regulation (34×)G1832 1. it is lawful, it is permitted (32×)G2917 1. judgment, condemnation (27×)G2919 2. be judged, stand trial (27×)H5360 1. vengeance, retribution (27×)H7378 2. Qal: plead, defend, litigate (22×)G2723 1. accuse, bring charges against (20×)G2923 1. judge (one who judges/decides) (19×)G2632 1. condemn, pass judgment against (18×)H1777 1. judge, adjudicate (18×)H1576 1. recompense, retribution (17×)H5359 1. vengeance, retribution (17×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
ἔκδῐκ-ος, ον, lawless, unjust, ἔκδικα πάσχω Refs 4th c.BC+; of persons, Refs 5th c.BC+. adverb -κωςRefs 4th c.BC+ __II maintaining the right, avenging, ἔχει θεὸς ἔ. ὄμμα LXX+1st c.AD+ __II.2 substantive, avenger, Refs 1st c.AD+ __II.3 public advocate or prosecutor, Refs 1st c.BC+ __II.4 generally, legal representative, Refs 1st c.AD+