The word dike means a decision in a court case, but only one of its four NT occurrences carries precisely that meaning—the chief priest pressing Festus for a decision against Paul in Jerusalem (Acts 25:15). In the other instances the reference is to God’s judgment against wickedness—Sodom and Gomorrah suffering the “vengeance” of eternal fire (Jude 1:7), the enemies of the faithful being “punished” (suffering judgment) with everlasting destruction from the Lord’s presence (2 Thessalonians 1:9), and the pagan assessment of Paul with a viper fastening on his wrist: “vengeance (of the gods) suffers him not to live” (Acts 28:4).
Antidikos means the other fellow in the court case. Hence, in the parable, “agree with thine adversary quickly, lest the judge…” (Matthew 5:25; Luke 12:58). And, in another parable, the widow appeals persistently to the unprincipled judge: “Avenge me of mine adversary” (Luke 18:3).
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Author: Harry Whittaker
Keywords: Adversary, antidikos
Bible reference(s): Luke 18:3, Matthew 5:25, Luke 12:58, Acts 25:15, 1 Peter 5:8
Source: “Adversary,” Word Studies.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.