The Greek word δίκη, dike is only used four times in the New Testament and carries the meaning of punishment and judgment. In the two verses that relate to the topic of annihilationism (conditional immortality), 2 Thess. 1:9 and Jude 7 are of particular importance. The first says that the penalty of eternal destruction will be levied upon those who do not know God (2 Thess. 1:8). Exactly what is the nature of this destruction whether it is conscious torment or annihilation is not clarified. Jude 6-7 seems to suggest a present punishment of fallen angels (Jude 6) along with a continued, present punishment of the wicked.
- Greek word: δίκη, díke
- Meaning: A penalty, punishment
- Strong’s #: G1349
- Frequency: 4 occurrences
Summary of the meaning of the Greek word dike/katadike, penalty, in all verses where it occurs in the New Testament.
- Conscious punishment, 1 occurrence
- Acts 25:15
- Justice, 1 occurrence
- Acts 28:4
- Penalty, 1 occurrence
- 2 Thess. 1:9
- Punishment, 1 occurrence
- Jude 7
| TABLE OF ALL NEW TESTAMENT USAGES OF DIKE, δίκη | ||
| Address | Verse | Meaning |
| Acts 25:15 | “and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him.” | Punishment experienced while alive |
| Acts 28:4 | “When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, ‘Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.'” | Justice |
| 2 Thess. 1:9 | “These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.” | Penalty |
| Jude 7 | “just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.” | Judgment |
Dictionaries and Lexicons consulted
- “Originally díkē meant manner, tendency. Gradually it became the designation for the right of established custom or usage. The basic meaning of the word involves the assertion by human society of a certain standard expected by its people which, if not kept, can bring forth ensuing judgment. Thus it can be said that díkē is expected behavior or conformity, not according to one’s own standard, but according to an imposed standard with prescribed punishment for nonconformity. It refers to legitimate custom. A penalty, punishment (Acts 25:15 [TR]; 2 Thess. 1:9; Jude 1:7). the basic noun díkē (1349) occurs only four times (Acts 25:15, 28:4; 2 Thess. 1:9; Jude 1:7), and means punishment.”
- Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000
- “to judge someone as definitely guilty and thus subject to punishment—‘to condemn, to render a verdict of guilt, condemnation.”
- Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains. New York: United Bible Societies, 1996.
- δίκη, καταδίκη [dike /dee·kay/] n f. Probably from 1166; TDNT 2:178; TDNTA 168; GK 1472 and 2869; Four occurrences; AV translates as “vengeance” twice, “judgment” once, and “punish + 5099” once. 1 custom, usage. 2 right, just. 3 a suit at law. 4 a judicial hearing, judicial decision, esp. sentence of condemnation. 5 execution of a sentence, punishment. 5A to suffer punishment. 6 the goddess Justice, avenging justice.
- Strong, James. Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship, 1995.
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