"Dikaioo"

[Jim_Baur]

How did the early Greek speaking and writing Fathers understand the term “dikaioo”?

Please forgive my lack of scholarship, were there dictionaries in Biblical times?

 

[Verbum]

Hi Jim,

The Greek Fathers spoke Greek. They understood the term as used in their language. The first meaning is : “to find correct, appropriate”; the second meaning is : “to punish”; the third meaning is : to exculpate, exonerate".

To this we must add that the Septuagint (and New Testament) is heavily influenced by the Hebrew language. “Dikaios” (the adjective) means “just” in Greek, but “upright”, “exemplary” or “holy” in Hebrew. Thus St. Joseph is said to be “just”, which in Matthew’s particular context, could be translated as “upright”.

Thus “dikaioo” not only means “exonerated” but “holy”. And, when one reads St. Paul, both meanings come out clearly.

Verbum

 

[TOME]

Jim, Verbum gave a very good answer and I hope I donot distract from it. An important element in the words usage for in its active and passive voice is the concept of being “Right” or “Rightous” or bieng justified thus made right. Building on this, in the passive use of the word, to be justified as used throughout the scriptures means to be put into right relationship with God. This is the bases for the Catholic Teaching,proclaimed offically as far back as the 16th Council of Carthage’s (418 AD) that it was only through Christ Paschal Sacrifice that we were Justified (put into right relationship with God). However, in the active voice to be right/rightous we find, especially in Paul’s teachings, is to be in the proper relationship with God, to know God’s will and to do God’s will.

 

[Jim_Baur]

Thank you Verbum.

Thank you Tome.

If I have understood, there is a change in the soul of the person that is justified.

Again, please forgive my lack of knowledge: Were there dictionaries at the time of Jesus Christ?