ΑΔΙΚΗΜΑ
The term ἀδίκημα, with a lexarithmos of 84, stands at the core of Greek ethical and legal thought. As a noun, it describes the specific act that violates δίκη—justice, order, and law—embodying injustice in a concrete action. Its formation from the privative prefix "ἀ-" and the root "δίκη" makes it immediately intelligible as "anti-justice," an act directed against what is right and lawful.
REPORT ERRORDefinition
According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, ἀδίκημα (τό) signifies "a wrong, a wrong done, an injury, an offense, a crime." It denotes the specific act that constitutes an injustice, in contrast to ἀδικία (ἡ), which refers to the state or quality of being unjust, or the abstract concept of injustice itself. The ἀδίκημα is the manifestation of ἀδικία in a particular action, whether it be a legal transgression or a moral failing.
The word is widely used in classical Greek literature, particularly in philosophical and legal texts. For Plato and Aristotle, an ἀδίκημα is an act that disturbs the harmony of the soul or the city, running contrary to justice, which is considered the supreme virtue. It pertains not only to the violation of written laws but also to the transgression of unwritten moral codes.
In a legal context, ἀδίκημα can refer to any unlawful act, from a minor misdemeanor to a serious crime. The concept of "redress" or "punishment" for an ἀδίκημα was central to ancient Greek law, as the maintenance of social order depended on the deterrence and elimination of such acts. The word retains its meaning in Koine Greek, where it often refers to moral or religious transgressions.
Etymology
The family of δίκη is rich and includes words such as δίκαιος (one who acts according to δίκη, just), δικαιοσύνη (the virtue of justice), ἀδικία (the state of lacking δίκη), and ἀδικέω (the verb of committing injustice). Other derivatives include ἄδικος (the unjust person) and ἀδίκως (in an unjust manner). The root δίκη is also present in compound verbs like ἐκδικέω (to render justice, avenge) and προδικάζω (to prejudge).
Main Meanings
- An act of injustice, a wrong — The specific action that violates law or moral order. E.g., «τὸ ἀδίκημα τοῦ κλέπτου» (the wrong of the thief).
- A crime, an offense (legal term) — In a legal context, any act that transgresses the laws of the city-state. Frequently used in judicial proceedings.
- Harm, injury — An act that causes harm or damage to someone, whether physical or to property. E.g., «ἀδίκημα τῆς οὐσίας» (damage to property).
- Moral transgression, sin — In ethical and theological thought, an act that contravenes the principles of virtue or divine laws. In the New Testament, it is often associated with sin.
- Wrongdoing — The act of doing wrong, the manifestation of ἀδικία in action.
- An accomplished wrong — A synonym for ἀδίκημα, emphasizing the completed act of injustice.
Word Family
«ἀ- + δίκη (root of δίκαιος, meaning «justice, order»)»
The root δίκη is fundamental in Greek thought, expressing the concept of order, justice, judgment, and punishment. From it arise words describing both the correct state of affairs and the act of administering justice. The addition of the privative prefix ἀ- creates a strong opposition, leading to a family of words that describe the absence, violation, or opposition to this order and justice. Thus, this family explores the spectrum from absolute justice to complete injustice.
Philosophical Journey
The trajectory of the word ἀδίκημα reflects the evolution of Greek thought on justice and ethics, from classical philosophy to Christian theology.
In Ancient Texts
Three characteristic passages highlight the use of ἀδίκημα in different contexts:
Lexarithmic Analysis
The lexarithmos of the word ΑΔΙΚΗΜΑ is 84, from the sum of its letter values:
84 decomposes into 80 (tens) + 4 (units).
The 18 Methods
Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΑΔΙΚΗΜΑ:
| Method | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Isopsephy | 84 | Base lexarithmos |
| Decade Numerology | 3 | 8+4=12 → 1+2=3 — Triad, a symbol of completion, but here suggesting the threefold dimension of injustice (act, intent, consequence) or the disruption of harmony. |
| Letter Count | 7 | 7 letters — Heptad, a number of perfection and fullness, here in contrast to the imperfection of injustice. |
| Cumulative | 4/80/0 | Units 4 · Tens 80 · Hundreds 0 |
| Odd/Even | Even | Feminine force |
| Left/Right Hand | Left | Material (<100) |
| Quotient | — | Comparative method |
| Notarikon | Α-Δ-Ι-Κ-Η-Μ-Α | A-dikia D-ivides I-ntegrity, K-ills H-onor, M-inimizes A-retē (Virtue). |
| Grammatical Groups | 4V · 1L · 2S | 4 vowels (Α, Ι, Η, Α), 1 liquid/nasal (Μ), 2 stops (Δ, Κ). |
| Palindromes | No | |
| Onomancy | — | Comparative |
| Sphere of Democritus | — | Divination with lunar day |
| Zodiacal Isopsephy | Moon ☽ / Aries ♈ | 84 mod 7 = 0 · 84 mod 12 = 0 |
Isopsephic Words (84)
Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon with the same lexarithmos (84) as ἀδίκημα, but from different roots, offer interesting contrasts:
The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 17 words with lexarithmos 84. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.
Sources & Bibliography
- Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon, with a revised Supplement. Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1996.
- Plato — Gorgias, Republic. Oxford University Press.
- Aristotle — Nicomachean Ethics. Clarendon Press, Oxford.
- Nestle-Aland — Novum Testamentum Graece. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 28th edition, 2012.
- Sophocles — Antigone. Harvard University Press, Loeb Classical Library.
- Matthew, Gospel According to — New Testament. Hellenic Bible Society.
- John Chrysostom — Homilies on the First Epistle to the Corinthians. Patrologia Graeca.