Justified Word Study

Paul uses the word justified extensively in the book of Romans. The word
justified is translated from . Translated as justified, it occurs 10 times in
Romans and 24 times through the whole New Testament in the New American Standard
Version of the Bible. Dikaioo, the transliteration is translated 7 other ways making
occur a total of 39 times.
The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon gives several definitions of the word as
it is used 35 times in the New Testament. These are
1) To render righteous or such he ought to be
2) To show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and
wishes himself to be considered.
3) To declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he
ought to be
With relatively little doubt, it can be said that in this instance is most
accurately associated with the third definition, to declare, pronounce,
one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be. This meaning
would resound with the church at Rome, which was made up of both
Jewish and Gentile believers. Rome was the center of the empire as
well as the focal point of politics. Every person living in Rome would be
accustomed to trials and familiar with political jargon, similar to
modern day America where the court is a huge obsession of some, and
recognized by all.
The theological meaning packed into this word is deep. Aside
from the first glance interpretation the Romans would have had with

this word, justification is important in another way as well. There is

theological teaching about God and his judging. As the judge of the
world, Romans is talking about how he will declare people to be just or
righteous, just as He originally created mankind to be. This is the
principal of glorification. Glorification is the third part in Gods plan,
beginning with justification and sanctification.
This is important in life because of the role it plays in the three
part overview of a Christians life. Jesus died for us and our
justification, in part what Paul is talking about in Romans 5:1. During
our redeemed life and sanctification, we are to live triumphant because
we have been deemed just. Finally in Heaven one day, we will be
glorified and restored to the just place we were once at and where God
always intended for humans to be.

Matyszak, 2003. Pages 16-42

New American Standard Bible. The Lockman Foundation. 1995.
Thayer and Smith. "Greek Lexicon entry for Dikaioo". The NAS New Testament Greek
Lexicon. 1999.