What is the meaning of Dike in the Bible?
In Acts 28:4, the Maltese locals use the Greek word 'dikē' to describe the viper that bit Paul, interpreting the attack as divine justice or vengeance against him for his alleged crimes.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing that 'dikē' refers to the abstract concept of justice rather than a personified deity clarifies the Maltese worldview, showing they believed in immediate, impersonal divine retribution rather than worshiping a specific goddess of vengeance.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Dike functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Dike in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Dike clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Acts 28:4
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Dike." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/dike/