Vengeance <1,,1557, ekdikesis>
lit., "(that which proceeds) out of justice," not, as often with human "vengeance," out of a sense of injury or merely out of a feeling of indignation. The word is most frequently used of Divine "vengeance," e.g., Rom 12:19, Heb 10:30. For a complete list see AVENGE, B, No. 2. The judgements of God are holy and right (Rev 16:7), and free from any element of self-gratification or vindictiveness.
Notes: (1) Dike, "justice," is translated "vengeance" in the AV of Act 28:4 and Jud 1:7, see JUSTICE. (2) In Rom 3:5, AV, orge, "wrath" (RV), is rendered "vengeance;" see ANGER, WRATH.
