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., Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30 . For a complete list see AVENGE , B, No. 2. The judgements of God are holy and right (Revelation 16:7 ), and free from any element of self-gratification or vindictiveness.
Notes: (1) Dike, "justice," is translated "vengeance" in the AV of Acts 28:4 and Jude 1:7 : see JUSTICE. (2) In Romans 3:5 , AV, orge, "wrath" (RV), is rendered "vengeance;" see ANGER , WRATH.