Word Research
What is Righteousness?
The Hebrew word for “righteousness” is צְדָקָה (tzedakah or tzedaqah). This term encompasses a broad range of meanings related to justice, fairness, and ethical behavior. “tzedakah” signifies a state of being in right relationship with God.
Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”
This verse highlights the blessing upon those who seek after righteousness, promising satisfaction and fulfillment.
Matthew 6:33 – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Jesus instructs his followers to prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness, with the promise that their needs will be provided.
Romans 3:21-22 – “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference
Paul explains that God’s righteousness is revealed apart from the law and is received through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.
Romans 5:17 – “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)”:”
Through Jesus Christ, believers receive the gift of righteousness, which allows them to reign in life.
2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Christ’s sacrifice enables believers to become the righteousness of God through Him, despite their own sinfulness.
Philippians 3:9 – “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:”
Paul contrasts human righteousness based on the law with the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ, emphasizing the superiority of God’s righteousness received through faith.
1 John 2:29 – “If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.”
Those who are born of God demonstrate their relationship by doing righteousness (works), reflecting God’s character.
In English
Righteousness
In Hebrew
tzedakah
In Greek
δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosunē)
Word Count
The word “righteousness” appears 307 times in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.
Righteousness Explained
Righteousness is a state of being in the Bible. It refers to a condition or quality of being morally right or justifiable, living in accordance with God’s standards and commandments. Righteousness only exists where sin doesn’t.
Although Jesus was able to achieve righteousness by perfect adherence of God’s Law (10 Commandments). For man, righteousness is only achievable through the redeeming power of Jesus Christ and having faith in him.
Righteousness is the counter to unrighteousness/sin. Righteousness is a complete pureness or sinless state of being. Once man has sinned by transgressing God’s Law just one time, he is forever at the mercy of Jesus for the forgiveness of his sins, and through him, we return to a spotless or righteous state.