Righteousness

Righteousness is one of the most important biblical values, both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. “Righteousness” is synonymous with “justice”. These two terms refer to roughly similar concepts.

The exact meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words that are translated with “justice” or “righteousness”, cannot be captured in one single legal term. In addition to this, opinions differ as to the meaning, but it is probable that justice relates to maintaining the correct (righteous) order that God has determined.

In practice this entails, amongst other things, making fair judgements and protecting people who are poor or oppressed.