Justice (Mishpat)
מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat)
Right judgment and fair treatment — giving each person what they are due under God's standard.
Mishpat is the Hebrew word for justice, meaning right judgment, legal decision, and fair treatment. It describes both God's perfect judicial decisions and the obligation of His people to establish fairness, equity, and rights for all.
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" — Micah 6:8 (KJV)
Key Verses
Micah 6:8
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”Read in context
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.”Read in context
Psalm 89:14
“Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H4941 — Justice (Mishpat) (מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) appears.
Open Strong's H4941Etymology and Original Meaning
Mishpat comes from the verb shaphat, meaning 'to judge' or 'to govern.' It encompasses the entire range of judicial activity: the decision itself, the process of reaching it, the standard applied, and the rights established. Mishpat is not merely punitive justice but restorative — it aims to set things right, establish fairness, and protect the vulnerable. It is the practical outworking of righteousness.
God's Justice
Justice is foundational to God's character: 'Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne' (Psalm 89:14). God's throne rests on justice — it is not an attribute He occasionally exercises but the foundation of His governance. He 'loveth righteousness and judgment' (Psalm 33:5). His justice is perfect, impartial, and ultimately redemptive — aimed at restoring what sin has broken.
Justice for the Vulnerable
The prophets consistently linked justice with care for the vulnerable: 'Relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow' (Isaiah 1:17). Biblical justice is not abstract principle but concrete advocacy — protecting those who cannot protect themselves. God is 'a father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows' (Psalm 68:5). His people are called to mirror this protective justice.
Justice and Mercy Together
Micah 6:8 unites justice and mercy: 'Do justly, and love mercy, and walk humbly.' Justice without mercy becomes harsh legalism; mercy without justice becomes sentimental permissiveness. God holds both perfectly — He is 'just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus' (Romans 3:26). At the cross, justice and mercy meet: sin is fully punished and freely forgiven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does justice mean in the Bible?
Justice (mishpat) means right judgment and fair treatment — giving each person what they are due under God's standard. It includes legal decisions, advocacy for the vulnerable, and the establishment of equity and rights for all.
How are justice and mercy related?
Justice gives what is deserved; mercy withholds what is deserved. God holds both perfectly (Psalm 89:14). At the cross, justice was satisfied (sin punished) and mercy extended (sinners forgiven). Believers are called to practice both (Micah 6:8).
Which Bible verse uses the word "Justice (Mishpat)"?
Micah 6:8 — "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (KJV). It also appears in Isaiah 1:17, Psalm 89:14.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Justice (Mishpat)" matter?
Mishpat comes from the verb shaphat, meaning 'to judge' or 'to govern.' It encompasses the entire range of judicial activity: the decision itself, the process of reaching it, the standard applied, and the rights established. English uses one word, "Justice (Mishpat)", where the Hebrew מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) carries the fuller sense: right judgment and fair treatment — giving each person what they are due under god's standard.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Justice (Mishpat) (מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat))
Right judgment and fair treatment — giving each person what they are due under God's standard.
Strong's H4941 — Justice (Mishpat)
מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) • Right judgment and fair treatment — giving each person what they are due under God's standard.
Biblical Meaning of Seeing Dead Relatives in a Dream (KJV)
Often the mind processing grief; test carefully against Scripture.
Judgment (מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) / κρίσις (Krisis))
God's righteous assessment and administration of justice
Strong's G2920 — Judgment
מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) / κρίσις (Krisis) • God's righteous assessment and administration of justice
Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)
Life, atonement, and covenant with God.
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