Righteousness
צְדָקָה (Tsedaqah) / δικαιοσύνη (Dikaiosunē)
Right standing before God; moral uprightness and justice
Righteousness in the Bible means being in right standing with God and living according to His moral standard. It encompasses both God's perfect character and the status He graciously bestows on believers through faith.
"And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." — Genesis 15:6 (KJV)
Key Verses
Genesis 15:6
“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”Read in context
Romans 3:22
“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe.”Read in context
Matthew 6:33
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G1343 — Righteousness (צְדָקָה (Tsedaqah) / δικαιοσύνη (Dikaiosunē))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where צְדָקָה (Tsedaqah) / δικαιοσύνη (Dikaiosunē) appears.
Open Strong's G1343The Meaning of Righteousness
The Hebrew 'tsedaqah' and Greek 'dikaiosunē' both convey the idea of conformity to a standard — specifically, God's perfect moral standard. Righteousness is not merely about following rules but about being in right relationship with God and reflecting His character in how we treat others. In the Old Testament, it is closely linked to justice, fairness, and covenant faithfulness.
God's Righteousness
God's righteousness is foundational to His character. He always acts in accordance with what is right, just, and good. His judgments are righteous, His ways are righteous, and His purposes are righteous. This means the universe is built on a moral foundation — right and wrong are not arbitrary but are rooted in the very nature of God Himself.
Imputed Righteousness
One of the most revolutionary concepts in Scripture is 'imputed righteousness' — the idea that God credits His own righteousness to those who believe. Abraham 'believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness' (Genesis 15:6). Paul develops this doctrine extensively in Romans, showing that believers receive Christ's righteousness as a gift through faith, not through their own moral efforts.
Pursuing Righteousness
While believers receive righteousness as a gift, they are also called to pursue righteous living. This is not about earning God's favor but about reflecting the character of the One who saved them. Jesus taught that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled (Matthew 5:6). The pursuit of righteousness involves justice, compassion, integrity, and Christlike character in every area of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be righteous in God's eyes?
To be righteous in God's eyes means to be in right standing with Him. This comes not through our own goodness but through faith in Jesus Christ. God credits (imputes) the righteousness of Christ to those who believe, declaring them righteous even though they are sinners. This is the heart of the gospel message.
What is the difference between righteousness and holiness?
Righteousness focuses on right standing and right conduct — being in proper relationship with God and others. Holiness focuses on being set apart for God — separated from sin and dedicated to His purposes. They are closely related: the righteous person lives a holy life, and the holy person acts righteously.
What is the Hebrew word for "Righteousness" in the Bible?
צְדָקָה (Tsedaqah) / δικαιοσύνη (Dikaiosunē), pronounced "tseh-dah-KAH / dik-ay-os-OO-nay." It means right standing before god; moral uprightness and justice. Its Strong's number is G1343. It is the word behind "Righteousness" in both Testaments, for example in Genesis 15:6.
What does "Righteousness" mean in the Bible?
Right standing before God; moral uprightness and justice. The underlying Hebrew word is צְדָקָה (Tsedaqah) / δικαιοσύνη (Dikaiosunē) ("tseh-dah-KAH / dik-ay-os-OO-nay"), Strong's G1343. Righteousness in the Bible means being in right standing with God and living according to His moral standard.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Righteousness (Tsedaqah) (צְדָקָה (tsedaqah))
Right standing and right action — conformity to God's character and covenant requirements.
Strong's H6666 — Righteousness (Tsedaqah)
צְדָקָה (tsedaqah) • Right standing and right action — conformity to God's character and covenant requirements.
Righteousness (δικαιοσύνη (Dikaiosynē) / צְדָקָה (Tsedaqah))
Right standing before God; conformity to His character and law
Strong's G1343 — Righteousness
δικαιοσύνη (Dikaiosynē) / צְדָקָה (Tsedaqah) • Right standing before God; conformity to His character and law
Biblical Meaning of the Sun in a Dream (KJV)
God's glory, Christ the Sun of righteousness, or His favor.
Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)
Life, atonement, and covenant with God.
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