Justification in the Bible
To be justified is to be declared righteous before God's tribunal. It is a courtroom verdict, not a slow improvement — given freely on the basis of Christ's righteousness, received by faith.
Greek & Hebrew words
Greek (New Testament)
Key KJV verses
All verses →Romans 3:24
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”Read in context
Romans 5:1
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”Read in context
Galatians 2:16
“A man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.”Read in context
Genesis 15:6
“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”Read in context
A courtroom verdict
Dikaioō (G1344) is forensic language — God the Judge declaring the believer righteous, not because of works but because Christ's righteousness is counted to faith (Romans 4:5).
By faith, not works
Paul anchors justification in Genesis 15:6 — Abraham believed, and it was counted to him for righteousness. Works follow justification; they do not produce it (Romans 4; Galatians 2:16).
Frequently asked questions
What does justification mean in the Bible?
God's legal declaration that a sinner is righteous in His sight on the basis of Christ's righteousness, received through faith (Romans 3:24; 5:1).
Is justification by faith or works?
By faith, not works of the law (Galatians 2:16). Genuine faith then produces good works as its fruit (Ephesians 2:8–10; James 2:17).