Righteousness in the Bible
Righteousness in the Bible is being in right standing — with God, with others, and with the moral order God has built into the world. It is both a gift declared and a life lived. The Old Testament tsedaqah and the New Testament dikaiosune carry both meanings.
Greek & Hebrew words
Greek (New Testament)
Key KJV verses
All verses →Romans 1:17
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”Read in context
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.”Read in context
Genesis 15:6
“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”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
Tsedaqah: right relationships
Tsedaqah (H6666) is more than legal correctness. It is faithfulness to covenant — the kind of behavior that makes for whole communities and right worship.
Dikaiosune: declared and lived
Paul uses dikaiosune (G1343) in two senses: the status God credits to the believer (Romans 4) and the life the believer is called to walk in (Romans 6). Both flow from union with Christ.
Frequently asked questions
What is biblical righteousness?
Righteousness in the Bible is being in right relationship with God and others. It is both a gift God gives (imputed) and a life God produces (imparted).
What is the Greek word for righteousness?
Dikaiosynē (δικαιοσύνη, Strong's G1343).