Biblical theme · Justice and responsibility

Justice in the Bible

God’s love of justice and the call to act justly, especially toward the poor, the widow, the orphan and the foreigner, in the law, the prophets, the psalms, Jesus’ teaching and the letters.

Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition

Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.

Introduction

The Bible presents God as just and as a lover of justice. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne, and he “executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner”. Psalm 89:14 Deuteronomy 10:17–19

The law, the prophets, the psalms, Jesus and the letters all call God’s people to act justly: fair courts, fair wages, care for the vulnerable, and no favouritism. Micah 6:8 Leviticus 19:15 James 2:1–4

Central passages

Deuteronomy 10:17–19
God shows no partiality and takes no bribes; he defends the orphan and widow and loves the foreigner, so Israel must love the foreigner too.
Leviticus 19:15
Do not pervert justice; do not favour the poor or honour the great.
Deuteronomy 24:14–22
Pay the hired worker the same day; leave gleanings for the foreigner, the orphan and the widow.
Amos 5:21–24
God hates feasts offered without justice: “Let justice roll on like rivers.”
Isaiah 1:16–17
Learn to do well; seek justice; relieve the oppressed; defend the fatherless; plead for the widow.
Micah 6:8
To do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.
Psalm 82:3–4
Defend the weak, the poor and the fatherless; rescue them from the hand of the wicked.
Proverbs 31:8–9
Open your mouth for those who cannot speak; judge righteously and defend the poor.
Luke 4:16–21
Reading Isaiah, Jesus announces good news to the poor and liberty to the oppressed.
Matthew 23:23
Jesus rebukes those who tithe herbs but neglect justice, mercy and faith.
James 2:1–9
Do not show favouritism to the rich and dishonour the poor.
James 5:1–6
The wages withheld from workers cry out; their cries reach the Lord.

Across Scripture

Each passage is labelled with why it belongs: central teaching, narrative example, supporting passage, comparison, contrast or interpretive connection.

Justice in the law

The law of Moses builds justice into everyday life: courts, harvests and wages.

Deuteronomy 10:17–19 Central teaching
God shows no partiality and takes no bribes; he defends the orphan and widow and loves the foreigner, so Israel must love the foreigner too.
Leviticus 19:15 Central teaching
Do not pervert justice; do not favour the poor or honour the great.
Deuteronomy 24:14–22 Central teaching
Pay the hired worker the same day; leave gleanings for the foreigner, the orphan and the widow.
Exodus 23:6–9 Supporting passage
Do not deny justice to the poor; do not take bribes; do not oppress a foreigner.

The prophets

The prophets condemn worship that ignores injustice.

Amos 5:21–24 Central teaching
God hates feasts offered without justice: “Let justice roll on like rivers.”
Isaiah 1:16–17 Central teaching
Learn to do well; seek justice; relieve the oppressed; defend the fatherless; plead for the widow.
Micah 6:8 Central teaching
To do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.
Jeremiah 22:13–16 Supporting passage
Woe to the king who builds his house by unrighteousness and does not pay his workers.

Speak up for the vulnerable

Psalms and Proverbs call rulers and ordinary people to defend the weak.

Psalm 82:3–4 Central teaching
Defend the weak, the poor and the fatherless; rescue them from the hand of the wicked.
Proverbs 31:8–9 Central teaching
Open your mouth for those who cannot speak; judge righteously and defend the poor.
Psalm 146:7–9 Supporting passage
The LORD executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.

Jesus and justice

Jesus announces good news to the poor and rebukes those who neglect justice.

Luke 4:16–21 Central teaching
Reading Isaiah, Jesus announces good news to the poor and liberty to the oppressed.
Matthew 23:23 Central teaching
Jesus rebukes those who tithe herbs but neglect justice, mercy and faith.
Luke 18:1–8 Narrative example
A persistent widow seeks justice from an unjust judge; God will bring about justice for his chosen ones.

In the church

The letters apply justice to favouritism, wages and the response to wrong.

James 2:1–9 Central teaching
Do not show favouritism to the rich and dishonour the poor.
James 5:1–6 Central teaching
The wages withheld from workers cry out; their cries reach the Lord.
Romans 12:17–21 Contrast
Do not repay evil for evil or take revenge; leave room for God’s judgment.
Romans 13:1–4 Supporting passage
Paul describes governing authorities as servants for good who punish wrongdoing.

Stories that show this theme

The Exodus from Egypt Illustrates the theme
God sees the oppression of his people and acts. Exodus 3:7–9
Esther
A plot to destroy a people is exposed. Esther 7:6

People associated with this theme

Amos
Amos calls for justice to roll on like rivers. Amos 5:24

Distinctions and questions of interpretation

Justice and revenge: Scripture asks for justice but forbids personal revenge, leaving vengeance to God and, in its proper role, to authority. Romans 12:19 Romans 13:4
Justice and mercy: The prophets do not choose between them: do justice and love mercy. Micah 6:8
Justice and charity: Leaving gleanings and paying wages on time are written into the law as obligations, not optional kindness. Deuteronomy 24:14–15 Deuteronomy 24:19

Related themes

Mercy
Justice and mercy are held together. Micah 6:8
Generosity
Generosity to the poor is part of justice in the law. Deuteronomy 24:19–22
Worship
The prophets reject worship divorced from justice. Amos 5:21–24

Life situations

Abuse and Unsafe Relationships
God defends the oppressed. Psalm 10:17–18
Betrayal
Leaving judgment to God. Romans 12:19

Questions for reflection

Written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.

Which groups does the law single out for protection (Deuteronomy 10:18; 24:17-21)?
Why does God reject Israel’s worship in Amos 5:21-24?
How does Jesus describe his mission in Luke 4:18-19?
Where could you “open your mouth for those who cannot speak” (Proverbs 31:8)?

Study guides

Faith and Works in James
James on favouritism and withheld wages. James 2:1–9 James 5:4