Righteousness — Meaning in the Bible

Being right: doing what is right and being in a right relationship with God and others. It describes God's own character, the life he asks of people, and the standing he gives.

Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition

What it means

In the Old Testament righteousness is closely linked with justice: treating others rightly, especially the poor, and keeping faith with God. God himself is righteous. Genesis 18:19 Psalm 11:7 Amos 5:24 Micah 6:8

Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. Jesus calls his followers to a righteousness greater than the scribes' and Pharisees', and Paul speaks of the righteousness of God given through faith. Genesis 15:6 Matthew 5:6 Matthew 5:20 Romans 3:21–22

Key passages

Genesis 15:6 — Abraham's faith credited as righteousness.
Psalm 11:7 — The LORD is righteous and loves righteousness.
Amos 5:24 — "Let justice roll on like rivers, and righteousness like a mighty stream."
Matthew 5:6 — Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
Romans 3:21–22 — The righteousness of God through faith.

Original language

צְדָקָה tse.da.qah

Hebrew · Strong’s H6666 · gloss: “righteousness”

One of the Hebrew words for righteousness, often paired with justice. Genesis 15:6 Amos 5:24

δικαιοσύνη dikaiosunē

Greek · Strong’s G1343 · gloss: “righteousness”

The Greek word for righteousness or justice. Matthew 5:6 Romans 3:21

A Strong’s number is a reference identifier, not a complete definition: what a word means in a passage depends on its context. Lexical data: STEPBible.org, based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).

How translations differ

The Greek word can be translated "righteousness" or "justice", and versions differ in some verses. Matthew 5:6

For children

Righteousness means being right and doing what is right, the way God is. Abraham trusted God, and God counted that as righteousness. Genesis 15:6

Study further

Genesis 15:1–6 Abraham believes God.
Micah 6:6–8 What the LORD requires.
Matthew 5:17–20 A greater righteousness.
Romans 3:21–26 God's righteousness revealed.