Exegetical Meaning

Righteousness is the quality of being right—not just in doing the correct thing, but in being the kind of person who consistently does what is right. The Greek word *dikaiosynē* captures both the inner character of someone who loves what is just and the outward actions that flow from that character. It's about living in proper alignment with God's standards and treating others fairly, honestly, and with integrity. In Scripture, this word appears frequently and carries rich layers of meaning. Sometimes it refers to personal moral goodness—living a life that reflects God's own character. Other times it points to God's own justice and fairness, especially in how He judges and saves. The word also has a special meaning in Christian theology related to justification, describing how God declares us "right" or "in right standing" with Him through faith in Christ, even though we couldn't achieve righteousness on our own. Common English translations render *dikaiosynē* as "righteousness," "justice," "justification," or "right living," depending on context. You'll find it throughout Jesus's teachings and Paul's letters. Matthew 5:6 shows Jesus speaking of those who "hunger and thirst for righteousness," meaning a deep desire to live rightly. Romans 3:21-22 reveals righteousness as God's gift to believers through Christ's faithfulness, showing how this word bridges our moral striving with God's gracious work on our behalf.

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Exegetical Meaning

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity | Etymology: from H6663 (צָדַק); | KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness).

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• Right Order in Covenant Relationships
• God's Saving Righteousness