Righteousness
Category
God's Nature & Attributes
Biblical Definition
God's perfect rectitude and justice, by which He always acts in complete conformity to His own holy character.
Origin(s)
Hebrew: צְדָקָה; Greek: δικαιοσύνη
Transliteration
ṣĕdāqâ / tsedaqah; dikaiosynē
Literal meaning
rightness, justice, righteousness; righteousness, uprightness
Key Scripture(s)
Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 11:7; Psalm 145:17; Romans 1:16-17; Romans 3:25-26; Revelation 16:5-7
Theological Significance
God's righteousness means He never acts unjustly and always upholds what is right. In the gospel His righteousness is not compromised but displayed, because He remains just while justifying sinners through Christ.
Common Misunderstanding(s)
Righteousness is not mere strictness or impersonal rule-enforcement. Biblically it is God's unwavering moral perfection and faithful justice.
Practical Application
God's righteousness gives confidence that His judgments are right, comforts the oppressed, and calls His people to lives marked by justice and integrity.