In the Bible, “just” refers to being righteous and morally upright; it signifies living in accordance with God’s standards and laws. It often describes individuals who are faithful, honest, and act with integrity, reflecting God’s character in their actions (e.g., Deuteronomy 32:4; Proverbs 21:15).
Scripture
23 Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?
24 Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it?
25 Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”
Biblical Meaning of “Just” Explained
The biblical concept of “just” extends beyond mere adherence to laws to embody the essence of righteousness and moral integrity that aligns with God’s character and will. In the Old Testament, God is often referred to as “just” (Deuteronomy 32:4), illustrating His perfect nature and unwavering commitment to fairness and truth. This foundational attribute calls upon believers to mirror these qualities in their own lives. For instance, in Isaiah 30:18, it is stated that “the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all who wait for him.” This implies that being just is not only about following a set of rules but also involves embodying a faithful anticipation of God’s justice in the world, which encourages believers to act righteously even amidst adversity.
Moreover, the New Testament reinforces this understanding through the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles, presenting “justice” as integral to the Christian faith. In James 1:27, the call to care for orphans and widows in their distress highlights the practical outworking of justice fueled by love and compassion. Additionally, in Romans 1:17, we learn that “the righteous will live by faith,” indicating that a just life flows from a relationship of faith with God, where one’s actions reflect an inner commitment to His values. Thus, being “just” in biblical scripture is a holistic concept that encapsulates faith, moral integrity, and a commitment to live out God’s love and justice in interpersonal and social contexts, challenging individuals to reflect divine principles in all areas of life.
The biblical understanding of “just” by examining further references illuminates its profound implications within the life of believers. In the Psalms, for instance, it is frequently emphasized that God’s justice is protective and restorative, assuring the marginalized that they are not overlooked. Psalm 146:7 states that the Lord upholds the oppressed and gives food to the hungry, illustrating how His just nature translates into practical support for those in need. This perspective encourages believers to embody similar values by being advocates for justice in their communities, demonstrating that true justice is an active expression of love and concern for the welfare of others.
Additionally, the Gospels illuminate the teachings of Jesus, who profoundly redefined justice through the lens of personal sacrifice and compassion. In Matthew 5:6, He blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, underscoring a deep yearning for justice in an unjust world. This aligns with the prophetic tradition that calls for a holistic just society characterized by mercy, humility, and integrity, as seen in Micah 6:8. Such teachings call believers not only to seek justice but to actively engage in creating a just and equitable community that reflects God’s kingdom on Earth. Thus, the biblical notion of being “just” is intrinsically linked to an active faith that transcends mere compliance with laws, urging believers to pursue justice through compassionate action and a heartfelt commitment to the wellbeing of others.
Divine Justice and Righteousness
In the biblical context, the term “just” often refers to the inherent nature of God as a righteous judge. This concept emphasizes that God embodies perfect justice, ensuring that all actions are evaluated fairly and impartially. The just nature of God is foundational to the moral order of the universe, where right and wrong are defined by His character. This understanding encourages believers to trust in God’s ultimate judgment and to strive for righteousness in their own lives, reflecting His justice in their actions.
Ethical Living and Moral Integrity
The biblical meaning of “just” also extends to the ethical conduct of individuals. To be just is to live in accordance with God’s commandments and to treat others with fairness and integrity. This includes acting with honesty, upholding the rights of the marginalized, and engaging in practices that promote equity and compassion. The call to be just is a reminder for believers to embody the principles of justice in their daily interactions, fostering a community that reflects God’s love and righteousness.
Justification and Redemption
Another significant aspect of the term “just” in the Bible relates to the concept of justification. This theological term describes the process by which individuals are declared righteous before God, not through their own works, but through faith in Jesus Christ. This understanding of being “just” highlights the transformative power of grace, where believers are made right with God despite their shortcomings. It underscores the idea that true justice is not merely about legalistic adherence to the law, but about a restored relationship with God through faith and redemption.
How to Embody Justice and Righteousness in Faith
Embodying justice and righteousness in your faith journey is a beautiful and transformative endeavor that calls for both introspection and action. Start by immersing yourself in the Scriptures, where you’ll find countless examples of God’s heart for the marginalized and oppressed—think of the prophets who spoke out against injustice and Jesus, who consistently reached out to the outcasts. Allow these stories to inspire you to reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you can advocate for those who are voiceless? Engage with your community, whether through volunteering, supporting local charities, or simply listening to the struggles of others. Remember, righteousness isn’t just about personal piety; it’s about how we treat others and stand up for what is right. Pray for wisdom and courage to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8). As you strive to embody these values, you’ll not only grow closer to Christ but also become a beacon of hope and love in a world that desperately needs it.
Bible References to the Meaning of “Just”:
Deuteronomy 16:18-20: 18 You shall appoint judges and officers in all your towns that the Lord your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.
19 You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous.
20 Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
2 Samuel 23:3-4: 3 The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God,
4 he dawns on them like the morning light,
like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning,
like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.
Psalm 7:8-11: 8 The LORD judges the peoples; judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me.
9 Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous— you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God!
10 My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart.
11 God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day.
Psalm 11:5-7: 5 The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.
6 Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
7 For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.
Psalm 37:27-29: 27 Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever.
28 For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever.
Psalm 82:2-4: 2 How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Proverbs 2:6-9: 6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 guarding the paths of justice
and watching over the way of his saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice
and equity, every good path;
Proverbs 21:3-5: 3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
the lamp of the wicked, are sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,
but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
Isaiah 1:16-17: 16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil,
17 learn to do good;
seek justice,
correct oppression;
bring justice to the fatherless,
plead the widow’s cause.
Isaiah 56:1-2: 1 Thus says the Lord: “Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed.
2 Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath, not profaning it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil.”
Jeremiah 22:3-5: 3 Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.
4 For if you will indeed obey this word, then there shall enter the gates of this house kings who sit on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they and their servants and their people.
5 But if you will not obey these words, I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that this house shall become a desolation.
Ezekiel 18:5-9: 5 “If a man is righteous and does what is just and right—
6 if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman in her time of menstrual impurity,
7 does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, commits no robbery, gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment,
8 does not lend at interest or take any profit, withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man,
9 “if he walks in my statutes and keeps my rules by acting faithfully—he is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord God.”
Micah 6:6-8: 6 “With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?”
7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Zechariah 7:9-10: 9 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another,”
10 do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”
Matthew 5:6-10: 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 12:18-21: 18 “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.”
19 He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;
20 a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory;
21 and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”
Luke 18:1-8: 1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man.
3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’
4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man,
5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.
6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says.
7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?
8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Romans 2:5-11: 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
6 He will render to each one according to his works:
7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;
8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek,
10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek.
11 For God shows no partiality.
Romans 3:21-26: 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—
22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Romans 12:17-19: 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Galatians 3:11-14: 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”
3:12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.”
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—
14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
Philippians 4:8-9: 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Colossians 3:23-25: 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
2 Thessalonians 1:5-7: 5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering—
6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels
Hebrews 6:10-12: 10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.
11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end,
12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
James 2:8-13: 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.
11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.
13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
1 Peter 3:12-14: For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
Revelation 15:3-4: 3 And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!
4 Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.