Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of acting "justly" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is a fundamental aspect of God's character and His expectations for humanity. The term "justly" refers to the quality of being fair, righteous, and impartial in one's actions and judgments. It is closely associated with justice, righteousness, and equity, which are central themes throughout the Scriptures.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "justly" is "mishpat," which encompasses the ideas of justice, judgment, and ordinance. Acting justly is a key requirement of God's covenant people. In
Micah 6:8 , the prophet succinctly summarizes what God requires: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse highlights the triad of justice, mercy, and humility as essential virtues for living in accordance with God's will.
The Law given to Israel through Moses contains numerous commands that emphasize justice in social, economic, and legal matters. For example,
Leviticus 19:15 instructs, "You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly." This command underscores the importance of impartiality and fairness in judicial proceedings.
Prophetic EmphasisThe prophets frequently called Israel back to the practice of justice, condemning the nation's leaders and people for their failure to uphold it.
Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." Here, justice is linked with defending the vulnerable and correcting oppression, reflecting God's concern for the marginalized.
New Testament FulfillmentIn the New Testament, the Greek word "dikaios" is often used to convey the idea of righteousness or justice. Jesus Christ embodies perfect justice and righteousness, fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. His teachings and actions consistently reflect God's just character. In
Matthew 23:23 , Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for neglecting "the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness." This rebuke highlights the integral role of justice in true religious observance.
The apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of justice in the life of believers. In
Romans 13:1-7 , he discusses the role of governing authorities as God's servants to administer justice, stating that rulers are "not a terror to good conduct, but to bad." This passage underscores the divine mandate for civil authorities to uphold justice.
Practical ApplicationFor Christians, acting justly involves living in a manner that reflects God's righteousness and fairness. It requires treating others with equity, advocating for the oppressed, and maintaining integrity in all dealings.
James 2:1-9 warns against showing favoritism, reminding believers that partiality is inconsistent with the faith in Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of glory.
In summary, acting justly is a divine mandate that permeates both the Old and New Testaments. It is a reflection of God's own character and a requirement for His people, calling them to live in a way that honors Him and promotes righteousness and equity in the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) In a just manner; in conformity to law, justice, or propriety; by right; honestly; fairly; accurately.
Greek
1346. dikaios -- righteously,justly... righteously,
justly. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: dikaios Phonetic Spelling:
(dik-ah'-yoce) Short Definition:
justly, righteously Definition:
justly...Strong's Hebrew
3476. yosher -- straightness, uprightness... Word Origin from yashar Definition straightness, uprightness NASB Word Usage correctly
(1), honest (1), integrity (1),
justly due (1), right (1), upright (1
...4941. mishpat -- judgment
... 1), deserving (1), destruction (1), due (1), injustice* (2), judge (1), judged
(1), judgment (62), judgments (40), just (4), justice (118),justly (3), kind (1...
4334. mishor -- a level place, uprightness
... as a properly, name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness,
ie (figuratively) justice (sometimes adverbially,justly) -- equity, even...
Library
Whether a Man CanJustly Judge one who is not Subject to his...
... OF THE INJUSTICE OF A JUDGE, IN JUDGING (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether a man can
justly judge one who is not subject to his jurisdiction?...
We have BeenJustly Provoked to Make this Answer, Being Stung by...
... Book I. Section 2. We have beenjustly provoked to make this Answer, being
stung by Eunomius' accusations of our brother. If indeed...
Why they MayJustly be Rebuked who do not Obey God, Although they...
... A Treatise on rebuke and grace, Chapter 9 [VI]"Why They MayJustly Be Rebuked Who
Do Not Obey God, Although They Have Not Yet Received the Grace of Obedience...
Whoever Suffereth Innocently andJustly in Another's Stead
... THE SECOND CENTURY 32 Whoever suffereth innocently andjustly in another's
stead. Whoever suffereth innocently andjustly in another's...
These Things HiddenJustly from the Wise.
... Homily XVIII. Chapter XVI."These Things HiddenJustly from the Wise. "And do not
say He acted impiously towards the wise in hiding these things from them....
Man's DisobedienceJustly Requited in the Rebellion of his Own...
... Book I. Chapter 7 [VI.]"Man's DisobedienceJustly Requited in the Rebellion of His
Own Flesh; The Blush of Shame for the Disobedient Members of the Body....
And to Holy David Indeed it Might MoreJustly be Said...
... Section 22. And to holy David indeed it might morejustly be said? 22. And
to holy David indeed it might morejustly be said, that...
Nor Let us Allege that we areJustly Rendered Timid by a...
... Of Prayer. John Calvin Chapter 37 Nor let us allege that we arejustly rendered
timid by a consciousness of sin? Nor let us allege...
Of those who on Account of their Deeds areJustly Cast Forth from...
... The Sixth Ecumenical Council. Canon IX. Of those who on account of their
deeds arejustly cast forth from the congregation? Of...
Of the Miseries and Ills to which the Human Race isJustly Exposed...
... Chapter 22."Of the Miseries and Ills to Which the Human Race isJustly Exposed Through
the First Sin, and from Which None Can Be Delivered Save by Christ's...
Thesaurus
Justly (22 Occurrences)... (a.) In a just manner; in conformity to law, justice, or propriety; by right; honestly;
fairly; accurately. Multi-Version Concordance
Justly (22 Occurrences).
...Equitably (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In an equitable manner;justly; as, the laws
should be equitably administered. Multi-Version Concordance...
Due (93 Occurrences)
... owing and demandable. 2. (a.)Justly claimed as a right or property; proper;
suitable; becoming; appropriate; fit. 3. (a.) Such...
Justus (3 Occurrences)
Inspiration (4 Occurrences)
... A critical writer, Kautzsch, hasjustly said: "The abiding value of the Old Testament
lies above all in this, that it guarantees to us with absolute certainty...
Unblamably (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily, andjustly, and
unblamably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: (WBS)....
Unblameably (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily andjustly and
unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: (KJV ASV)....
Justle (1 Occurrence)
Judgment (430 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The power or faculty of performing such operations (see 1); esp., when
unqualified, the faculty of judging or deciding rightly,justly, or wisely; good...
Laban (52 Occurrences)
... verse 31), coming immediately after his mental inventory of the gifts bestowed by
the visitor upon his sister (24:30), has usually, andjustly, been regarded...
Resources
What does it mean to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly (Micah 6:8)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Christians are not under the law? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be a man of God? | GotQuestions.orgJustly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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