Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:The term "righteously" refers to acting in a manner that is morally right or justifiable, in accordance with divine or moral law. In the biblical context, it implies living in a way that aligns with God's standards and commands. Righteousness is often associated with holiness, justice, and adherence to God's will.
Biblical Usage:The concept of righteousness is central to the biblical narrative, appearing throughout both the Old and New Testaments. It is often linked with God's character and His expectations for humanity. To live righteously is to live in a way that reflects God's nature and commands.
Old Testament Context:In the Old Testament, righteousness is frequently associated with God's covenant with Israel. The Hebrew word for righteousness, "tsedeq," conveys the idea of justice and rightness. For example, in
Deuteronomy 6:25 , it is written, "And if we are careful to observe every one of these commandments before the LORD our God, as He has commanded us, then that will be our righteousness."
The Psalms and Proverbs often highlight the blessings of living righteously.
Psalm 1:6 states, "For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish."
Proverbs 21:21 adds, "He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor."
New Testament Context:In the New Testament, righteousness takes on a more personal and relational dimension through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The Greek word "dikaiosyne" is used to describe righteousness, emphasizing a state of being right with God.
Jesus emphasized righteousness in His teachings, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount. In
Matthew 5:6 , He declares, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Furthermore, Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of righteousness, as seen in
Matthew 5:20 : "For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
The Apostle Paul further expounds on righteousness in his epistles, particularly in relation to faith.
Romans 3:22 states, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." Paul emphasizes that righteousness is not achieved through the law but through faith in Christ, as seen in
Philippians 3:9 : "And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith."
Practical Application:Living righteously involves a commitment to God's commandments and a desire to reflect His character in one's life. It requires a heart transformed by faith in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to pursue righteousness in their thoughts, words, and actions, striving to live in a way that honors God and serves others.
Theological Significance:Righteousness is a key attribute of God and a fundamental aspect of His relationship with humanity. It is both a gift and a calling for believers. Through Christ, believers are declared righteous before God, and they are called to live out that righteousness in their daily lives. This dual aspect of righteousness—positional and practical—underscores the transformative power of the Gospel and the believer's ongoing sanctification.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
adv.) In a righteous manner; as, to judge righteously.
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
6662. tsaddiq -- just, righteous... right (1), right (2), righteous (164), righteous man (19), righteous men (2), Righteous
One (2), righteous one (2), righteous ones (3),
righteously (1), who
...6664. tsedeq -- rightness, righteousness
... rightness, righteousness NASB Word Usage accurate (1), fairly (1), just (10), just
cause (1), justice (3), righteous (15),righteously (6), righteousness (76...
6666. tsedaqah -- righteousness
... NASB Word Usage honesty (1), justice (1), merits (1), right (2), righteous (1),
righteous acts (3), righteous deeds (7),righteously (1), righteousness (136...
4334. mishor -- a level place, uprightness
... 2), plateau* (1), uprightness (3). equity, even place, plain,righteously,
made straight, uprightness. Or miyshor {mee-shore'}; from...
4339. meshar -- evenness, uprightness, equity
... what is right (1). agreement, aright, that are equal, equity, things that
arerighteously, things, sweetly. From yashar; evenness...
Library
Christ did not Come for the Sake of the Men of one Age Only, but...
... Against Heresies: Book IV Chapter XXII."Christ did not come for the sake of the
men of one age only, but for all who, livingrighteously and piously, had...
They who have not Received the Gift of Perseverance, and have...
... Chapter 11 [VII.]"They Who Have Not Received the Gift of Perseverance, and Have
Relapsed into Mortal Sin and Have Died Therein, MustRighteously Be Condemned...
Whether one who Has Already Obtained Grace, Can, of Himself and...
... Objection 3: Further, if a man who has obtained grace needs further aid of grace
in order to liverighteously and to keep free from sin, with equal reason...
Titus ii. 14-Nov
... that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men, Teaching them that, denying
ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly,righteously, and godly...
1 Thessalonians ii. 12-Sep
... Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily andrighteously and unblamably we behaved
ourselves toward you that believe: as ye know how we dealt with each one...
A Difficulty.
... For do you suppose that, if any one is thought to have livedrighteously,
he shall forthwith be saved? Do you not think that he...
Whether virtue is Suitably Defined?
... seem that the definition, usually given, of virtue, is not suitable, to wit: "Virtue
is a good quality of the mind, by which we liverighteously, of which no...
The Author Returns to his Former Argument, and Shows that There...
... This is what is meant by Paul, [when he says,] "as lights in the world." [3853]
Righteously, therefore, having left his earthly kindred, he followed the Word...
Micah's Message for To-Day
... Only through faith in Christ does a man learn to dorighteously, and to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with God; and only by the power of the Holy Spirit...
Chapter i.
... 244] therefore," says He, "that ye do not your righteousness [245] before men, to
be seen of them:" ie, take heed that ye do not liverighteously with this...
Thesaurus
Righteously (22 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a righteous manner; as, to judge
righteously.
Multi-Version Concordance
Righteously (22 Occurrences).
...Jerubbaal (15 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:16 "Now therefore, if you have dealt truly andrighteously, in that you
have made Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his...
Justly (22 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 2:23 Who, when he was cursed, didn't curse back. When he suffered,
didn't threaten, but committed himself to him who judgesrighteously; (See RSV NIV)....
Godly (50 Occurrences)
... righteous; as, a godly life. 2. (adv.) Piously; devoutly;righteously. Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia. GODLINESS; GODLY. god'-li-nes, god...
Blamelessly (12 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY NAS NIV). 1 Thessalonians 2:10 You are witnesses with God, how holy,
righteously, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves toward you who believe....
Integrity (46 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:16 "Now therefore, if you have dealt truly andrighteously, in that you
have made Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his...
Honorably (3 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:16 "Now therefore, if you have dealt truly andrighteously, in that you
have made Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his...
Dealt (130 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:16 "Now therefore, if you have dealt truly andrighteously, in that you
have made Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his...
Righteous (407 Occurrences)
... (Root in BBE YLT). 1 Corinthians 15:34 Wake uprighteously, and don't sin,
for some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame....
Abimelech (63 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:16 "Now therefore, if you have dealt truly andrighteously, in that you
have made Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his...
Resources
Why is following Christ so difficult? | GotQuestions.orgHow far is too far? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the Stations of the Cross and what can we learn from them? | GotQuestions.orgRighteously: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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