Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the concept of "rights" is often intertwined with themes of justice, righteousness, and the responsibilities of individuals within a community. The Bible does not explicitly use the modern term "rights" as understood in contemporary legal or political discourse, but it does address principles that underpin the idea of rights, such as justice, fairness, and the inherent dignity of individuals created in the image of God.
Creation and Human DignityThe foundation for understanding rights in the Bible begins with the creation narrative.
Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This passage underscores the inherent dignity and worth of every human being, suggesting that all people possess certain intrinsic rights by virtue of being made in God's image.
Justice and FairnessThe Bible frequently emphasizes justice and fairness, which are closely related to the concept of rights. In
Micah 6:8 , the prophet declares, "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 call to justice implies a respect for the rights of others, ensuring that individuals are treated fairly and equitably.
The Law and Social JusticeThe Mosaic Law contains numerous provisions that protect the rights of individuals, particularly the vulnerable. For example,
Exodus 22:21 commands, "You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt." Similarly,
Deuteronomy 24:14-15 instructs, "Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or a foreigner residing in your land or in one of your cities. You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them."
These laws reflect a divine concern for the protection of the rights of the marginalized, including foreigners, widows, orphans, and the poor. The biblical mandate to care for these groups underscores the importance of social justice and the protection of individual rights within the community.
The Prophets and Advocacy for RightsThe prophets of the Old Testament often served as advocates for justice and the protection of rights.
Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." The prophetic tradition consistently calls for the defense of those whose rights are threatened or violated, emphasizing the moral responsibility to uphold justice.
The Teachings of JesusIn the New Testament, Jesus' teachings further illuminate the concept of rights through the lens of love and service. The Golden Rule, found in
Matthew 7:12 , states, "In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets." This principle encourages the recognition and respect of others' rights by promoting empathy and mutual respect.
Jesus also emphasizes the value of each individual, as seen in His interactions with marginalized groups and His parables, such as the Parable of the Good Samaritan (
Luke 10:25-37). These teachings highlight the importance of recognizing and upholding the dignity and rights of every person.
Pauline Epistles and Christian LibertyThe Apostle Paul addresses the concept of rights in the context of Christian liberty. In
1 Corinthians 9:19 , Paul writes, "Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a servant to everyone, to win as many as possible." Here, Paul acknowledges his rights but chooses to forgo them for the sake of the Gospel and the well-being of others. This voluntary relinquishment of rights for a higher purpose reflects a Christian understanding of freedom and responsibility.
ConclusionWhile the Bible may not explicitly articulate a modern framework of rights, its teachings provide a robust foundation for understanding the principles of justice, dignity, and responsibility that underpin the concept of rights. Through its emphasis on the inherent worth of individuals, the call to justice, and the example of Christ, Scripture offers a profound perspective on the rights and responsibilities of individuals within a community.
Greek
4415. prototokia -- therights of the first-born... the
rights of the first-born. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: prototokia
Phonetic Spelling: (pro-tot-ok'-ee-ah) Short Definition: the birthright
...4174. politeia -- citizenship
... ti'-ah) Short Definition: citizen body, citizenship Definition: (a) commonwealth,
polity; citizen body, (b) (the Roman) citizenship, citizen-rights, franchise....
2962. kurios -- lord, master
... Lord. 2962 -- properly, a person exercising ; (). [In the papyri, 2962 ()
likewise denotes an () exercising fullrights.]. Word Origin...
472. antecho -- to hold against, ie to hold firmly to
... matches the object grasped. [In Mt 6:24, 472 () particularly suggests,
"to stick by one'srights" ().]. Word Origin from anti and...
2961. kurieuo -- to be lord of, rule
... over. 2961 (from 2962 , "lord") -- properly, to exerciserights over one's
as an with full (lordship) over this jurisdiction. Word...
3941. paroikos -- dwelling near, foreign
... close beside" and 3624 , "house") -- properly, someone living close to others as
a dweller, ie in a specific locale as a with limitedrights (identification)....
4123. pleonektes -- one desirous of having more
... Cognate: 4123 (a masculine noun derived from 4122 , "to covet") -- used of "a greedy, ,
rapacious, person; a defrauder, trampling on therights of others...
Strong's Hebrew
5772b. onah -- cohabitation... cohabitation. Transliteration: onah or onah Short Definition:
rights. Word Origin
from anah Definition cohabitation NASB Word Usage conjugal
rights (1).
...1779. din -- judgment
... Word Origin from din Definition judgment NASB Word Usage case (1), cause (6), judgment
(4), justice (3), lawsuit or another (1),rights (4), strife (1)....
4941. mishpat -- judgment
... 29), ordinances (79), plan (1), plans (1), practice (1), procedure (4), properly
(2), regulation (1), right (8), rightful place (1),rights (2), rule (1...
6666. tsedaqah -- righteousness
... 1), justice (1), merits (1), right (2), righteous (1), righteous acts (3), righteous
deeds (7), righteously (1), righteousness (136),rights (1), vindication (3...
1353. geullah -- redemption, perhaps kin
... part. of gaal Definition redemption, perhaps kin NASB Word Usage redemption (7),
redemption right (2), redemptionrights (1), right of redemption (3)....
Library
Have We NoRights?
Have We NoRights? . Have We NoRights? Mabel Williamson. Produced
by Free Elf, Diane Monico, and the Online Distributed...
Phil. 1:01 theRights and Duties of Lay Churchmen.
... 1:1. THERIGHTS AND DUTIES OF LAY CHURCHMEN. [19]... In short, it opens up the grave
subject of therights and duties of the lay members of a Christian Church....
He had noRights
Have We NoRights? .... CHAPTER 12 He Had NoRights. He had norights:
No right to a soft bed, and a well-laid table; No...
Rights
Have We NoRights? .... CHAPTER 1Rights. "Well," said mother, setting
down a cup she had just wiped, and picking up another...
Have We NoRights?
Have We NoRights? .... Title Page. A frank discussion of the "rights"
of missionaries Have We NoRights? Mabel Williamson....
Ep. cxli. The People of Nazianzus had in Some Way Incurred the...
... Division III. Miscellaneous Letters. Ep. CXLI. The people of Nazianzus
had in some way incurred the loss of civicrights? (The...
Concerning the Books of Numa Pompilius, which the Senate Ordered...
... Chapter 34."Concerning the Books of Numa Pompilius, Which the Senate Ordered to
Be Burned, in Order that the Causes of SacredRights Therein Assigned Should...
The Pelagian Argument to Show that the Devil Has noRights in the...
... Book II. Chapter 13."The Pelagian Argument to Show that the Devil Has
NoRights in the Fruits of Marriage. After these true and...
Being Easily Entreated
... The man who possesses this quality habitually manifests this temper in his
life. There are those who are very tenacious of theirrights....
Brokenness
... This simply means that the hard unyielding self, which justifies itself, wants its
own way, stands up for itsrights, and seeks its own glory, at last bows its...
Thesaurus
Rights (35 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Rights (35 Occurrences). Acts 22:28 And the chief
captain said, I got Roman
rights for myself at a great price.
...Citizenship (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Therights and privileges of a citizen in
distinction from a foreigner (Luke 15:15; 19:14; Acts 21:39)....
Justice (212 Occurrences)
... See RIGHTEOUSNESS. 1. Human Justice: Justice had primarily to do with conduct in
relation to others, especially with regard to therights of others....
Slavery (31 Occurrences)
... slav, slav'-er-i: 1. Acquiring of Slaves 2. Hebrews as War Captives 3. Freedom of
Slaves 4.Rights of Slaves 5.Rights of Slave Masters 6. The New Testament...
Slave (148 Occurrences)
... slav, slav'-er-i: 1. Acquiring of Slaves 2. Hebrews as War Captives 3. Freedom of
Slaves 4.Rights of Slaves 5.Rights of Slave Masters 6. The New Testament...
Free (454 Occurrences)
... subject only to fixed laws regularly and fairly administered, and defended by them
from encroachments upon natural or acquiredrights; enjoying political...
Moderately (1 Occurrence)
... will emerge and present themselves to it for decision; which, with this, recognizes
the danger that ever waits upon the assertion of legalrights, lest they...
Mistress (20 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A woman filling the place, but without therights, of a wife; a
concubine; a loose woman with whom one consorts habitually....
Prize (13 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Anything captured by a belligerent using therights of war; esp., property
captured at sea in virtue of therights of war, as a vessel....
Wife (437 Occurrences)
... only one husband. A wife's legalrights (Exodus 21:10) and her duties (Proverbs
31:10-31; 1 Timothy 5:14) are specified. She could...
Resources
What does the Bible say about children's rights? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about women's rights? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about reproductive rights? | GotQuestions.orgRights: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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