Justice (2) - Definition

The concept of justice or being just is used in three different ways in the scriptures. The Hebrew word “tsedeq” and the Greek work "dikaiosyne" are often translated as justice, but there primary meaning is righteousness.

1. Being just means doing what is right according to God’s word. In the Old Testament the righteous/just man is the one who lives according to the standard of Gods law. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in the eyes of God, because they observed the Lord’s commandments blamelessly (Luke 1:6). Jesus raised the bar a little, and said that a higher standard of righteousness is required for those who follow him. Jesus death fulfilled the requirements of justice and caused all who trust in him to be justified before God. (This sense of justice is a big topic well covered elsewhere).

2. Justice is an attribute of God.

Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne (Ps 97:2).

Righteousness (tsedeq) and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you (Ps 89:14).

God is just in the way that he rules over the universe. His governance will lead to perfect justice.

For you have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging (mishpat) righteously (tsedeq) (Ps 9:4).

The justice of God culminates in the final judgement. True and final justice will be administered to everyone.

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing (2 Tim 4:8).

3. Justice is achieved through a process in which judges administer justice and correct injustice. The Hebrew word tsedeq (justice) is frequently used together with the word “mishpat” which means judgement or judging. For example, God is frequently described as the one who judges justly. His judgements are always just. Mishpat (judgment) refers to a judicial process. It sometimes means a verdict or legal decision. Moses gave the following charge to the judges of Israel.

Hear the disputes between your brothers and judge (mishpat) justly (tsedeq), whether the case is between brother Israelites or between one of them and an alien (Deut 1:16).

Justice is administration of justice by the correct application of judicial process to the resolution of disputes. This aspect of justice will be the focus of this study.