δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosunē)
dikaiosunē
righteousness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 87 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun dikaiosunē describes a state of being as one ought to be, encompassing both personal integrity and conformity to divine will. In the New Testament, it appears eighty-seven times, with significant weight in Romans where Paul explores how believers relate to God. The term captures right thinking, feeling, and acting, reflecting the character of the righteous individual.
Its meaning shifts between broad moral uprightness and specific legal justice. While often translated as "righteousness," it also denotes the virtue of giving each their due, as seen in Acts 17:31 regarding God’s judgment of the world. This dual nature allows it to describe both inner purity and outward fairness.
A key distinction lies between human effort and divine gift. Paul contrasts righteousness derived from the law with "the righteousness of God" (Romans 3:21), which originates from God Himself. This concept highlights that true right standing before God is not merely achieved through adherence to rules but received as a gracious provision, central to Christian theology.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for righteousness describes a state of being exactly as we ought to be. It covers both personal integrity and living in line with God’s will. This means our thoughts, feelings, and actions reflect His character. It is not just about following rules but about a deep alignment with the Creator.
Paul explains that this right standing before God is a gift, not something we earn. In Romans 3:21, he shows that God’s righteousness comes to us through faith in Jesus Christ. We do not achieve it by our own effort. Instead, we receive it as a gracious provision that changes our relationship with Him.
This truth invites us to rest in what Christ has done. We can seek His kingdom first, knowing He provides for our needs. This righteousness brings peace and purpose. It anchors our lives in His unchanging character rather than our own shifting performance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 87 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- righteousness43×
- of righteousness14×
- righteousness,10×
- righteousness.7×
- [the] righteousness6×
- to righteousness2×
- to righteousness.1×
- righteousness?1×
- righteousness;1×
- righteousness [that is]1×
- righteousness [is],1×
- of righteousness;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δικαιοσύνης25×
- δικαιοσύνην21×
- δικαιοσύνῃ12×
- δικαιοσύνη10×
- δικαιοσύνην,8×
- δικαιοσύνην.6×
- δικαιοσύνης,3×
- δικαιοσύνῃ.¶1×
- δικαιοσύνῃ.1×
- δικαιοσύνῃ,1×
- δικαιοσύνης·1×
- δικαιοσύνης.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 3:21
But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets;
This verse marks the turning point where Paul reveals that God's righteousness is now available apart from the law.
-
Romans 4:5
But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
Here the text contrasts human effort with faith, showing that belief in God who justifies the ungodly is counted as righteousness.
-
Matthew 6:33
But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
Jesus links seeking God's kingdom directly with seeking His righteousness, promising that our material needs will be met as a result.
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Romans 1:17
For in it is revealed God’s righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, “But the righteous shall live by faith.”
This opening statement of Romans establishes that the gospel reveals God's righteousness, which is received through faith from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does dikaiosunē mean in the New Testament?
Is righteousness something we earn or receive?
How does this word relate to the Kingdom of God?
Every Occurrence (87 verses across 19 books)
Matthew 7 verses
But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.”…
Matthew 5:6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Matthew 5:10Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 5:20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter…
Matthew 6:1“Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from…
Matthew 6:33But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 21:32For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn’t believe him; but the tax collectors and the…