מִשְׁפָּט (mish.pat)
mish.pat
justice: judgement
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 347 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mishpat refers to a judicial verdict pronounced by an authority, encompassing both the act of deciding a case and the resulting sentence or ordinance. In the Old Testament, it describes the concrete process of litigation before judges, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:17 where Moses reminds leaders that judgment belongs to God. It also denotes the physical location of this activity, such as the seat of justice mentioned in Ecclesiastes 3:16.
Beyond legal procedure, mishpat carries a strong ethical weight, signifying abstract justice, rightness, and rectitude. This dual meaning appears frequently in the Psalms, where God is praised for loving righteousness and justice (Psalm 33:5). The word extends to describe what is proper or fitting, including customary manners and legal privileges, reflecting a holistic view of order in both society and divine law.
Its root verb implies splitting or dividing, which explains its focus on distinguishing right from wrong. Translators often render mishpat as "judgment" when referring to court actions, but switch to "justice" when describing God's moral character. This distinction highlights how biblical law was not merely procedural but deeply tied to ethical integrity and the protection of the vulnerable.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word mishpat carries a weight that goes far beyond modern legal definitions. It describes the concrete act of rendering a verdict, but it also points to the moral order that upholds society. When Scripture speaks of God’s mishpat, it is not merely describing a courtroom procedure; it is revealing His character as the source of all rightness. This dual meaning reminds us that true justice is never arbitrary. It is rooted in truth and aimed at protecting the vulnerable.
For your daily life, this word offers a profound comfort. You can trust that God does not overlook injustice or treat people differently based on their status. In Leviticus 19:15, we see a clear command against partiality, showing that divine justice requires impartiality. This standard invites us to reflect that same integrity in our own interactions. It challenges us to seek fairness in our relationships and to rely on God when the world feels unbalanced.
Ultimately, mishpat assures us that God is actively involved in establishing order. He is the Judge who sees all things clearly. This hope allows us to rest in His sovereignty, knowing that right will prevail even when it seems delayed. We are called to walk in this light, letting our lives reflect the fairness and truth that define our Creator.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 347 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- justice62×
- judgments/ your13×
- according to the/ ordinance13×
- judgment12×
- the/ judgments11×
- and/ justice11×
- judgments/ my9×
- in <the>/ judgment8×
- for <the>/ judgment8×
- and/ the/ judgments8×
- and/ judgments/ his8×
- in/ judgment6×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִשְׁפָּ֑ט21×
- מִשְׁפָּֽט\׃17×
- מִשְׁפָּ֖ט11×
- מִשְׁפָּ֔ט9×
- מִשְׁפַּט\־8×
- מִשְׁפַּ֥ט8×
- כַּ/מִּשְׁפָּֽט\׃8×
- מִשְׁפָּט֙7×
- מִשְׁפָּ֥ט7×
- מִשְׁפַּ֖ט7×
- מִשְׁפַּ֣ט6×
- וּ/מִשְׁפָּ֑ט6×
Key Verses
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Genesis 18:25
May it be far from you to do things like that, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be like the wicked. May that be far from you. Shouldn’t the Judge of all the earth do right?”
This verse anchors the concept in God’s character, asking rhetorically if the Judge of all the earth will not act with justice.
-
Exodus 23:6
“You shall not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits.
Here the word is applied to social ethics, specifically warning against denying justice to the poor in their legal disputes.
-
Leviticus 19:15
“‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor show favoritism to the great; but you shall judge your neighbor in righteousness.
This occurrence links mishpat directly to impartiality, forbidding favoritism toward either the poor or the great.
-
Genesis 18:19
For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Yahweh may bring on Abraham that which he has spoken of him.”
Abraham is commended for commanding his household to keep the way of Yahweh by doing righteousness and justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mishpat mean in the Old Testament?
How is mishpat different from tzedeq?
Why is mishpat important for understanding God's character?
Every Occurrence (347 verses across 30 books)
Genesis 3 verses
For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the…
Genesis 18:25May it be far from you to do things like that, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be…
Genesis 40:13Within three more days, Pharaoh will lift up your head, and restore you to your office. You will give Pharaoh’s cup…