Topical Encyclopedia The term "unjust" in the Bible refers to individuals or actions that are not in alignment with God's standards of righteousness and fairness. The concept of injustice is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the moral and ethical deviations from God's law and the consequences thereof.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "unjust" is "עָוֶל" (avel), which conveys a sense of iniquity, wrong, or unrighteousness. The Psalms and Proverbs frequently address the behavior and fate of the unjust. For instance, Psalm 37:12-13 states, "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming." This passage underscores the temporary success of the unjust and the ultimate justice of God. The prophets also spoke against injustice, particularly in the context of social and economic oppression. Isaiah 10:1-2 declares, "Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of justice and withhold the rights of the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and rob the fatherless." Here, the unjust are those who exploit the vulnerable, and the prophet warns of divine retribution. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "ἄδικος" (adikos) is used to describe the unjust. Jesus addresses the issue of injustice in His teachings, emphasizing the need for righteousness and fairness. In the Parable of the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1-8), Jesus illustrates the persistence of a widow seeking justice from a judge who "neither feared God nor respected men." The parable highlights God's willingness to bring about justice for His elect, contrasting divine justice with human injustice. The Apostle Paul also addresses the unjust in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 , he warns, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." Here, Paul lists behaviors associated with injustice, emphasizing the moral standards expected of believers. Theological Implications Theologically, the concept of the unjust is tied to the nature of sin and the need for redemption. The Bible presents all humanity as inherently unjust due to the fall (Romans 3:23: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"). However, through faith in Jesus Christ, individuals are justified and made righteous before God (Romans 5:1: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ"). The unjust are called to repentance and transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:22-24 exhorts believers to "put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Practical Application Believers are encouraged to live justly and to advocate for justice in their communities. Micah 6:8 succinctly captures this call: "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?" Christians are to reflect God's justice in their personal conduct and societal interactions, serving as witnesses to His righteousness in a world often marked by injustice. Subtopics Bigotry in Opposing the Preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles Bigotry in Regard to Circumcision Bigotry in Rejecting the Teachings of Jesus at Nazareth Bigotry in Their Treatment of the Young Man Who Was Born Blind, Whom Jesus Restored to Sight Bigotry of Being a Gluttonous Man and a Winebibber (A Wino) Bigotry of John in Forbidding the Casting out of Demons by One Who did not Follow Jesus Bigotry of Keeping Company With Sinners Bigotry of not Conforming to the Traditions Bigotry of Saul, in Persecuting the Christians Bigotry of the Disciples in Forbidding Children to be Brought to Jesus Bigotry of the Samaritans in Refusing to Receive Jesus Bigotry with Regard to Paul's Preaching Bigotry: Falsely Accusing Jesus of Blasphemy Bigotry: General Scriptures Concerning Bigotry: Jews With Regard to the Samaritans Bigotry: Joshua, Through Envy, Seeking to Suppress Eldad and Medad, Who Were Prophesying Bigotry: Paul's Argument Against Related Terms |