Topical Bible: Unjust

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "unjust" in the Bible refers to actions, behaviors, or individuals that are not in alignment with God's standards of righteousness and fairness. The concept of justice is central to the biblical narrative, and the term "unjust" is often used to describe those who deviate from God's laws and principles.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "unjust" is "עָוֶל" (avel), which can also mean iniquity or wrongdoing. The concept of justice is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is described as just and righteous. In Deuteronomy 32:4, God is called "a God of faithfulness and without injustice; righteous and upright is He."

The prophets frequently condemned unjust practices, particularly those that oppressed the poor and marginalized. For example, in Micah 6:11, God questions, "Can I justify dishonest scales and a bag of false weights?" indicating His disdain for economic injustice.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "ἄδικος" (adikos) is commonly used to describe the unjust. Jesus, in His teachings, often highlighted the contrast between the just and the unjust. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs His followers to love their enemies, "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous" (Matthew 5:45).

The parables of Jesus also address the theme of justice and injustice. In the Parable of the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1-8), Jesus tells of a widow who persistently seeks justice from a judge who neither fears God nor respects people. The parable underscores the importance of persistence in prayer and God's ultimate justice.

Theological Implications

The Bible presents God as the ultimate judge who will bring justice to the earth. In Romans 2:6-8, Paul writes, "God 'will repay each one according to his deeds.' To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger."

The unjust are often contrasted with the righteous, and the Bible warns of the consequences of unjust behavior. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul lists those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, including the unjust, emphasizing the need for repentance and transformation through Christ.

Practical Application

Believers are called to reflect God's justice in their lives. Micah 6:8 states, "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 encouraged to pursue justice, defend the oppressed, and live in a manner that reflects God's righteousness.

In summary, the concept of being unjust is antithetical to the character of God and His expectations for His people. The Bible consistently calls for justice, righteousness, and fairness, urging believers to align their lives with these divine principles.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (a.) Acting contrary to the standard of right; not animated or controlled by justice; false; dishonest; as, an unjust man or judge.

2. (a.) Contrary to justice and right; prompted by a spirit of injustice; wrongful; as, an unjust sentence; an unjust demand; an unjust accusation.

Greek

94. adikos -- unjust, unrighteous
... unjust, unrighteous. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: adikos Phonetic
Spelling: (ad'-ee-kos) Short Definition: unjust, unrighteous Definition: unjust ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/94.htm - 7k

91. adikeo -- to do wrong, act wickedly
... wronged (3). hurt, injure, be an offender, be unjust. From adikos; to be unjust,
ie (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/91.htm - 8k

3709. orge -- impulse, wrath
... proceeds from an internal which opposes someone or something based on extended personal
exposure, ie solidifying what the beholder considers (unjust, evil). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3709.htm - 7k

4646. skolios -- curved, winding, hence crooked
... because (like a piece of wood); (figuratively) morally (warped) because lacking
the oil of the Holy Spirit -- hence, to God (His standards); "perverse, unjust ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4646.htm - 7k

93. adikia -- injustice, unrighteousness
... legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally,
wrongfulness (of character, life or act) -- iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/93.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew

1215. betsa -- gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit
... 1214, 1215. betsa. 1216 . gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit.
Transliteration: betsa Phonetic Spelling: (beh'-tsah) Short Definition: gain. ...
/hebrew/1215.htm - 6k

5767a. avval -- unjust, unrighteous one
... 5767, 5767a. avval. 5767b . unjust, unrighteous one. Transliteration:
avval Short Definition: unjust. Word Origin from the same ...
/hebrew/5767a.htm - 5k

5767. avval -- unjust, unrighteous one
... 5766, 5767. avval. 5767a . unjust, unrighteous one. Transliteration: avval
Phonetic Spelling: (av-vawl') Short Definition: unjust. unjust, unrighteous, wicked ...
/hebrew/5767.htm - 5k

5760. avil -- unjust one
... 5759, 5760. avil. 5761 . unjust one. Transliteration: avil Phonetic
Spelling: (av-eel') Short Definition: ruffians. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/5760.htm - 6k

5767b. avlah -- injustice, unrighteousness, wrong
... Origin from the same as evel Definition injustice, unrighteousness, wrong NASB Word
Usage iniquity (3), injustice (4), injustices (1), unjust (1), unjustly (1 ...
/hebrew/5767b.htm - 5k

5766. evel -- injustice, unrighteousness
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition injustice, unrighteousness NASB Word
Usage iniquity (10), injustice (5), unjust (1), unjustly (2), unrighteousness (1 ...
/hebrew/5766.htm - 6k

8636. tarbith -- increment, interest, usury
... increase, unjust gain. From rabah; multiplication, ie Percentage or bonus in addition
to principal -- increase, unjust gain. see HEBREW rabah. 8635, 8636. ...
/hebrew/8636.htm - 6k

2555. chamas -- violence, wrong
... Unjust gain -- cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, X oppressor, unrighteous, violence
(against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. see HEBREW chamac. ...
/hebrew/2555.htm - 6k

205. aven -- trouble, sorrow, wickedness
... Vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol -- affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity,
mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain,vanity ...
/hebrew/205.htm - 6k

6233. osheq -- oppression, extortion
... From ashaq; injury, fraud, (subjectively) distress, (concretely) unjust gain --
cruelly, extortion, oppression, thing (deceitfully gotten). see HEBREW ashaq. ...
/hebrew/6233.htm - 6k

Library

The Unjust Steward.
... THE UNJUST STEWARD. ... Thus wickedly he would provide Houses in which he might abide,
When for his former acts unjust He from his stewardship was thrust. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the new testament/the unjust steward.htm

He that is Unjust in the Least is Unjust Also in Much. Luke 16:10.
... He that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. Luke 16:10. These
words are a part of the parable of the unjust steward, or ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/he that is unjust in.htm

The Unjust Steward
... SERMON XLII. THE UNJUST STEWARD. Eversley, 1866. NINTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Luke
16:8. "And the Lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely." ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xlii the unjust steward.htm

Whether a Man is Called Unjust through Doing an Unjust Thing?
... OF INJUSTICE (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether a man is called unjust through doing
an unjust thing? Objection 1: It would seem that a man ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a man is called.htm

Whether an Advocate Sins by Defending an Unjust Cause?
... OF INJUSTICE IN JUDGMENT ON THE PART OF COUNSEL (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether
an advocate sins by defending an unjust cause? Objection ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether an advocate sins by.htm

Whether an Accusation is Rendered Unjust by Calumny, Collusion or ...
... OF MATTERS CONCERNING UNJUST ACCUSATION (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether an accusation
is rendered unjust by calumny, collusion or evasion? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether an accusation is rendered.htm

Synod of Antioch; Unjust Deposition of Eustathius; Euphronius ...
... Chapter XIX."Synod of Antioch; Unjust Deposition of Eustathius; Euphronius receives
the Throne; Constantine the Great writes to the Synod and to Eusebius ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xix synod of antioch unjust.htm

The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ...
... THE UNJUST STEWARD - DIVES AND LAZARUS - JEWISH AGRICULTURAL NOTES - PRICES OF PRODUCE -
WRITING AND LEGAL DOCUMENTS - PURPLE AND FINE LINEN - JEWISH NOTIONS ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xviii the unjust steward.htm

Of Matters Concerning Unjust Accusation (Four Articles)
... OF MATTERS CONCERNING UNJUST ACCUSATION (FOUR ARTICLES). We must now consider
matters pertaining to unjust accusation. Under this ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/of matters concerning unjust accusation.htm

Pelagius Makes God Unjust.
... Book III. Chapter 3."Pelagius Makes God Unjust. We are driven at last
to yield our assent on divine authority to that which we ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 3 pelagius makes god unjust.htm

Thesaurus

Unjust (44 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Acting contrary to the standard of right; not animated or controlled
by justice; false; dishonest; as, an unjust man or judge. ...
/u/unjust.htm - 18k

Oppressor (28 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who oppresses; one who imposes unjust burdens
on others; one who harasses others with unjust laws or unreasonable severity. ...
/o/oppressor.htm - 15k

Least (76 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also
in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. ...
/l/least.htm - 31k

Austere (2 Occurrences)
... Wrongdoing eclipses the soul's vision of God's love and pictures His
righteousness as harsh, unfeeling, partial, unjust, forbidding. ...
/a/austere.htm - 8k

Injustice (32 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) An unjust act or deed; a sin; a crime; a wrong. Multi-Version Concordance ...
He doesn't fail, but the unjust know no shame. (See NAS). ...
/i/injustice.htm - 15k

Unjustly (11 Occurrences)

/u/unjustly.htm - 9k

Universe (19 Occurrences)

/u/universe.htm - 12k

Steward (23 Occurrences)
... parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, it is the steward who pays the laborers
at the close of the day (Matthew 20:8). The parable of the Unjust Steward best ...
/s/steward.htm - 21k

Gain (142 Occurrences)
... gan: In the Old Testament the translation of three Hebrew substantives, betsa`,
"unjust gain," "any gain" (Judges 5:19 Job 22:3 Proverbs 1:19; Proverbs 15:27 ...
/g/gain.htm - 39k

Quickened (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust,
that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but ...
/q/quickened.htm - 8k

Resources

What did Jesus mean when He spoke of making friends by worldly wealth (Luke 16:9)? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about authority? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about injustice? | GotQuestions.org

Unjust: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Unjust (44 Occurrences)

Matthew 5:45
that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Luke 16:8
And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
(KJV WBS)

Luke 16:10
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
(KJV WBS)

Luke 18:6
And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
(KJV WEY DBY WBS NIV)

Luke 18:11
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Acts 24:15
having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Romans 3:5
But if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, what will we say? Is God unrighteous who inflicts wrath? I speak like men do.
(See RSV NIV)

1 Corinthians 6:1
Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
(KJV DBY WBS)

Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unjust so that He is unmindful of your labour and of the love which you have manifested towards Himself in having rendered services to His people and in still rendering them.
(WEY NAS RSV NIV)

1 Peter 2:19
For it is commendable if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God.
(Root in WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV)

1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
(KJV DBY WBS NAS)

2 Peter 2:9
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
(KJV DBY WBS)

Revelation 22:11
He who acts unjustly, let him act unjustly still. He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous, let him do righteousness still. He who is holy, let him be holy still."
(Root in WEB KJV WBS)

Exodus 18:21
Moreover you shall provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God: men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
(WEB JPS ASV)

Job 6:29
Please return. Let there be no injustice. Yes, return again. My cause is righteous.
(See NIV)

Job 13:7
Will you speak unrighteously for God, and talk deceitfully for him?
(See NAS)

Job 27:7
"Let my enemy be as the wicked. Let him who rises up against me be as the unrighteous.
(See NAS NIV)

Job 31:3
Is it not calamity to the unrighteous, and disaster to the workers of iniquity?
(See NAS)

Psalms 43:1
Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.
(KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV)

Psalms 71:4
Rescue me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
(See RSV)

Psalms 82:2
"How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked?" Selah.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 11:7
When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
(KJV WBS)

Proverbs 15:27
He whose desires are fixed on profit is a cause of trouble to his family; but he who has no desire for offerings will have life.
(See RSV)

Proverbs 28:8
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
(KJV DBY WBS)

Proverbs 28:16
The prince who has no sense is a cruel ruler; but he who has no desire to get profit for himself will have long life.
(See NAS RSV)

Proverbs 29:27
An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Isaiah 10:1
Cursed are those who make evil decisions, and the writers who make the records of their cruel acts:
(See NAS NIV)

Isaiah 33:15
He whose ways are true, and whose words are upright; he who gives no thought to the profits of false acts, whose hands have not taken rewards, who will have no part in putting men to death, and whose eyes are shut against evil;
(See NAS)

Isaiah 56:11
Yes, the dogs are for ever looking for food; while these, the keepers of the sheep, are without wisdom: they have all gone after their pleasure, every one looking for profit; they are all the same.
(See NAS)

Isaiah 57:17
I was quickly angry with his evil ways, and sent punishment on him, veiling my face in wrath: and he went on, turning his heart from me.
(See NAS)

Isaiah 58:9
Then shalt thou call, and Jehovah will answer; thou shalt cry, and he will say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger and the unjust speech,
(DBY)

Jeremiah 6:13
For from the least of them even to the greatest, everyone is given up to getting money; from the prophet even to the priest, everyone is working deceit.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 8:10
So I will give their wives to others, and their fields to those who will take them for themselves: for everyone, from the least to the greatest, is given up to getting money; from the priest even to the prophet, everyone is false.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 17:11
As the partridge that sits on eggs which she has not laid, so is he who gets riches, and not by right; in the midst of his days they shall leave him, and at his end he shall be a fool.
(See NAS NIV)

Ezekiel 18:25
Yet you say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, house of Israel: Is my way not equal? Aren't your ways unequal?
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 18:29
Yet says the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. house of Israel, are not my ways equal? Aren't your ways unequal?
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 22:12
In you have they taken bribes to shed blood; you have taken interest and increase, and you have greedily gained of your neighbors by oppression, and have forgotten me, says the Lord Yahweh.
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 22:13
Behold, therefore, I have struck my hand at your dishonest gain which you have made, and at your blood which has been in the midst of you.
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 22:27
Her princes in its midst are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, that they may get dishonest gain.
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 33:31
They come to you as the people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear your words, but don't do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goes after their gain.
(See NIV)

Micah 4:13
Arise and thresh, daughter of Zion; for I will make your horn iron, and I will make your hoofs brass; and you will beat in pieces many peoples: and I will devote their gain to Yahweh, and their substance to the Lord of the whole earth.
(See NAS)

Micah 6:11
Shall I be pure with the unjust balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?
(DBY)

Habakkuk 2:9
Woe to him who gets an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil!
(See NIV)

Zephaniah 3:5
Yahweh, in the midst of her, is righteous. He will do no wrong. Every morning he brings his justice to light. He doesn't fail, but the unjust know no shame.
(WEB KJV ASV WBS NAS RSV)

Subtopics

Bigotry in Opposing the Preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles

Bigotry in Persecutions

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 in Zeal

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