Definition and Meaning:
The term "unrighteously" refers to actions, thoughts, or behaviors that are contrary to the standards of righteousness as defined by God in the Bible. It encompasses any form of injustice, wickedness, or moral deviation from God's laws and commandments. In biblical terms, to act unrighteously is to act in a manner that is not aligned with God's character and His revealed will.

Biblical References:
The concept of unrighteousness is frequently addressed in Scripture, often in contrast to righteousness. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on what constitutes unrighteous behavior and its consequences.

1. Romans 1:18 : "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth by their unrighteousness." This verse highlights that unrighteousness involves suppressing the truth and is subject to God's wrath.

2. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 : "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 specific behaviors considered unrighteous, emphasizing that such actions disqualify individuals from inheriting God's kingdom.

3. 1 John 5:17 : "All unrighteousness is sin, yet there is sin that does not lead to death." This passage underscores that unrighteousness is synonymous with sin, though it distinguishes between sins that lead to death and those that do not.

Theological Implications:
Unrighteousness is fundamentally at odds with the nature of God, who is perfectly holy and just. The Bible teaches that all humans are inherently unrighteous due to the fall (Romans 3:10-12), and thus, they are in need of redemption through Jesus Christ. The sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ provide the means by which believers are justified and made righteous before God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
Living unrighteously is not only a personal moral failing but also has broader social implications. Unrighteous actions can lead to injustice, oppression, and harm within communities. The Bible calls believers to pursue righteousness and justice, reflecting God's character in their interactions with others (Micah 6:8).

Practical Application:
Christians are encouraged to examine their lives and repent of any unrighteousness, seeking to align their actions with God's will. This involves a commitment to living according to biblical principles, fostering a life of integrity, and demonstrating love and justice in all relationships. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in empowering believers to overcome unrighteous tendencies and grow in holiness (Galatians 5:16-25).

Conclusion:
While the Bible clearly condemns unrighteousness, it also offers hope and redemption through Jesus Christ. Believers are called to reject unrighteousness and embrace a life of righteousness, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives.

Rom. I. 18
... One is in money affairs, as when any one deals unrighteously by his neighbor in
these; and another in regard to women, when a man leaves his own wife, and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily iii rom i 18.htm

From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus.
... "But committed Himself to him that judged Him unrighteously:" [3729] whether Himself,
so that, regarding Himself in this way, there is a transposition. ...
/.../who is the rich man that shall be saved/i from the latin translation of.htm

Psalm LXXXII.
... 3. "How long will ye judge unrighteously, and accept the persons of the ungodly"
(ver.2); as in another place, "How long are ye heavy in heart?" [3836] Until ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxii.htm

Psalm XXV.
... 4. "Let them be confounded who do vain things unrighteously." Let them be confounded
who act unrighteously for the acquiring things that pass away. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxv.htm

Ephesians iv. 17-19
... is called righteous, who has no charge against him; for so even in courts of justice
we say that that man is righteous, who has been unrighteously treated, and ...
/.../homily xiii ephesians iv 17-19.htm

The Vain Pretensions of False Gods.
... How is it right that you, who have prescribed. Laws for men's guidance, live
unrighteously? But ye being absent, I shall freely speak,. ...
/.../justin on the sole government of god /chapter v the vain pretensions of.htm

And Leaving all These Reflections, I Considered and Turned in ...
... occured that it is possible that a man may be raised from the prison to the throne,
and that the very man who has exercised his power unrighteously shall at a ...
/.../a metaphrase of the book of ecclesiastes/chapter iv and leaving all.htm

St. Malachy Becomes Bishop of Connor; He Builds the Monastery of ...
... was a peacemaker,[339] instant, nevertheless, in season, out of season.[340] Being
defamed he intreated;[341] when he was dealt with unrighteously he defended ...
/.../chapter iii st malachy becomes.htm

St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles.
... nations and punishments upon the peoples.[582] The terror of him is on them that
do evil.[583] He cries unto the unrighteous, deal not unrighteously, and to ...
/.../chapter vi st malachys apostolic.htm

The Tenth Commandment
... any good use. He may be said to be covetous not only who gets the world
unrighteously, but who loves it inordinately. [1] For a ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 1 the tenth commandment.htm

Unrighteously (6 Occurrences)
...Unrighteously (6 Occurrences). Colossians 3:25 and he who is doing unrighteously
shall receive what he did unrighteously, and there is no acceptance of persons. ...
/u/unrighteously.htm - 8k

Acceptance (24 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT). Colossians 3:25 and he who is doing unrighteously shall receive what
he did unrighteously, and there is no acceptance of persons. (YLT). ...
/a/acceptance.htm - 14k

Sanctified (105 Occurrences)
... Revelation 22:11 Let him that does unrighteously do unrighteously still; and let
the filthy make himself filthy still; and let him that is righteous practise ...
/s/sanctified.htm - 40k

Unrighteous (32 Occurrences)

/u/unrighteous.htm - 16k

Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences)

/u/unrighteousness.htm - 22k

Unjust (44 Occurrences)
... 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). ...
/u/unjust.htm - 18k

Unjustly (11 Occurrences)
... WEB). Deuteronomy 25:16 For all who do such things, even all who do
unrighteously, are an abomination to Yahweh your God. (See NAS). ...
/u/unjustly.htm - 9k

Deals (34 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Deuteronomy 25:16 For all who do such things, even all who do
unrighteously, are an abomination to Yahweh your God. (See NIV). ...
/d/deals.htm - 16k

Deceitfully (22 Occurrences)
... DBY WBS NAS). Job 13:7 Will you speak unrighteously for God, and talk
deceitfully for him? (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV NIV). Psalms 24 ...
/d/deceitfully.htm - 13k

Deceitful (46 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Job 13:7 Will you speak unrighteously for God, and talk deceitfully
for him? (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/deceitful.htm - 18k

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13)? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible mean that we are not to judge others? | GotQuestions.org

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