Topical Encyclopedia Unrighteousness, in biblical terms, refers to the state or quality of being morally wrong or unjust. It is the opposite of righteousness, which is conformity to God's will and character. Unrighteousness is a key concept in Scripture, highlighting the moral and spiritual failings of humanity and the need for divine redemption.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, unrighteousness is often associated with injustice, idolatry, and disobedience to God's commandments. The Hebrew word often translated as "unrighteousness" is "עָוֶל" (avel), which can also mean iniquity or injustice. The prophets frequently condemned the unrighteousness of Israel and the surrounding nations. For example, in Ezekiel 18:24 , it is written, "But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die." New Testament Context In the New Testament, unrighteousness is further expounded upon, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. The Greek word "ἀδικία" (adikia) is commonly used, which encompasses a broad range of moral failings. Romans 1:18 states, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness." Here, unrighteousness is linked to the suppression of truth and the rejection of God's revelation. Paul also contrasts unrighteousness with the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. In Romans 3:10-12 , he quotes the Psalms, saying, "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away; they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." This underscores the universal nature of unrighteousness and the need for salvation through Christ. Theological Implications Unrighteousness is not merely a set of actions but a condition of the heart. It reflects humanity's fallen nature and separation from God. The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), and that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). However, through Jesus Christ, believers are offered forgiveness and the imputation of His righteousness. Practical Considerations Believers are called to live in righteousness, turning away from unrighteousness and pursuing holiness. In 1 John 1:9 , it is written, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This verse emphasizes the importance of confession and repentance in the Christian life. Furthermore, Christians are encouraged to be discerning and to avoid partnerships with unrighteousness. 2 Corinthians 6:14 advises, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" Conclusion Unrighteousness is a pervasive theme in Scripture, highlighting the moral failings of humanity and the need for divine intervention. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are called to reject unrighteousness and to live in accordance with God's righteous standards. Greek 93. adikia -- injustice, unrighteousness ... injustice, unrighteousness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: adikia Phonetic Spelling: (ad-ee-kee'-ah) Short Definition: unrighteousness ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/93.htm - 7k 458. anomia -- lawlessness 91. adikeo -- to do wrong, act wickedly 92. adikema -- a wrong, injury Strong's Hebrew 5766. evel -- injustice, unrighteousness... injustice, unrighteousness. Transliteration: evel or avel or avlah or olah or olah Phonetic Spelling: (eh'-vel) Short Definition: iniquity. ... /hebrew/5766.htm - 6k 5767b. avlah -- injustice, unrighteousness, wrong Library Our Unrighteousness. Righteousness and Unrighteousness. On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xvi. 9, "Make to Yourselves ... "If we Confess Our Sins, He is Faithful and Just to Forgive us Our ... There is Therefore "No Fellowship Between Righteousness and ... Rom. I. 18 On the Words of the Gospel, John xiv. 6, "I am the Way, and the ... Several Other Things Turned against the Same Mathematicians. Conclusion Psalm XXXII. Thesaurus Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences)...Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences). ... For you clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and unrighteousness. (WEB). ... /u/unrighteousness.htm - 22k Unrighteous (32 Occurrences) Wrath (503 Occurrences) Wickedness (232 Occurrences) Deceit (160 Occurrences) Ungodliness (9 Occurrences) Godlessness (3 Occurrences) Ignorance (27 Occurrences) True (305 Occurrences) Suppress (1 Occurrence) Resources What is truth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is truth? | GotQuestions.org In regards to forgiveness, is there a difference between willful sin and ignorant sin? | GotQuestions.org Unrighteousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences)Matthew 20:13 Matthew 23:25 Luke 13:27 Luke 16:9 John 7:18 Acts 1:18 Acts 8:23 Acts 24:20 Acts 25:10 Romans 1:18 Romans 1:29 Romans 2:8 Romans 3:5 Romans 6:13 Romans 9:14 1 Corinthians 13:6 2 Corinthians 6:14 2 Thessalonians 2:10 2 Thessalonians 2:12 2 Timothy 2:19 Hebrews 8:12 James 3:6 2 Peter 2:13 2 Peter 2:15 1 John 1:9 1 John 5:17 Revelation 18:5 Revelation 22:11 Leviticus 19:15 Leviticus 19:35 Deuteronomy 25:16 2 Chronicles 19:7 Job 5:16 Job 11:14 Job 15:16 Job 22:23 Job 24:20 Job 27:4 Job 36:23 Psalms 37:1 Psalms 58:2 Psalms 92:15 Psalms 107:42 Psalms 119:3 Proverbs 22:8 Isaiah 59:3 Jeremiah 2:5 Jeremiah 22:13 Ezekiel 18:8 Ezekiel 28:15 Ezekiel 28:18 Ezekiel 33:13 Micah 3:10 Habakkuk 2:12 Zephaniah 3:5 Zephaniah 3:13 Malachi 2:6 Subtopics Related Terms |