RIGHTEOUSNESS – Mt 5:6, 10, 20; 6:1, 33
Modern words we use that are similar in meaning to the biblical word “righteousness” include “morality” and “virtue.”
In the NASB 1995, the word “justice” is sometimes found in the Bible where one might expect to see “righteousness” (such as in Mic 6:8 and Matt 23:23), but it is also used in association with “righteousness” (such as in Gen 18:19), indicating that its meaning is related to “righteousness” but not identical to it. Righteousness is based on relationship with the individual, where as justice is based on surrounding societal order.
Synonyms:
- GOODNESS
- MORALITY
- OUGHT – Lk 12:12; 17:10; 1 Th 4:1
- SHOULD – Mt 23:23; Lk 11:42
- VIRTUE
- WHAT IS GOOD
- WHAT IS RIGHT – Lk 12:57
Associated Words:
- GLADNESS – Heb 1:9
- JOY – Rom 14:17; Ps 45:7
- PEACE – Rom 14:17
Antonyms:
- LAWLESSNESS – Heb 1:9
- SIN – 1 John 3:4
- UNRIGHTEOUSNESS – Rom 6:13
- WICKEDNESS – Ps 45:7
A variety of scriptures that point to righteousness: Mt 6:1, 33; Rom 14:17; 2 Cor 13:7; Heb 1:9; 5:12-14; Jas 2:23; 1 Pet 2:15, 24; 3:6, 14, 17; 4:19; 2 Pet 2:5; Ps 45:7
Sources:
The Duty of a Man 