I used to think preachers were bragging a little when they talked about Greek or Hebrew translation. Frankly,I figured it was one way of quashing disagreement and showing who’s really the expert.
But as I learn, I’m amazed at how frequently a careful look at original words reveals a different understanding of an important point in scripture.
A couple of weeks ago I ran across a surprising (to me) assertion in a sermon. The preacher said, “Biblically, there’s no distinction between righteousness and justice.”
I thought that was a rather bold statement. His claim rested on a translation issue. Turns out there’s one Old Testament word—sadaq—and one New Testament Greek word—Dikaios—for righteousness and justice. So while we may consider them as two separate notions, the writers of scripture didn’t.
Justice is righteousness. Righteousness is justice.
Does that seem awkward to you? It did to me.
I think this changes a lot, but one thing it changes is: you can’t define these words differently. Whatever one means, the other means.
What’s your definition?
To me, justice means setting things right. Does that fit with righteousness?
Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
So, seek first his kingdom and his justice…how does that change your understanding of this familiar verse—or does it?
This was an eye-opening notion for me. I’m still digesting. More next time.
Your thoughts?
Please leave a comment here.
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Can you conclude the same meaning for the same word? Doesn’t work in English (Homonyms). Seems like I’ve seen lots of other Greek & Hebrew words that have been translated to mean different things?
My understanding is these are equivalent concepts–the idea I saw several times, in different sources, in my research is that justice is righteousness and righteousness is justice. It’s not thagt the words are homonyms with different meanings in different contexts. But I’m quoting others, as I’m certainly no scholar.
You’re a scholar my friend. Maybe not with all the accreditation of some, but a scholar nonetheless. If all those smarter-than-us guys 😉 are correct, I’d be curious to understand why so many verses use both words together (i.e. – “righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne”)?