righteousness - Turning to God's Word

The Book of Isaiah 58:7–10 (NABRE) encourages God’s people to care for the needs of those who have no one to care for them. In verse 8, we encounter one of the key concepts in the Scriptures in the section translated as “Your vindication shall go before you.” While vindication is an allowable translation of the concept here, it misses some of what this critically important word is suggesting.

The Hebrew word here, צֶדֶק (tsedeq), primarily means “justice” or “righteousness.” In both Greek and Hebrew, justice and righteousness are represented by the same word and as such are the same concept. Even in English, we can make a strong connection. Righteousness, from the word right, involves things being as they ought to be. The word justice comes from the Latin root ius, which also means right.

In the Book of Isaiah, God is calling for a just society in which all people receive their share and their due. This call extends to today as surely as it did for a people returned from exile. Consider whether you think we live in a just society, and if not what you can do to help it become more just.

related topics: goodness; right & left; salvation; worthy

you also may like our study of the Letter to the Hebrews (digital only)
Many Christians struggle to understand one of the central mysteries of our faith: how Jesus can be both human and divine at the same time. The Letter to the Hebrews: An Explanation of the Mechanism of Our Salvation, an 18-lesson Catholic Bible study with an imprimatur, offers an in-depth look at the way in which Jesus’ dual nature allows for the salvation of humanity. The Letter to the Hebrews is designed to provide information that will encourage Christians to remain faithful. Click here to view a sample of the first lesson.

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