Resurrecting Justice

Abstract

This essay argues that the Bible contains an overarching concept of justice, defined as comprehensive right relationship. It begins by making the case that certain words in the Bible – most importantly, _sedeq(ah), mishpat, and dikaiosune_ – mean comprehensive right relationship and that they can be translated plausibly into English as justice. It then elaborates upon this definition of justice through a fourfold typology arrayed by the distinction between divine and human agency and by that between primary justice, which sets forth the acts that make up right relationship, and rectifying justice, which addresses past wrongs. Each of the resulting four dimensions of justice expresses a different valence of comprehensive right relationship and is illustrated by the scripture’s words for justice as well as the narrative context in which these words are set. Together, these dimensions help to depict the Bible’s larger narrative of salvation, where justice is manifested most fully in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Biblical justice contrasts with modern liberal justice, an insight that frames the essay.