Holiness Vs Righteousness

 

Biblical Distinction Between Righteousness and Holiness

An Examination from Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and English Usage

Introduction

In Christian theology and biblical interpretation, the terms righteousness and holiness are often used together and sometimes interchangeably. However, Scripture treats them as distinct concepts with different emphases. Both are attributes of God and essential aspects of Christian life, yet they differ in meaning, origin, and application.

This paper explores the linguistic and theological distinction between righteousness and holiness, drawing from Hebrew (Old Testament), Greek (New Testament), Latin (Vulgate), and English to give a precise understanding rooted in Scripture.

I. Righteousness in Scripture

A. Hebrew: צֶדֶק (tsedeq) / צְדָקָה (tsedaqah)

  • Meaning: Conformity to a standard; that which is morally right or just.
  • Used of both God’s justice (Gen. 18:25, Ps. 11:7) and man's upright conduct (Deut. 6:25).
  • Also conveys legal or covenantal faithfulness.

“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
(Genesis 15:6, KJV)

B. Greek: δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē)

  • Meaning: The condition of being just or right; uprightness according to divine law.
  • Used of God’s righteous character (Rom. 3:25–26), imputed righteousness (Rom. 4:5), and moral righteousness (Matt. 5:6, 6:33).

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…”
(Matthew 6:33, KJV)

C. Latin: iustitia

  • From which we get the English word justice.
  • Reflects both judicial fairness and moral uprightness.
  • In the Latin Vulgate, "righteousness" often translates as iustitia, giving rise to Western theological focus on legal justification.

D. English Definition

  • “Righteousness” refers to being in right standing, especially before God.
  • It involves both declared righteousness (justification) and practical righteousness (right living).

E. Summary of Usage

Type Description Example
Forensic Righteousness Legal standing before God Rom. 3:24–26
Moral Righteousness Right conduct and character Prov. 11:5
Imputed Righteousness Given to believers through faith 2 Cor. 5:21
God's Righteousness His just nature and actions Ps. 119:137

II. Holiness in Scripture

A. Hebrew: קֹדֶשׁ (qōdesh) / קָדוֹשׁ (qādôsh)

  • Meaning: To be set apart, distinct, or sacred.
  • Refers to God's absolute otherness and moral perfection (Isa. 6:3).
  • Also used for consecrated people, places, or things (Exod. 28:36; Lev. 11:44).

“Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
(Leviticus 11:44, KJV)

B. Greek: ἁγιασμός (hagiasmos) / ἅγιος (hagios)

  • Meaning: Sanctification; consecration; set apart for God.
  • Often used to describe the process of being made holy (1 Thess. 4:3), as well as the state of purity (Heb. 12:14).

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
(Hebrews 12:14, KJV)

C. Latin: sanctitas / sanctus

  • Root of the English word sanctify.
  • Emphasizes sacredness and devotion to God.
  • Used in the Vulgate for moral and ritual purity.

D. English Definition

  • “Holiness” refers to being set apart from sin and the world and dedicated unto God.
  • It includes both positional holiness (status before God) and progressive sanctification (daily living).

E. Summary of Usage

Type Description Example
Positional Holiness Declared holy in Christ 1 Cor. 1:2
Moral Purity Living a pure and godly life 1 Pet. 1:15–16
God's Holiness His absolute purity and uniqueness Isa. 6:3
Sacredness Things or persons consecrated to God Lev. 27:30

III. Key Differences Between Righteousness and Holiness

Aspect Righteousness Holiness
Root Meaning Being right; conforming to a standard Being set apart; sacred
Focus Legal and moral correctness Separation from sin and devotion to God
Key Hebrew Term צֶדֶק (tsedeq) קֹדֶשׁ (qōdesh)
Key Greek Term δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē) ἁγιασμός (hagiasmos)
Relation to God God is just and righteous (Ps. 145:17) God is holy (Isa. 6:3)
Human Application Justified by faith; act rightly Live pure; be consecrated
Legal or Moral? Primarily legal (justification), but includes ethics Primarily moral (sanctification), but includes position
Example Verse Rom. 4:5 (Justification by faith) Heb. 12:14 (Pursue holiness)

IV. Theological Implications

1. Justification vs. Sanctification

  • Righteousness is central to justification—the act of God declaring the sinner righteous through faith in Christ (Rom. 5:1).
  • Holiness is central to sanctification—the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ (1 Thess. 4:3–4).

2. Imputed vs. Implanted

  • Righteousness is imputed (credited) to the believer (2 Cor. 5:21).
  • Holiness is implanted and developed by the Spirit through obedience (Rom. 6:22).

3. Worship and Fellowship

  • Righteousness gives access to God’s presence (Heb. 10:19–22).
  • Holiness makes one fit to enjoy God's presence and reflect His character (1 Pet. 1:15–16).

Conclusion

Though closely related, righteousness and holiness carry distinct biblical meanings. Righteousness primarily concerns conformity to God’s standard and right standing before Him, while holiness emphasizes being set apart for God and living in purity and devotion.

Understanding this difference helps believers appreciate the fullness of salvation: we are declared righteous by faith and called to walk in holiness by grace. Both are essential, and both glorify the God who is perfectly righteous and holy.

By Kenneth Malenge

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