CategoryDoctrine / Salvation Term
Modern Equivalentbeing declared righteous before God.
KJV Word TypeTheological noun / salvation term
DefinitionBeing declared righteous before God. In Christian theology, justification is received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works.
Key Verses"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1); "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:24)
KJV Usage Note“Justified” means declared righteous before God, especially in Paul’s letters, and is closely linked with grace, faith, and redemption.
Common MisunderstandingIt does not mean a person becomes morally perfect at once; in Paul’s usage it especially means being declared righteous before God.
EtymologyFrom Latin justificare ("to make or declare righteous").