CategoryDoctrine / Moral and Salvation Term
Modern Equivalentright standing; moral uprightness.
KJV Word TypeTheological noun / moral term
DefinitionMoral uprightness and conformity to God’s law, both imputed through faith in Christ and imparted through the Holy Spirit.
Key Verses"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:17); "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:" (Philippians 3:9)
KJV Usage NoteCan describe God’s own righteousness, right conduct, or the righteousness received by faith depending on context.
Common MisunderstandingIt does not mean self-made goodness only; context may refer to God’s righteousness or righteousness received by faith.
EtymologyFrom Old English rihtwīsnes ("right-wise-ness").