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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Social Justice</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/social_justice.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/1_timothy/1-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/society.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Social Justice</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/s/social_injustice_is_a_serious_sin.htm" title="Social Injustice is a Serious Sin">◄</a> Social Justice <a href="/topical/s/social_justice_and_community_care.htm" title="Social Justice and Community Care">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#top" title="Topical Bible Verses">Topical</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Social justice, as a concept, refers to the fair and just relationship between individuals and society, encompassing issues of equality, human rights, and the equitable distribution of resources. Within the biblical context, social justice is deeply rooted in the character of God and His commandments to His people. The Bible provides numerous teachings and examples that highlight the importance of justice, mercy, and care for the marginalized.<br><br><b>Old Testament Foundations</b><br><br>The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for social justice, emphasizing God's concern for righteousness and equity. The Law given to Israel includes numerous provisions for the protection of the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner. <a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm">Leviticus 19:15</a> instructs, "You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly." This command underscores the impartiality required in justice, ensuring that all individuals are treated with fairness.<br><br>The prophets frequently called Israel back to the principles of justice and mercy. <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a> famously declares, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse encapsulates the divine expectation for individuals to pursue justice as an expression of their faithfulness to God.<br><br><b>New Testament Teachings</b><br><br>In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies and teaches the principles of social justice. His ministry consistently reached out to the marginalized and oppressed, demonstrating God's love and justice. In <a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18-19</a>, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, proclaiming, "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." This mission statement highlights the redemptive and restorative nature of Christ's work.<br><br>The early church continued this emphasis on social justice, as seen in the communal sharing of resources and care for the needy. <a href="/acts/4-34.htm">Acts 4:34-35</a> describes, "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This practice reflects the community's commitment to ensuring that no member was left in want.<br><br><b>Principles of Justice and Mercy</b><br><br>Throughout Scripture, justice is closely linked with mercy and compassion. <a href="/zechariah/7-9.htm">Zechariah 7:9-10</a> commands, "Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil in your hearts against one another." This passage highlights the holistic nature of biblical justice, which encompasses both legal fairness and compassionate action.<br><br>The parable of the Good Samaritan (<a href="/luke/10-25.htm">Luke 10:25-37</a>) further illustrates the call to love and serve others, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries. Jesus uses this account to redefine the concept of "neighbor," emphasizing that true justice involves active compassion and care for those in need.<br><br><b>Role of the Church</b><br><br>The church is called to be a beacon of justice in the world, reflecting God's righteousness and love. <a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a> states, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This directive underscores the church's responsibility to engage in acts of mercy and justice as a testament to their faith.<br><br>In summary, social justice in the biblical sense is an integral part of living out one's faith, rooted in the character of God and His commandments. It calls for a commitment to righteousness, mercy, and the equitable treatment of all individuals, reflecting the heart of God for His creation.<a name="top" id="top"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Bible Verses</div><span class="rtext"><a href="/context/1_timothy/1-9.htm">1 Timothy 1:9-10</a></span><br>Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for murderers,<br><span class="source">Topicalbible.org</span><p><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/mcfadyen/introduction_to_the_old_testament/amos.htm"><span class="l">Amos</span></a> <br><b>...</b> than Amos; and, though there is in him a soul of pity, vii.2, 5, it was his peculiar<br> task, not to proclaim the divine love, but to plead for <b>social justice</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/amos.htm</font><p><a href="/library/rauschenbusch/the_social_principles_of_jesus/chapter_ix_the_social_test.htm"><span class="l">The <b>Social</b> Test of Religion</span></a> <br><b>...</b> We are all "tithing mint, anise, and cummin," and forgetting the weighty<br> matters, such as <b>social justice</b> and Christian fraternity. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter ix the social test.htm</font><p><a href="/library/daubney/the_three_additions_to_daniel_a_study/religious_and_social_state_2.htm"><span class="l">Religious and <b>Social</b> State.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> condemned. The heart of the people rings sound; their instincts at the trials are<br> in favour of <b>justice</b>. Morality <b>...</b> throughout. <b>SOCIAL</b>. Incidentally <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/religious and social state 2.htm</font><p><a href="/library/peabody/mornings_in_the_college_chapel/l_the_distribution_of_talents.htm"><span class="l">The Distribution of Talents</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Where then, in this diversified life, is <b>justice</b>, the <b>social justice</b> which<br> men in our time so eagerly and so reasonably claim? There <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/l the distribution of talents.htm</font><p><a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_the_cardinal_virtues_are.htm"><span class="l">Whether the Cardinal virtues are Fittingly Divided into <b>Social</b> <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> that the "<b>social</b>" virtues are those "whereby good men work for the good of their<br> country and for the safety of the city." But it is only legal <b>justice</b> that is <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the cardinal virtues are.htm</font><p><a href="/library/rauschenbusch/the_social_principles_of_jesus/chapter_i_the_value_of.htm"><span class="l">The Value of Life</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Have there been any widespread, continuous, and successful movements for <b>social</b><br> <b>justice</b> outside of the territory influenced by Christianity? <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter i the value of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/rauschenbusch/the_social_principles_of_jesus/chapter_iv_the_kingdom_of.htm"><span class="l">The Kingdom of God: Its Values</span></a> <br><b>...</b> All who felt the divine dissatisfaction with themselves and the craving for <b>social</b><br> <b>justice</b> and righteousness, would get their satisfaction (v.3, 4, 6). The <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter iv the kingdom of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_particular_justice_has_a.htm"><span class="l">Whether Particular <b>Justice</b> Has a Special Matter?</span></a> <br><b>...</b> On the contrary, The Philosopher reckons (Ethic. v, 2) particular <b>justice</b> to<br> be specially about those things which belong to <b>social</b> life. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether particular justice has a.htm</font><p><a href="/library/rauschenbusch/the_social_principles_of_jesus/chapter_v_the_kingdom_of.htm"><span class="l">The Kingdom of God: Its Tasks</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Can the men and women who are today trying to rebuild human society on a basis of<br> <b>social justice</b> and fraternity claim any right of succession in the sending of <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter v the kingdom of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/tidwell/the_bible_period_by_period/chapter_vii_from_kadesh_to.htm"><span class="l">From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> (1) He was a leader and as such heartened and disciplined them. (2) He was a prophet<br> and as such taught them ideals of <b>social justice</b>, purity and honor. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-influence.html">How much influence is the Bible supposed to have on society? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-society.html">What is a Bible society? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/cashless-society.html">Does a cashless society have anything to do with the end times? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/society.htm">Society: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/social_drinking.htm">Social Drinking</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/social_justice.htm">Social Justice</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/society.htm">Society</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/primogeniture.htm">Primogeniture</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/righteousness.htm">Righteousness (442 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/armenian.htm">Armenian</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/conscience.htm">Conscience (36 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/order.htm">Order (809 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/outcast.htm">Outcast (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fellow.htm">Fellow (166 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/education.htm">Education (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/member.htm">Member (20 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/college.htm">College (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/company.htm">Company (287 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/anathema.htm">Anathema (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/association.htm">Association (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/solitude.htm">Solitude (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bible.htm">Bible</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/essenes.htm">Essenes</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/scribes.htm">Scribes (85 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/stoics.htm">Stoics (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/divorce.htm">Divorce (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jesse.htm">Jesse (45 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/philosophy.htm">Philosophy (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/relationships.htm">Relationships (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/greece.htm">Greece (15 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees (86 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nazareth.htm">Nazareth (29 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/caesar's.htm">Caesar's (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/family.htm">Family (438 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nero.htm">Nero</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/socket.htm">Socket (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/ministry.htm">Ministry (44 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sermon.htm">Sermon (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p 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