Define

Hebrew

Common terms expressing “unrighteousness”:

• ‘awlah (עַוְלָה) – wrong, injustice, unrighteousness (Lev 19:15; Ps 92:15).
• ‘avon (עָוֹן) – iniquity, guilt (Lev 16:21).
• resha (רֶשַׁע) – wickedness (Ps 5:9).

Greek

• adikia (ἀδικία) – injustice, wrongdoing, moral wrongness (Rom 1:18, 29; 1 John 1:9).

Related Words

• Sin (ἁμαρτία; חטא)
• iniquity
• Transgression
• Lawlessness (ἀνομία)

Additional Info

• Unrighteousness includes:
  • Moral corruption (Rom 1:29)
  • Suppression of truth (Rom 1:18)
  • Partiality or unjust judgment (Lev 19:15)
  • Deceit and violence (Ps 55:9–11)
• God promises to cleanse from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Connections

• Paired with sin and lawlessness (Rom 6:13; 2 Cor 6:14).
• Opposes truth (Rom 1:18) and love (1 John 5:17).
• The gospel reveals God’s righteousness, which stands over against human unrighteousness (Rom 1–3).
• Associated with unjust weights, corrupt leadership, and false judgment (Prov 11:1; Isa 10:1; Mic 3:9).