Pauline Vocabulary
dikaiosunē (δικαιοσύνη)
The noun form is often translated "righteousness" (Galatians 2:21) and the verb form dikaioō is often translated "justified" (Galatians 2:16) but is sometimes translated "declared righteous".
The word has a rich meaning that English does not have a specific word for but it refers to the state or condition of being in right relationship with God. Righteousness, in the biblical sense, is not merely about moral perfection or ethical behavior as understood in human terms. Rather, it is about alignment with God's character, His law, and His purposes.
NT Wright argues that righteousness is primarily a term of social status. The dikaioō are God's true people and the issue is who is to be seen as part of God's people and who, therefore, can you and must you regard as proper table companions. "Declared righteous" here in Galatians means "having our status as God's people underwritten or confirmed".
To be righteous in Paul's Jewish world meant primarily "to be part of the true people of God who will be vindicated when God acts in the future"
pistis Iēsou Christou
Can be accurately translated as "faith in Jesus Christ" or "the faithfulness of Jesus Christ".
erga nomou
Works of the Jewish law (2.16). NT Wright believes in viewing the "works of the law" as particular practices that mark out Jews from their pagan neighbors.
The noun form is often translated "righteousness" (Galatians 2:21) and the verb form dikaioō is often translated "justified" (Galatians 2:16) but is sometimes translated "declared righteous".
The word has a rich meaning that English does not have a specific word for but it refers to the state or condition of being in right relationship with God. Righteousness, in the biblical sense, is not merely about moral perfection or ethical behavior as understood in human terms. Rather, it is about alignment with God's character, His law, and His purposes.
NT Wright argues that righteousness is primarily a term of social status. The dikaioō are God's true people and the issue is who is to be seen as part of God's people and who, therefore, can you and must you regard as proper table companions. "Declared righteous" here in Galatians means "having our status as God's people underwritten or confirmed".
To be righteous in Paul's Jewish world meant primarily "to be part of the true people of God who will be vindicated when God acts in the future"
pistis Iēsou Christou
Can be accurately translated as "faith in Jesus Christ" or "the faithfulness of Jesus Christ".
erga nomou
Works of the Jewish law (2.16). NT Wright believes in viewing the "works of the law" as particular practices that mark out Jews from their pagan neighbors.