Overview
The Bible addresses righteousness imputed across 33 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Romans, Isaiah and Philippians. Closely related themes include Justification, Righteousness, Works and Faith. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus, Abraham and David.
Key Bible verses about righteousness imputed
Old Testament
Isaiah
But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. God: or, the holy God: Heb. the God the holy
Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. Surely: or, Surely he shall say of me, In the LORD is all righteousness and strength righteousness: Heb. righteousnesses
In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. judgment: or, equity
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. decketh: Heb. decketh as a priest
New Testament
Romans
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written The just shall live by faith.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) by one man's: or, by one offence
What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
Philippians
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
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:
People in the Bible and righteousness imputed
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying righteousness imputed for yourself
- Begin with Psalms 89:16, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Romans, Isaiah and Philippians each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Jesus, Abraham and David and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Justification, Righteousness, Works and Faith.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about righteousness imputed?
The Bible addresses righteousness imputed across 33 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Romans, Isaiah and Philippians. Closely related themes include Justification, Righteousness, Works and Faith. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus, Abraham and David.
How many Bible verses are about righteousness imputed?
The Bible references righteousness imputed in 33 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention righteousness imputed?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Psalms 89:16: “In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with righteousness imputed?
Jesus, Abraham and David.
Preach & teach
Outline a sermon or build a study series on righteousness imputed.
Preach a series on Righteousness Imputed →