Self-Righteousness
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Self-Righteousness in the Bible?
Self-righteousness denotes the belief that one achieves moral standing through personal conduct or adherence to religious law, often resulting in a judgmental attitude toward others who are perceived as less observant or virtuous.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this concept clarifies the biblical critique of relying on human merit for spiritual standing, emphasizing the theological distinction between earned righteousness and grace-based justification found in New Testament teachings.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Self-Righteousness. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Self-Righteousness in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Self-Righteousness clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Self-Righteousness." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/selfrighteousness/