Justice is a fundamental concept that has been debated by philosophers and scholars throughout history. Aristotle, the great Greek philosopher, defined justice as “to each his or her due.” However, this definition is based on human justice and not God’s justice. In Hebrew, the language of the Old Testament, there are two words that embody God’s justice: “mishpat” and “zeddikah.”

“Mishpat” is a judicial term that means “what someone is due,” such as their rights or privileges. It mirrors Aristotle’s definition of justice. However, in Judaism, justice is not just about the results of a decision or action, but also about the character of the person doing it. This leads us to the second word, “zeddikah,” which means “righteousness.” It is directly connected to “mishpat” and is often used simultaneously with it in the Hebrew Bible.

According to Abraham Joshua Heschel, author of The Prophets, “mishpat” should be considered the action of justice, while “zeddikah” should be considered the characteristic of a righteous or just being. Though these two words have a clear distinction, they must always coincide. Every just decision must reflect righteousness. This means that justice is not just an unemotional and detached process consumed by law and order or even ethics, but it is also about kindness, caring, and loving.

Divine justice is much deeper than making sure each person gets what they deserve. It is a deep attachment to the problem, a concern that will only subside if true and Godly righteousness prevails. With the use of “zeddikah,” the prophets take their message to the next level, the divine level. It reflects God’s righteous love and mercy, which He demonstrated by sending His son to suffer the wrath of God in our place, and save us through His sacred grace.

Understanding the nuances of the Jewish understanding of justice is crucial to a proper understanding of God’s justice. Justice is not solely about law and punishment but is centered on caring and love. Divine justice reflects God’s righteous love and mercy, which He demonstrated by providing a way to salvation through Jesus Christ.