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Hebrew word · Strong H4339

What does equity mean?

Equity, in the Bible, is justice that uses the same measure for everyone: judging without favoring the mighty or despising the poor. The Hebrew meyshar comes from the idea of level, straight ground, where no one stands above another. The King James translates it “equity”: “with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity” (Psalm 98:9).

מֵישָׁר

mêyshâr · transliteration · may-shawr' · pronunciation

In Strong’s lexicon
evenness, i.e. (figuratively) prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e. (figuratively) rectitude (only in plural with singular sense; often adverbially)
In the King James
  • equity4
  • uprightly3
  • uprightness3
Appears in
19 verses

See the full H4339 entry →Also in the lexicon: H4334 מִישׁוֹר

The meaning of equity in the Bible

Meyshar and its sister word mishor (H4334) come from the verb yashar, to be straight or level — mishor is also the plain, ground without rises and dips. Equity is that ground applied to judgment: one rule for all. That is why it stands with righteousness and judgment among the fruits of wisdom: “Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path” (Proverbs 2:9).

Equity is first of all the way God reigns: “the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre” (Psalm 45:6), words Hebrews applies to the Son (Hebrews 1:8). The promised king of Isaiah judges this way: “with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth” (Isaiah 11:4). And the law asks the same of the courts: “thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty” (Leviticus 19:15).

Where equity appears

Psalms 98:9

Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
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Proverbs 2:9

Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
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Isaiah 11:4

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
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Psalms 45:6

Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
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Proverbs 1:3

To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
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Psalms 99:4

The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.
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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between righteousness and equity?
In the Bible they go together (Psalm 98:9; Proverbs 1:3). Righteousness is what is right before God; equity is applying what is right straight and evenly, favoring no one — like the God “which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward” (Deuteronomy 10:17).
What does it mean that God judges with equity?
That his judgment weighs everyone on the same scale: “thou dost establish equity” (Psalm 99:4), and Isaiah's promised king defends the meek and the poor (Isaiah 11:4). No bribe or rank can move it (Deuteronomy 10:17).

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