Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

Literal meaning

Maintain a strong commitment to justice and morally right conduct.

Broader interpretation

This item should be interpreted within the historical purpose, intended audience and wider structure of its parent ethical framework.

Historical context

This item belongs to Eight Beatitudes. First-century Christian tradition; Roman-era Judea and early Christianity.

Practical meaning

Practical application requires attention to intention, consent, evidence, rights, foreseeable effects and the needs of all persons or beings affected.

Ethical purpose

To shape conduct, judgment or character in a way consistent with the wider framework.

Exceptions and disputes

Moral certainty can become fanaticism unless righteousness remains open to evidence and correction.

Variations across schools or traditions

Wording and interpretation may vary between translations, denominations, schools and historical periods.

Modern application

Modern application should distinguish the historical formulation from present legal, social and ethical conditions.

Criticism and difficult cases

Moral certainty can become fanaticism unless righteousness remains open to evidence and correction.

Truth By Reason analysis

Truth By Reason assesses this principle through evidence, intentions, rights, foreseeable consequences, consistency and the treatment of all affected beings.

Ethical themes

• Justice
• Truth-seeking

Sources

• Matthew 5:3–10 — The Beatitudes Primary source