This is a partial list of biblical references on justice and advocacy. For a more comprehensive study consult a complete Concordance. In addition to the word “justice,” you can broaden the list by looking up texts on hunger (hungry); alien(s); yoke; peace; mercy; plead; compassion; love; and other words that relate to the notion of justice and advocacy. Even though this is not an exhaustive list of biblical references to poverty and injustice, it demonstrates the importance of advocacy. Such references point out the Biblical mandate to care for those who suffer from hunger and poverty. Caring includes addressing the needs of the poor on a micro level by literally giving out food, clothing etc. as well as engaging in advocacy, which strives to change the larger power structures of the world so that they are more in line with a Godly view of justice. Bible References to Advocacy – Printer Friendly Version
Excellent sources for biblical quotations:
Cry Justice: The Bible on Hunger and Poverty by Ron Sider
Poverty and the Poor in the Bible from the American Bible Society
The Poverty and Justice Bible from the Bible Society UK
Ex 3:1-12 God sends Moses to Pharaoh
Ex 16:1-30 Trust God to provide our needs
Ex 22:21-23 You shall not oppress the resident alien
Ex 23:1-9 Do not pervert/deny justice to your people
Lev 19:9-10 Leave gleanings for poor people
Lev 19:15-16 Judge with justice; do not take advantage
Deut 15:1-11 Sabbatical year and remission of debts
Deut 16:18-20 Justice, and only justice, shall you pursue
2 Sam 12 Nathan condemns David
I Kg 21 Ahab’s greed leads to the murder of Naboth
Ps 12:5 The Lord provides security for the needy
Ps 72 Prayer for the king to deliver oppressed people
Ps 82 God wants justice for the weak and destitute
Ps 132:15 God will provide food for Zion’s poor
Prov 13:23 Unjust people withhold the poor’s means for food
Prov 21:13 Listen to the cry of poor people
Prov 22:9 Those who are generous with the poor are blessed
Is 3:13-15 Elders and princes crush poor people
Is 5:1-17 The Lord is exalted by justice
Is 58:1-14 The true fasting that God desires
Jer 22:3 God commands the king to act with justice
Jer 22:11-17 Woe to the king who builds his house on injustice
Ez 22:23-31 Princes, priests, and prophets oppress poor people
Hos 4:1-11 Priests and people follow false goods and injustice
Amos 5:10-24 God despises the people’s worship
Amos 8:4-8 Poor people are bought for a pair of sandals
Mic 6:6-8 What God truly requires
Mt 6:25-34 First seek God and God’s justice
Mt 23:23 Woe to Scribes and Pharisees who neglect justice
Mt 25:31-46 “I was hungry and you gave me food”
Mk 6:30-44 Feeding the five thousand
Mk 10:17-22 The man with many possessions
Mk 12:28-34 The great commandment
Lk 4:16-21 Jesus sent to bring good news to the poor
Lk 10:25-37 Parable of the Good Samaritan
Lk 14:12-14 Invite poor people to your dinner
Lk 16:19-31 The rich man and Lazarus
Lk 19:1-10 Jesus and Zacchaeus, the tax collector
Jn 8:1-11 The woman caught in adultery Acts 2:44-45 The believers provided for each other’s needs Rom 15:24b-29 Paul’s churches helping the poor of Jerusalem2 Cor 2:8-9 Jesus made himself poor2 Cor 6:3-10 Encouragement in physical hardships; though poor, in Christ one has everything2 Cor 9:11-15 Generosity is enriching and an expression of the gospel Hebrews 10:23-25 Encouragement to be concerned for one anotherJ ames 2:1-9 Love all people the same; especially the poor, despite appearances James 2:14-17 Action must accompany faith in providing for those in need
