The term "iniquitously" is derived from the word "iniquity," which refers to gross injustice, wickedness, or sin. In the biblical context, iniquity is often associated with actions that are morally wrong and contrary to the will and law of God. The Bible frequently addresses the concept of iniquity, emphasizing its destructive nature and the need for repentance and divine forgiveness.

Biblical Usage and Meaning

Iniquity in the Bible is often synonymous with sin, but it carries a deeper connotation of premeditated or habitual wrongdoing. It is not merely a single act of sin but a pattern of behavior that reflects a heart turned away from God. The Hebrew word for iniquity, "avon," suggests a bending or twisting of what is right, indicating a deliberate deviation from God's commandments.

Scriptural References

The Bible contains numerous references to iniquity, highlighting its seriousness and the consequences it brings. In the Old Testament, iniquity is frequently mentioned in the context of Israel's rebellion against God. For example, in Isaiah 59:2, the prophet declares, "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." This verse underscores the barrier that iniquity creates between humanity and God.

In the New Testament, iniquity is addressed as a condition of the heart that leads to unrighteous actions. Jesus Himself warns against iniquity in Matthew 7:23, where He says, "Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’" The term "lawlessness" here is often translated as iniquity, indicating a willful disregard for God's law.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, iniquity is a manifestation of the fallen human nature. It is the inclination to act in ways that are contrary to God's holiness and righteousness. The Bible teaches that all humans are born with a sinful nature, as seen in Psalm 51:5, "Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me." This inherent sinfulness necessitates the need for redemption through Jesus Christ.

Repentance and Redemption

The Bible offers hope for those burdened by iniquity through the promise of forgiveness and redemption. Iniquity can be cleansed through genuine repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. As stated in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This assurance of forgiveness is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing God's mercy and grace.

Divine Justice and Judgment

While God is merciful, the Bible also affirms His justice. Iniquity, if unrepented, leads to divine judgment. Ezekiel 18:30 warns, "Therefore, I will judge you, O house of Israel, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your downfall." This call to repentance is a recurring theme, urging individuals to turn away from iniquity and seek God's righteousness.

Conclusion

Iniquity, as depicted in the Bible, is a serious offense against God that requires acknowledgment, repentance, and a turning back to the path of righteousness. Through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, believers are offered a way to overcome iniquity and restore their relationship with God.(adv.) In an iniquitous manner; unjustly; wickedly.

Book v. --General Reply to Sundry of Marcion's Heresies.
... release. Spirit from flesh's bond obscene, whereby. The inner man (iniquitously
dwarfed). Is held in check; why, then, so late appear. ...
/.../book v general reply to sundry.htm

St. Paul's Teaching on the Subject.
... For, unless she does these deeds, she has in the true sense divorced him, so far
as in her lies; and indeed the more iniquitously"inasmuch as (she did it) as ...
/.../tertullian/on monogamy/chapter x st pauls teaching on.htm

The Dignity of Woman.
... But the order which he had established was iniquitously subverted, and this subversion
has shaken society to its very foundation, leading man's intelligence to ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter iv the dignity of.htm

Answer to a Psychical Objection.
... pestilence;" [914] whose voice, [915] withal, (is heard) subsequently: "I have not
sat with the conclave of vanity; and with them who act iniquitously will I ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter xviii answer to a psychical.htm

Arguments in Opposition to Tatian, Showing that it was Consonant ...
... as the first Adam became a vessel in his (Satan's) possession, whom he did also
hold under his power, that is, by bringing sin on him iniquitously, and under ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxiii arguments in opposition to.htm

Of the Constant Falsehood of the Devil, and of the Powers and ...
... But whatsoever they do to the subversion of justice, iniquitously, and impiously,
and illegally, and tyrannically, in these things shall they also perish; for ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxiv of the constant falsehood.htm

Epistle viii. To Boniface, Deacon.
... the island of Corcyra, and how the bishop of Euria is endeavouring to withdraw it
from the jurisdiction of the bishop of Corcyra, and iniquitously to subject ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle viii to boniface deacon.htm

Against the Belief of those who Think that the Sins which have ...
... 1582] Therefore, they say, he that hath showed mercy, though he has not reformed
his dissolute conduct, but has lived wickedly and iniquitously even while ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 27 against the belief of.htm

That a Strange Cleric is under no Circumstances to be Received by ...
... it seems, Julian did this without your worthiness being asked for his consent, nor
even consulted, we all judge that this was done iniquitously and unworthily. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon liv greek lviii that.htm

Whether Pride is the Most Grievous of Sins?
... of sins. On the contrary, A gloss on Ps.118:51, "The proud did iniquitously,"
says: "The greatest sin in man is pride.". I answer ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether pride is the most.htm

Iniquitously (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In an iniquitous manner; unjustly; wickedly.
Multi-Version Concordance Iniquitously (6 Occurrences). ...
/i/iniquitously.htm - 8k

Iniquitous (6 Occurrences)

/i/iniquitous.htm - 8k

Iniquity (299 Occurrences)

/i/iniquity.htm - 43k

Iniquitously: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus