Bible Dictionary
EQUITY
Uprightness and fairness according to the spirit and purpose of the law. Equity concerns what is just and right rather than merely the letter of a rule.
Definition
Equity is uprightness, fairness, and the spirit of justice underlying the letter of a law or agreement. It concerns what is just and right rather than merely formal terms.
Biblical Usage
The term is associated with uprightness in Proverbs, Isaiah, and Malachi. Biblical translation also uses it for success or skillfulness where the context favors that meaning.
Historical Background
Equity may be distinguished from justice as the inner or abstract ideal, while justice is its application and honesty its ordinary expression in daily life.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ek'-wi-ti:</p><p>Is synonymous with "uprightness," which is found in Pr 17:26; Isa 59:14; Mal 2:6 in place of the King James Version "equity." Ec 2:21 has "skilfulness" and the Revised Version, margin "success" for the King James Version "equity." The context favors this translation of kishron, which is derived from kasher, "to succeed."</p><p>Equity is the spirit of the law behind the letter; justice is the application of the spirit of equity; honesty is the general everyday use of justice or fairness, equity being the interior or abstract ideal. The Court of Equity overrides the Court of Common Law, deciding not upon terms, but the spirit of the deed.</p><p>M. O. Evans</p>