Lyrics
Chorus
The just shall live
The just shall live by faith
The just shall live
The just shall live by faith
The just shall live
The just shall live by faith
My God said live
Verse 1
I will not die
This is my right
‘Cause I’ve been purchased by the blood
Sickness and disease
All infirmity
You have to leave
‘Cause I’ve been covered in the blood
Chorus
The just shall live
The just shall live by faith
The just shall live
The just shall live by faith
The just shall live
The just shall live by faith
My God said live
Verse 2
I will not die
This is my right
‘Cause I’ve been purchased by the blood
Sickness and disease
All infirmity
You have to leave
‘Cause I’ve been covered in the blood
Chorus
The just shall live
The just shall live by faith
The just shall live
The just shall live by faith
The just shall live
The just shall live by faith
My God said live
Verse 3
I will not die
This is my right
‘Cause I’ve been purchased in the blood
Sickness and disease
All infirmity
You have to leave
‘Cause I’ve been covered in the blood
Bridge
Sickness and disease
All infirmity
You have to leave
‘Cause I’ve been covered in the blood
Sickness and disease
All infirmity
You have to leave
‘Cause I’ve been covered in the blood
Sickness and disease
All infirmity
You have to leave
‘Cause I’ve been covered in the blood
Chorus
The just shall live
The just shall live by faith
The just shall live
The just shall live by faith
My God said live
You’re gonna live and not die
You’re gonna live and not die
You’re gonna live and not die
And declare His goodness
Outro
Live and not die
Live and not die
Live and not die
Declare His goodness
Live and not die
Live and not die
Live and not die
Declare His goodness
Live and not die
Live and not die
Live and not die
Declare His goodness
Live and not die
Live and not die
Live and not die
And declare His goodness
Live and not die
Live and not die
Live and not die
And declare His goodness
Chorus
The just shall live
The just shall live by faith
The just shall live
The just shall live by faith
The just shall live
The just shall live by faith
My God said live
Verse 4
I will not die
This is my right
‘Cause I’ve been purchased in the blood
Sickness and disease
All infirmity
You have to leave
‘Cause I’ve been covered in the blood
Chorus
The just shall live
The just shall live by faith
The just shall live
The just shall live by faith
The just shall live
The just shall live by faith
My God said live
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
The Just Shall Live is a declaration built on the phrase "The just shall live by faith." The opening lines repeat it again and again, then add "My God said live," presenting life as a word spoken by God rather than something earned.
The verses claim protection from sickness and disease, with the line "'Cause I've been covered in the blood" serving as the stated reason. The wording is bold and personal: "I will not die" is described as a right that comes through the blood of Christ. Listeners who approach the song as a faith-filled confession of healing will find that theme throughout, while those who want a more measured reading may notice that it speaks in absolutes.
The phrase at the center comes from Habakkuk 2:4 and is repeated in Romans 1:17 and Galatians 3:11. The later sections draw on Psalm 118:17, which speaks of living and declaring the works of the Lord, and that fits the closing chant about living and declaring His goodness.
Related Scripture
- Habakkuk 2:4 The righteous person is said to live by faith.
- Psalm 118:17 The psalmist declares he will live and tell of the Lord's works.
- Romans 1:17 Paul quotes the phrase about the just living by faith.