Ma'at, goddess of the 42 laws, of the truth and justice

Dernière modification le 20/10/2026.

As an omnipresent goddess, Ma’at governs all of society, the stars, and the climate.

Table des matières

Introduction

As the daughter of Ra, Ma’at (or Ma’at) is a major goddess because she is the goddess of balance. And so, the entire world remains in order thanks to her. She was also present at the creation of the world and ensures its balance, whether on Earth or in Heaven. Thus, her primary role is to ensure that people coexist peacefully and that societies live and thrive in harmony.

Description

Ma’at is depicted in all the shrines of the Nile Valley as a woman with an ostrich feather on her head. Her name, therefore, comes from the hieroglyph for the ostrich feather.

Features

“Ma’at is powerful and ever-effective. She has remained undisturbed since the time of Osiris. Punishment is meted out to those who transgress the laws. This is what escapes the attention of the greedy.”
The Teachings of Ptahhotep. Excerpt from Maxim 5

As the goddess of order, she ensures that everything runs smoothly. Indeed, she governs the progression of the seasons and the cycle of day and night. She also oversees the individual actions of humans and those in power. Everyone, including the gods, must follow her directives, for without them, they would have no power. The rules of Ma’at, known as the 42 Laws of Ma’at, are recited by the deceased at the Court of the Dead in what is called the Negative Confession.

The 42 Laws of Ma’at (Simplified)

1. I did not commit the wrongdoing.
2. I didn’t steal anything.
3. I wasn’t greedy.
4. I didn’t steal anything.
5. I haven’t killed anyone.
6. I did not reduce the bushel.
7. I have not committed any act of misconduct.
8. I did not steal a god’s property.
9. I didn’t tell any lies.
10. I didn’t steal any food.
11. I wasn’t in a bad mood.
12. I haven’t done anything wrong.
13. I have not killed any sacred animals.
14. I did not hoard grain.
15. I did not steal any bread rations.
16. I didn’t spy.
17. I wasn’t very talkative.
18. I have only argued about my own affairs.
19. I have never had a relationship with a married woman.
20. I have not committed adultery.
21. I did not inspire fear.

22. I haven’t done anything wrong.
23. I didn’t let my words get the better of me.
24. I have not turned a deaf ear to the words of truth.
25. I wasn’t rude.
26. I didn’t even blink.
27. I have not been depraved, nor have I been a pederast.
28. I wasn’t lying.
29. I didn’t insult anyone.
30. I wasn’t rough.
31. I wasn’t dizzy.
32. I have not violated my terms and have not rebelled against God.
33. I didn’t raise my voice while speaking.
34. I didn’t do anything wrong.
35. I did not insult the king.
36. I didn’t go out on (someone’s) water.
37. I wasn’t loud.
38. I have not blasphemed against God.
39. I didn’t think too highly of myself.
40. I have no grounds for an exception in my favor.
41. I was rich only in my possessions.
42. I have not slandered God in my city.

Goddess of Justice

As the goddess of justice and truth, Ma’at weighs the hearts of the deceased and compares them to her feather—often called the feather of Nephthys—during the Weighing of the Soul. When the deceased has a pure heart, it is said that their soul is in harmony with Ma’at. In the context of justice, the viziers—the supreme heads of the courts—are called the priests of Ma’at and wear a small figurine of the goddess on their chests.

Worship

As an omnipresent deity in Egyptian society, Ma’at is everywhere. Few temples are dedicated to her, but one example is the one within the Montu enclosure at the Temple of Karnak. From the humble peasant to the king, she is worshipped daily, lest chaos ensue. Thus, giving a small statuette in her likeness is the ultimate gift one can bestow upon another person.