### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **orthōs**, represented by `{{G3723}}`, is an adverb derived from the idea of being straight. It appears **4 times** in **4 unique verses**, and figuratively describes something done correctly or morally. Its biblical translations include **plain**, **right**, and **rightly**, indicating a standard of correctness or proper function.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G3723}}` is consistently used to affirm correctness. Jesus uses it to confirm that a lawyer has answered **right** concerning the path to eternal life [[Luke 10:28]]. Similarly, He affirms Simon's conclusion about forgiveness, stating, "Thou hast **rightly** judged" [[Luke 7:43]]. The term is also used by observers who, while testing Jesus, acknowledge that He teaches **rightly** and without partiality [[Luke 20:21]]. In a physical sense, it describes the result of a miracle where a man whose tongue was loosed "spake **plain**," signifying a restoration to proper, unimpeded speech [[Mark 7:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which correctness is affirmed:
* `{{G2919}}` **krínō** (to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially)... judge): This word for judging is directly qualified by **orthōs** when Jesus tells Simon he has "rightly judged" [[Luke 7:43]], linking correct judgment to a divine standard.
* `{{G1321}}` **didáskō** (to teach): This verb is used to describe the action that is performed **rightly**. It appears in the acknowledgment that Jesus teaches the way of God correctly and with integrity [[Luke 20:21]].
* `{{G2980}}` **laléō** (to talk, i.e. utter words... speak): The result of a miraculous healing is described as speaking **plain**, or correctly. This connects the physical act of speaking with the quality of being unimpeded and right [[Mark 7:35]].
* `{{G611}}` **apokrínomai** (to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond;... answer): An answer is validated as correct when Jesus states, "Thou hast answered right" [[Luke 10:28]], confirming the person's understanding.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3723}}` underscores the biblical emphasis on truth and divine standards.
* **Validation of Truth:** **orthōs** is frequently used by Jesus to confirm that a person has correctly understood or articulated a spiritual truth. It signifies an alignment with a divine standard, as when a lawyer correctly summarizes the path to life [[Luke 10:28]] or Simon correctly judges a matter of forgiveness [[Luke 7:43]].
* **Integrity in Teaching:** The word is used to describe teaching that is straight and without deviation. In [[Luke 20:21]], it is paired with teaching the "way of God truly," emphasizing that right teaching is impartial and morally correct.
* **Restoration to Proper Function:** The physical healing in [[Mark 7:35]], where a man's tongue is loosed and he "spake **plain**," illustrates a theological principle. God's intervention restores what was impeded, allowing it to function correctly and in a "straight" manner as intended.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3723}}` is a concise but significant term that conveys the concept of alignment with a divine and moral standard. Whether applied to a judgment, an answer, the act of teaching, or even physical speech, **orthōs** points to a state of correctness and integrity. It highlights that there is a "right" way to understand, judge, and speak that is affirmed by God Himself.
TRV