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.
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.
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.
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.
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