### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term `{{G4524}}` (Sadṓk) is a proper noun, directly transliterated from the Hebrew name Tsadok (`{{H6659}}`). Its base definition indicates its origin from the Hebrew צָדוֹק (Tsadok), an Israelite. The underlying Hebrew root, צדק (tsadaq), carries the fundamental meaning of "to be righteous," "to be just," "to be vindicated," or "to be in the right." Therefore, while `{{G4524}}` itself functions purely as an identifier for an individual, the name "Sadoc" inherently conveys the meaning of "Righteous" or "Just." As a proper noun, its semantic range is restricted to identifying the person, but the etymological significance of the name contributes to a deeper appreciation of its presence within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Greek term `{{G4524}}` (Sadṓk) appears exclusively once in the New Testament, specifically in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded by Matthew:
* [[Matthew 1:14]] - "Eliud begat Eleazar; Eleazar begat Matthan; Matthan begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." (The name Sadoc appears earlier in the sequence, "Azor begat Sadoc, and Sadoc begat Achim...")
In [[Matthew 1:14]], Sadoc is listed as an ancestor of Jesus, appearing in the lineage between Azor and Achim. This places him within the period following the Babylonian exile, a time when the Davidic line was being preserved in preparation for the Messiah. Matthew's genealogy is meticulously structured to demonstrate Jesus' rightful claim to the Davidic throne and his fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The inclusion of Sadoc, a name meaning "Righteous," in this crucial lineage underscores the divine providence at work in preserving a line that would ultimately culminate in the "Righteous One" (cf. [[Acts 3:14]], [[Acts 7:52]]). While this specific Sadoc is not to be confused with the prominent Old Testament High Priest Zadok (who served King David), his inclusion here signifies the continuity and integrity of the messianic line.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{G4524}}` is its Hebrew origin, Tsadok (`{{H6659}}`). This name is derived from the Hebrew root צדק (tsadaq), which is foundational to a rich cluster of theological terms:
* **`{{H6663}}` (tsaddiq):** "righteous," "just" (adjective, referring to a righteous person).
* **`{{H6664}}` (tsedeq):** "righteousness," "justice" (noun, referring to the quality or state).
* **`{{H6666}}` (tsedaqah):** "righteousness," "justice," "vindication" (often implying a righteous act or a state of being in the right).
These related terms highlight the pervasive biblical theme of righteousness, both divine and human. The name Sadoc, therefore, subtly echoes this core concept within the very fabric of Jesus' ancestry. Beyond the linguistic ties, Sadoc is related conceptually to:
* **Genealogies:** The broader biblical practice of tracing lineages, particularly in Matthew and Luke, to establish identity, inheritance, and messianic claims.
* **Old Testament Zadoks:** While the Sadoc in Matthew's genealogy is a distinct individual, the name itself carries the legacy of prominent Old Testament figures, most notably Zadok the High Priest (e.g., [[2 Samuel 8:17]], [[1 Kings 1:8]]), who was known for his faithfulness and loyalty to David. This historical resonance, though not directly referring to the same person, imbues the name with a sense of established integrity.
* **Divine Faithfulness:** The inclusion of each name in the genealogy, including Sadoc, signifies God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the promised line of the Messiah through generations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4524}}` (Sadoc) is primarily derived from its inclusion in the sacred genealogy of Jesus Christ and the inherent meaning of the name itself.
1. **Messianic Lineage Preservation:** Sadoc's presence in [[Matthew 1:14]] underscores the meticulous and divinely guided preservation of the Davidic lineage. Each name in the genealogy represents a link in the unbroken chain that led to the birth of the Messiah. It testifies to God's sovereign hand overseeing human history to fulfill His redemptive plan.
2. **Echo of Righteousness:** The name "Sadoc," meaning "Righteous" or "Just," serves as a subtle yet powerful theological echo within the genealogy. It implicitly points towards the ultimate "Righteous One," Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of divine righteousness and the source of all human justification. The lineage, therefore, is not merely a list of names but a testament to a divinely ordained path leading to perfect righteousness.
3. **Continuity of God's Covenant:** Sadoc's inclusion highlights the continuity of God's covenant promises from the Old Testament into the New. The Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, which promised a righteous Seed and an eternal King, are seen to be faithfully maintained through these generations, even in times of obscurity or exile.
4. **Human Participation in Divine Plan:** While God's sovereignty is paramount, the genealogy also shows human individuals, like Sadoc, playing their part, however small, in the unfolding of God's grand design. Their very existence and lineage contribute to the divine narrative.
### Summary
`{{G4524}}` (Sadṓk) is a Greek proper noun, found once in the New Testament in [[Matthew 1:14]], referring to an ancestor of Jesus Christ. It is derived from the Hebrew name Tsadok (`{{H6659}}`), meaning "Righteous" or "Just." Its significance lies in its role within Matthew's genealogy of Jesus, where it serves as a vital link in the divinely preserved messianic lineage. The name's inherent meaning subtly reinforces the theme of righteousness, pointing ultimately to Jesus Christ as the "Righteous One." Sadoc's inclusion underscores God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant promises and His sovereign guidance of history towards the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.
TRV