from יְהֹוָה and צֶדֶק with pronominal suffix; Jehovah (is) our right; Jehovah-Tsidkenu, a symbolical epithet of the Messiah and of Jerusalem; the Lord our righteousness.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôvâh tsidqênûw
Pronunciation:ye-ho-vaw' tsid-kay'-noo
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase יְהֹוָה צִדְקֵנוּ (Yᵉhôvâh tsidqênûw), designated by `{{H3072}}`, is a compound proper name or epithet. It is formed from `{{H3068}}` (YHVH, the personal name of God, often transliterated as "LORD" or "Jehovah") and `{{H6664}}` (tsedeq, "righteousness" or "justice"), combined with the first-person plural pronominal suffix "-enu," meaning "our." Thus, the phrase literally translates to "The LORD Our Righteousness" or "Yahweh is Our Righteousness." The term "righteousness" (`{{H6664}}`) in biblical Hebrew is a rich concept, encompassing not only moral uprightness and ethical conduct but also conformity to a divine standard, covenant faithfulness, justice, and the state of being in right relationship with God. When applied to God, it speaks of His just character and His actions in vindicating His people and upholding His covenant. As a symbolic name, `{{H3072}}` points to the divine source and nature of true righteousness for humanity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yᵉhôvâh tsidqênûw appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Jeremiah, and each instance carries profound prophetic weight.
1. **[[Jeremiah 23:6]]**: "In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: 'The LORD Our Righteousness.'"
* This verse is part of a messianic prophecy concerning a future "righteous Branch" (`{{H6780}}`) whom the LORD will raise up from David's line. This Branch will "reign as king and act wisely and execute justice and righteousness in the land" ([[Jeremiah 23:5]]). The application of the name Yᵉhôvâh tsidqênûw to this coming king is highly significant. It implies more than merely that the king will *possess* righteousness; rather, he *is* the embodiment and source of righteousness for his people. He is identified with YHVH in the provision of righteousness, linking his very being to the divine attribute. This establishes him as the one through whom God's saving righteousness is manifested to Judah and Israel, leading to their salvation and secure dwelling.
2. **[[Jeremiah 33:16]]**: "In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which she will be called: 'The LORD Is Our Righteousness.'"
* This passage echoes the promise of restoration and security, but strikingly, the name Yᵉhôvâh tsidqênûw is here applied to Jerusalem itself. This suggests that under the reign of the righteous Branch (mentioned in the preceding verse, [[Jeremiah 33:15]]), the city of Jerusalem, representing the restored community of God's people, will embody the divine righteousness. It signifies that the city will be transformed by God's presence and activity, reflecting His character and living in conformity to His standards. The name thus points to a future reality where God's people, dwelling in the restored city, will be characterized by the very righteousness that originates from YHVH.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H3068}}` (YHVH):** The ineffable personal name of God, emphasizing His covenant faithfulness and self-existence. Its inclusion in the compound name underscores that the righteousness provided is uniquely divine.
* **`{{H6664}}` (Tsedeq):** Righteousness, justice, uprightness. This core theological concept is often linked with God's character, His covenant, and His saving acts. It is the standard by which God judges and the state into which He brings His people.
* **`{{H6666}}` (Tsaddiq):** Righteous one. The Messiah is often referred to as the "righteous one" who brings salvation.
* **Messianic Expectation:** The name functions as a profound messianic title, identifying the future king with the divine provision of righteousness. It anticipates the New Testament understanding of Christ as the one who *is* our righteousness ([[1 Corinthians 1:30]], [[2 Corinthians 5:21]]).
* **Covenant Theology:** Righteousness is fundamental to God's covenant relationship with His people. Yᵉhôvâh tsidqênûw signifies God's active role in fulfilling His covenant promises by providing the means for His people to be in right standing with Him.
* **Salvation and Deliverance:** Both occurrences of the name are directly linked to the promises of salvation ("saved") and security ("dwell securely"), indicating that divine righteousness is the foundational basis for the people's ultimate deliverance and well-being.
### Theological Significance
The name Yᵉhôvâh tsidqênûw carries immense theological weight.
1. **Divine Identity of the Messiah:** The application of a name incorporating YHVH directly to the future Davidic king in [[Jeremiah 23:6]] is a powerful pre-New Testament affirmation of the Messiah's unique relationship with the divine. It suggests that the Messiah is not merely an agent who *executes* God's righteousness, but in some profound sense, he *is* the embodiment and source of God's righteousness for humanity. This resonates deeply with later Christian theology, which identifies Jesus Christ as the one who became our righteousness.
2. **Source of Righteousness:** The name unequivocally declares that true righteousness, particularly in a redemptive sense, does not originate from human works or merit. It is a divine gift, provided solely by YHVH Himself through His chosen King. This anticipates the New Testament emphasis on justification by grace through faith, apart from the works of the law.
3. **Redemption and Transformation:** The dual application of the name to both the Messiah and Jerusalem highlights a comprehensive vision of redemption. The Messiah brings righteousness, and through him, the people and the very city are transformed to reflect that righteousness. It points to a future where the redeemed community will genuinely embody God's character and live in right relationship with Him, not by their own power, but by the indwelling presence and work of Yᵉhôvâh tsidqênûw.
4. **Eschatological Hope:** This name points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. It signifies an eschatological age when God's justice and righteousness will be fully established on earth through His Messiah, leading to a secure, blessed, and righteous existence for His people, a true restoration of the covenant relationship.
### Summary
Yᵉhôvâh tsidqênûw (`{{H3072}}`) is a profound and unique Hebrew compound name, meaning "The LORD Our Righteousness." Its two sole occurrences in the book of Jeremiah reveal a dual prophetic application: first, as a title for the coming Davidic Messiah ([[Jeremiah 23:6]]), identifying him as the divine source and embodiment of righteousness for his people; and second, as a name for the restored city of Jerusalem ([[Jeremiah 33:16]]), signifying that the redeemed community will itself be characterized by the righteousness that originates from YHVH. This name underscores that true, saving righteousness is not achieved by human effort but is a gracious gift from God, made manifest through His chosen King. It points to a glorious eschatological future where God's justice and covenant faithfulness will be fully realized, bringing salvation and secure dwelling to His transformed people who bear His divine character.
TRV