from יָשַׁר; straight (literally or figuratively); convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness).
Transliteration:yâshâr
Pronunciation:yaw-shawr'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3477}}` (yâshâr), derived from the root `{{H3474}}` (yāshar), carries a rich semantic range encompassing both literal and figurative meanings of "straightness." At its most fundamental level, yâshâr denotes physical straightness, as in a direct path or an unbent object. This literal sense provides the foundation for its more prevalent and profound figurative application.
Figuratively, yâshâr extends to moral and ethical rectitude. It signifies that which is "right," "upright," "just," or "equitable." This includes:
* **Moral Integrity:** Referring to a person's character, actions, or heart as being without deviation, sincere, and consistent with a proper standard.
* **Justice and Equity:** Describing judgments, laws, or dealings that are fair, impartial, and correct.
* **Appropriateness:** Indicating something that is "fitting," "convenient," or "pleasing" in a righteous sense, particularly in the eyes of God.
The range thus moves from the physical alignment of a path to the moral alignment of a life with divine standards, emphasizing integrity, truthfulness, and just conduct. The proper noun "Jasher" (as in the "Book of Jasher") is also derived from this root, signifying "the upright" or "the righteous."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H3477}}` appears numerous times throughout the Hebrew Bible, predominantly in its ethical and moral sense. Its varied contexts illuminate its depth:
* **Literal Straightness:** In a few instances, yâshâr describes physical attributes. For example, in [[Ezekiel 1:7]], it describes the "straight" legs of the living creatures. More commonly, it refers to a "straight path" or "way," as seen in [[Proverbs 4:11]] ("I have led you in the paths of uprightness") or the prophetic call in [[Isaiah 40:3]] to "make straight in the desert a highway for our God." This literal usage often serves as a metaphor for moral direction.
* **Human Uprightness and Conduct:** This is the most significant application. Yâshâr frequently describes individuals or groups whose conduct is deemed morally correct or just.
* **Positive Examples:** David is described as having walked before God "in truth and in righteousness and in uprightness of heart" ([[1 Kings 3:6]]). The psalmist declares, "The upright behold his face" ([[Psalm 11:7]]) and "The LORD is good and upright" ([[Psalm 25:8]]). It characterizes those who live in accordance with God's will.
* **Negative Contrast:** Crucially, yâshâr is used in the oft-repeated phrase "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([[Deuteronomy 12:8]], [[Judges 17:6]], [[Judges 21:25]]). This highlights the danger of subjective morality, where human perception of "rightness" diverges from God's objective standard, leading to chaos and unrighteousness.
* **Divine Attributes and Actions:** Perhaps most profoundly, yâshâr is attributed to God Himself.
* **God's Character:** [[Deuteronomy 32:4]] proclaims, "The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he." This underscores God's absolute moral perfection and unwavering rectitude.
* **God's Laws and Judgments:** The divine statutes are described as yâshâr, meaning they are inherently just and right, bringing joy to the heart ([[Psalm 19:8]]). God's judgments are likewise declared to be "upright" ([[Psalm 119:137]]).
* **"Book of Jasher":** This refers to an ancient collection of songs or historical records, mentioned in [[Joshua 10:13]] and [[2 Samuel 1:18]], presumably titled "The Book of the Upright" or "The Book of the Just."
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding `{{H3477}}` (yâshâr) is enhanced by examining its relationship with other key biblical terms:
* **`{{H3474}}` (yāshar):** The verbal root from which yâshâr is derived, meaning "to be straight, level, right, pleasing." This direct connection emphasizes the action or state of being straight, which yâshâr describes as an attribute.
* **`{{H6662}}` (tsaddîq):** "Righteous." While tsaddîq often emphasizes conformity to a legal or covenantal standard, highlighting justice and vindication, yâshâr tends to focus more on internal integrity, moral uprightness, and sincerity of heart. A tsaddîq is one who acts justly, while a yâshâr is one whose character is inherently straight and true. The concepts often overlap, as true righteousness stems from an upright heart.
* **`{{H8537}}` (tāmîm):** "Blameless, complete, perfect." This term often describes integrity and wholeness of character, particularly in relation to covenant fidelity (e.g., "walk before me and be blameless" [[Genesis 17:1]]). Yâshâr complements tāmîm by specifying the *direction* and *moral alignment* of that wholeness.
* **`{{H4339}}` (mîshôr):** "Level ground, plain, equity." This noun is related to the root yāshar and can refer to physical flatness or, figuratively, to fairness and equity in judgment or dealings.
* **`{{H2896}}` (ṭôḇ):** "Good." This is a broader term, but what is "good" in a moral sense often aligns with what is yâshâr (right/upright).
These terms collectively paint a picture of the ideal human response to God's character and commands, emphasizing wholeness, integrity, and adherence to divine standards.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3477}}` (yâshâr) is profound, touching upon the nature of God, the ideal for humanity, and the dynamics of covenant relationship.
* **God as the Standard of Uprightness:** The consistent portrayal of God as yâshâr ([[Deuteronomy 32:4]], [[Psalm 25:8]], [[Psalm 92:15]]) establishes Him as the ultimate, unchanging standard of moral rectitude and justice. His character is without deviation, His judgments are perfectly equitable, and His ways are eternally true. This attribute grounds all other ethical considerations in the Old Testament.
* **The Call to Human Integrity:** Because God is yâshâr, humanity is called to reflect this attribute. To "walk uprightly" is not merely to follow rules but to possess an inner integrity and sincerity of heart that aligns with God's will. It implies a life lived without duplicity, hypocrisy, or moral compromise. This is a central theme in wisdom literature, where the path of the upright is contrasted with the path of the wicked ([[Proverbs 2:7]], [[Proverbs 2:21]]).
* **Covenantal Relationship and Blessing:** Uprightness is intrinsically linked to faithfulness within the covenant. Those who are yâshâr are those who genuinely seek and obey God, leading to divine favor and blessing. The promise that "the upright behold his face" ([[Psalm 11:7]]) suggests intimacy and communion with God as a reward for integrity.
* **Critique of Subjective Morality:** The recurring phrase "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" serves as a stark theological warning. It highlights the dangers of human autonomy in defining morality, demonstrating that when humanity deviates from God's objective standard of yâshâr, chaos, injustice, and spiritual decline inevitably follow. True uprightness is not self-defined but God-defined.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3477}}` (yâshâr) fundamentally denotes "straightness," extending from literal physical alignment to profound moral and ethical uprightness. It describes that which is right, just, and equitable, whether referring to a path, a person's character, or divine actions. Biblically, yâshâr is most significantly applied to God Himself, establishing His perfect, unwavering rectitude as the ultimate standard. Consequently, humanity is called to live a life of yâshâr, characterized by moral integrity, sincerity, and adherence to God's revealed will. The contrast between God's objective yâshâr and humanity's tendency to do "what is right in its own eyes" underscores the critical importance of aligning one's life with divine truth for true flourishing and covenant faithfulness.
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