### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term יִשְׁרָה (yishrâh, `{{H3483}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root יָשָׁר (yashar, `{{H3477}}`), which fundamentally means "to be straight," "right," or "upright." As a feminine abstract noun, יִשְׁרָה denotes the quality or state of "rectitude," "uprightness," "straightness," or "integrity." It conveys the idea of a moral and ethical correctness, a lack of deviation from a proper standard. Unlike a mere absence of wrong, it implies an active alignment with truth, justice, and the divine standard of conduct. Its core semantic range thus encompasses moral integrity, equity, and a straightforward, uncorrupted disposition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term יִשְׁרָה (yishrâh, `{{H3483}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly significant for understanding its meaning and theological weight.
* **[[Deuteronomy 9:5]]**: "Not for your righteousness (בְּצִדְקָתֶךָ) or for the uprightness (וּבְיִשְׁרַת) of your heart are you going in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations the LORD your God is driving them out from before you, and in order to confirm the word which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob."
In this pivotal verse, Moses addresses the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. He explicitly states that their possession of the land is *not* due to their own "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tsedakah, `{{H6666}}`) or the "uprightness of their heart" (יִשְׁרַת לְבָבֶךָ). The phrase "uprightness of your heart" refers to their internal moral condition or integrity. By negating this as the basis for their inheritance, the text powerfully underscores that God's actions are rooted in His own sovereign will, His covenant faithfulness to the patriarchs, and His judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanite nations, rather than any inherent merit or moral perfection on Israel's part. The parallel with "righteousness" (צְדָקָה) reinforces that יִשְׁרָה pertains to an internal, moral quality.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for יִשְׁרָה (yishrâh, `{{H3483}}`) is its masculine root form, יָשָׁר (yashar, `{{H3477}}`), which is widely used in the Old Testament to describe actions, paths, and individuals that are "straight," "right," "upright," or "just." This foundational term frequently appears in contexts related to divine law and human conduct (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 6:18]], [[Psalm 33:4]]).
Other related concepts and parallel terms include:
* **צְדָקָה (tsedakah, `{{H6666}}`)**: "Righteousness" or "justice," often used in conjunction with "uprightness," as seen in [[Deuteronomy 9:5]]. Both terms describe conformity to a divine standard of right.
* **תֹּם (tom, `{{H8537}}`)**: "Completeness," "integrity," "innocence." This term often describes blamelessness of character, as in the "integrity" of Job ([[Job 2:3]]).
* **אֱמֶת (emet, `{{H571}}`)**: "Truth," "faithfulness," "firmness." While broader, truthfulness is an aspect of uprightness.
* **Antonyms**: Concepts like רֶשַׁע (resha, `{{H7562}}`, "wickedness") and עָוֹן (avon, `{{H5771}}`, "iniquity") stand in stark contrast to יִשְׁרָה, representing deviation from the right path.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of יִשְׁרָה (yishrâh, `{{H3483}}`) in [[Deuteronomy 9:5]] carries profound theological weight, particularly in the context of covenant theology and the nature of divine-human relationship.
1. **Human Inability and Divine Grace**: The verse strongly asserts humanity's inherent inability to achieve a perfect moral rectitude that would merit divine favor or blessing. Israel's "uprightness of heart" is explicitly dismissed as the reason for their inheritance. This highlights the fallen nature of humanity and the necessity of God's unmerited grace.
2. **Sovereignty of God**: The passage emphasizes that God's actions—His election of Israel, His judgment of the nations, and His fulfillment of promises—are rooted in His sovereign will, His covenant faithfulness (to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), and His justice, not in human performance. This underscores God's absolute freedom and initiative in salvation history.
3. **Covenant Foundation**: The passage reinforces a foundational principle of the Mosaic Covenant: while the Law calls for upright living (reflecting the broader concept of יָשָׁר, `{{H3477}}`), the *basis* of Israel's relationship with God and their inheritance is God's prior promise and grace, not their own adherence to the Law. This sets the stage for understanding the distinction between justification and sanctification in later biblical theology.
4. **Moral Standard**: Despite the negation of human merit, the very existence of the word יִשְׁרָה implies a divine standard of "straightness" or "rightness" to which God's people are called. While they may not perfectly achieve it, the pursuit of uprightness remains a moral imperative and a desired outcome of a life lived in covenant with God.
### Summary
The Hebrew term יִשְׁרָה (yishrâh, `{{H3483}}`), meaning "rectitude" or "uprightness," is a rare but highly significant word, appearing uniquely in [[Deuteronomy 9:5]]. Derived from the root יָשָׁר (yashar, `{{H3477}}`), it denotes a state of moral integrity and ethical correctness, particularly concerning the heart's disposition. Its singular biblical occurrence is crucial: it emphatically denies that Israel's possession of the Promised Land was due to their own "righteousness" or "uprightness of heart." This usage serves as a powerful theological statement, underscoring that God's covenant actions and blessings are founded upon His sovereign grace, His faithfulness to His promises, and His just judgment against wickedness, rather than on any human merit or moral perfection. Thus, יִשְׁרָה highlights both the divine standard of integrity and humanity's inherent inability to meet that standard, thereby magnifying the necessity and glory of God's unmerited favor.
TRV