### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâkôach**, represented by `{{H5228}}`, means **straightforward**, **equitable**, or **correct**. It can also abstractly refer to **integrity**, **plainness**, or **uprightness**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting concepts of rightness in speech, action, and understanding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H5228}}` conveys a sense of correctness and equity. In Isaiah, it describes the path of the righteous, where one who has **walked** `{{H1980}}` in **uprightness** enters into **peace** `{{H7965}}` [[Isaiah 57:2]]. Proverbs uses the term to characterize the words of wisdom as **plain** to those who **understand** `{{H995}}` and **right** `{{H3477}}` to those who **find** `{{H4672}}` **knowledge** `{{H1847}}` [[Proverbs 8:9]]. It is also applied to speech, where giving a **right** `{{H5228}}` **answer** `{{H1697}}` is highly valued [[Proverbs 24:26]]. Similarly, Absalom affirms a man's legal matters as being **good** `{{H2896}}` and **right** `{{H5228}}` [[2 Samuel 15:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H5228}}`:
* `{{H3477}}` **yâshâr** (straight, right): Often used alongside `{{H5228}}`, this term for what is **right** or **straight** reinforces the idea of moral and ethical correctness. In Proverbs, wisdom's words are described as both **plain** `{{H5228}}` and **right** `{{H3477}}` [[Proverbs 8:9]].
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr** (a word, matter): The concept of a **right** `{{H5228}}` **answer** or a **right** `{{H5228}}` **matter** connects uprightness directly to speech and legal affairs, showing its practical application ([[Proverbs 24:26]], [[2 Samuel 15:3]]).
* `{{H1980}}` **hâlak** (to walk): The righteous life is depicted as **walking** in **uprightness** `{{H5228}}`. This illustrates that integrity is not a static quality but an active, continuous way of living [[Isaiah 57:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5228}}` lies in its application to both character and communication.
* **The Virtue of Right Speech:** The term emphasizes the value of giving a **right** `{{H5228}}` **answer** `{{H1697}}`, framing honest and correct speech as a cherished act [[Proverbs 24:26]]. This extends to legal affairs, where matters are judged as **good** `{{H2896}}` and **right** `{{H5228}}` [[2 Samuel 15:3]].
* **The Plainness of Wisdom:** Divine wisdom is not presented as obscure but as **plain** `{{H5228}}` and straightforward to a mind that **understandeth** `{{H995}}`. This suggests that moral and spiritual truth is accessible to those who sincerely seek **knowledge** `{{H1847}}` [[Proverbs 8:9]].
* **Integrity as a Path to Peace:** A life of **uprightness** `{{H5228}}` is described as a **walk** `{{H1980}}` that culminates in entering into **peace** `{{H7965}}` and **rest** `{{H5117}}`. This links righteous living in this life to ultimate peace in the next [[Isaiah 57:2]].
### Summary
In summary, **nâkôach** `{{H5228}}` defines a standard of straightforwardness and integrity. Though used only four times, it covers the crucial areas of human conduct: the speech we use, the wisdom we seek, the judgments we make, and the life we lead. It teaches that what is correct and equitable is clear to the discerning heart and that a walk of **uprightness** is the path that ultimately leads to peace.
TRV