feminine of נָכֹחַ; properly, straightforwardness, i.e. (figuratively) integrity, or (concretely) a truth; equity, right (thing), uprightness.
Transliteration:nᵉkôchâh
Pronunciation:nek-o-khaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term nᵉkôchâh (`{{H5229}}`) is the feminine form of nâkôach (`{{H5228}}`), which fundamentally conveys the idea of "straightness" or "directness." From this spatial concept, its semantic range expands to encompass moral and ethical dimensions. Properly, it signifies "straightforwardness," implying a lack of crookedness, deviation, or deceit. Figuratively, it denotes "integrity" and "uprightness" in character and conduct. Concretely, when applied to speech or judgment, nᵉkôchâh refers to "truth," "equity," or "that which is right and just." It describes something that aligns perfectly with what is correct, honest, and equitable, whether in a person's inner disposition or in their outward expressions and actions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While nᵉkôchâh (`{{H5229}}`) in its singular feminine form is relatively rare, its meaning is richly illuminated by its primary occurrence and by the usage of its masculine root nâkôach (`{{H5228}}`) and its plural form nᵉkôchôth.
In [[Isaiah 59:14]], nᵉkôchâh appears in a lament over societal corruption: "And justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth has fallen in the public square, and uprightness (נְכֹחָה) cannot enter." Here, nᵉkôchâh is paralleled with ’emeth (truth, `{{H571}}`) and contrasted with the absence of mishpat (justice, `{{H4941}}`) and tsedaqah (righteousness, `{{H6666}}`). It clearly refers to moral rectitude and integrity, the very foundation of a just society, which has been tragically removed.
The plural form, nᵉkôchôth, is found in passages such as [[Proverbs 8:6]], where personified Wisdom declares, "Listen, for I will speak noble things; and from my lips will come what is right (נְכֹחוֹת)." This indicates that divine wisdom speaks only that which is straightforward, true, and morally sound. Similarly, [[Proverbs 24:26]] states, "An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips," where "honest" translates words characterized by nᵉkôchôth, emphasizing sincere and truthful communication.
The masculine root nâkôach (`{{H5228}}`) further reinforces these meanings. In [[2 Samuel 15:3]], Absalom uses it to describe a legal claim as "good and right" (נָכֹחַ), signifying its legitimacy and justness. [[Amos 5:10]] condemns those who "hate him who reproves in the gate, and they abhor him who speaks uprightly (נָכֹחַ)," highlighting the prophetic call for direct, unvarnished truth in the face of corruption. [[Isaiah 30:10]] also uses nᵉkôchôth to describe the unwelcome "right things" that the prophets are forbidden to speak, as the people prefer "smooth things" and "illusions."
Across these contexts, nᵉkôchâh and its related forms consistently denote a quality of unadulterated truth, moral integrity, and equitable dealing, often in contrast to deception, injustice, or moral compromise.
### Related Words & Concepts
nᵉkôchâh (`{{H5229}}`) exists within a rich semantic field of biblical terms related to truth, justice, and rectitude. Its closest kin is its masculine counterpart, nâkôach (`{{H5228}}`), which shares the core meaning of "straight" or "right." The plural nᵉkôchôth (derived from `{{H5229}}`) is also significant, often appearing in contexts of truthful speech.
Other important cognates and conceptual parallels include:
* ’emeth (אֱמֶת, `{{H571}}`): "Truth," "firmness," "faithfulness." Frequently paired with nᵉkôchâh, as seen in [[Isaiah 59:14]], emphasizing a shared commitment to reality and integrity.
* tsedaqah (צְדָקָה, `{{H6666}}`): "Righteousness," "justice." nᵉkôchâh is an essential component of true righteousness, as it implies a moral uprightness that is not crooked or self-serving.
* mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט, `{{H4941}}`): "Justice," "judgment," "equity." The exercise of mishpat demands nᵉkôchâh, ensuring fair and impartial decisions.
* yosher (יֹשֶׁר, `{{H3477}}`): "Uprightness," "straightness." This term often describes moral rectitude and honesty, closely aligning with the ethical implications of nᵉkôchâh.
* tom (תֹּם, `{{H8537}}`): "Integrity," "completeness," "innocence." This word speaks to the wholeness and blamelessness of character that nᵉkôchâh embodies.
The conceptual thread running through these terms is a commitment to what is fundamentally right and true, in contrast to what is crooked, deceptive, or unjust.
### Theological Significance
The concept of nᵉkôchâh holds profound theological significance, reflecting both the character of God and His expectations for humanity.
Firstly, nᵉkôchâh is an attribute of God Himself. He is inherently straightforward, truthful, and just. There is no duplicity, deceit, or deviation from absolute rectitude in the Divine nature. God's judgments are nᵉkôchâh, His words are nᵉkôchâh, and His ways are nᵉkôchâh. This divine integrity forms the bedrock of His covenant relationship with His people.
Secondly, God demands nᵉkôchâh from His creation, particularly from His covenant people. This is evident in the prophetic critiques where the absence of nᵉkôchâh leads to societal breakdown and divine judgment, as seen in [[Isaiah 59:14]]. The call to speak nᵉkôchôth (uprightly/truthfully) in [[Amos 5:10]] underscores the ethical imperative for human communication to mirror divine truthfulness, resisting flattery, manipulation, or falsehood.
Thirdly, nᵉkôchâh is integral to the wisdom tradition. Wisdom, personified in Proverbs, speaks only nᵉkôchôth because true wisdom is rooted in divine truth and leads to righteous living. To embrace nᵉkôchâh is to align oneself with the divine order and the path of life.
Theologically, the absence of nᵉkôchâh signifies a profound spiritual sickness – a turning away from God's character and His revealed will. It leads to perversion of justice, moral decay, and a broken relationship with the Creator, who is himself the embodiment of all that is straightforward and true.
### Summary
nᵉkôchâh (`{{H5229}}`) is a potent Hebrew term that encapsulates the essence of "straightforwardness," extending conceptually to "integrity," "truth," "equity," and "uprightness." Derived from the root meaning "straight," it describes that which is direct, honest, and morally correct, free from any crookedness or deception. Biblically, it highlights the critical importance of truth and integrity in both individual conduct and societal structures, often appearing in contexts where its absence leads to injustice and moral decline, as seen in [[Isaiah 59:14]]. It is closely related to other terms signifying truth, righteousness, and justice (e.g., ’emeth `{{H571}}`, tsedaqah `{{H6666}}`, mishpat `{{H4941}}`). Theologically, nᵉkôchâh reflects a core attribute of God's character – His absolute truthfulness and unwavering rectitude – and serves as a divine expectation for humanity, particularly for those who would walk in His ways and build a righteous society. To live with nᵉkôchâh is to embody honesty, fairness, and moral integrity, reflecting the divine standard in a world often prone to crookedness.
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