from צָדַק; just; Tsadok, the name of eight or nine Israelites; Zadok.
Transliteration:Tsâdôwq
Pronunciation:tsaw-doke'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H6659}}`, צָדוֹק (Tsâdôwq), is a proper noun derived from the root צָדַק (tsâdaq), `{{H6663}}`, meaning "to be righteous," "to be just," or "to be vindicated." Therefore, the name "Zadok" inherently signifies "righteous" or "just." It denotes an individual who embodies or is characterized by uprightness and moral integrity. While primarily a personal name, its etymological root imbues it with profound theological weight, suggesting a divine quality or expectation associated with the bearer, particularly in a covenantal context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Zadok appears numerous times in the Hebrew Bible, most notably referring to the prominent high priest during the reigns of King David and King Solomon.
* **Zadok the High Priest:**
* He is first mentioned alongside Abiathar as a priest in David's court ([[2 Samuel 8:17]], [[2 Samuel 15:24]]).
* Zadok demonstrated unwavering loyalty to King David during Absalom's rebellion, carrying the Ark of the Covenant and offering counsel ([[2 Samuel 15:24-29]], [[2 Samuel 17:15]]). This act of faithfulness underscored his commitment to God's chosen king.
* Crucially, Zadok played a pivotal role in anointing Solomon as king, demonstrating his fidelity to the divinely appointed succession and ensuring the stability of the Davidic dynasty ([[1 Kings 1:32-45]]).
* Following the removal of Abiathar, Zadok became the sole high priest, establishing the Zadokite line of priesthood, which continued through much of Israel's history ([[1 Kings 2:35]]). This lineage is of significant importance in later prophetic literature, particularly in Ezekiel's vision of the temple.
* **Other individuals named Zadok:**
* A Zadok is listed in the genealogy of Jesus ([[Matthew 1:14]]), though this is a Greek transliteration `{{G4399}}`.
* Minor figures bearing this name include a wall-builder during Nehemiah's time ([[Nehemiah 3:4]], [[Nehemiah 3:29]]) and a scribe ([[Nehemiah 13:13]]).
The most significant contextual analysis focuses on Zadok the high priest, whose steadfastness, wisdom, and central role in the Davidic covenant underscore the inherent meaning of his name. His life exemplified the righteousness and justice implied by his appellation, particularly through his unwavering commitment to God and His anointed.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary relation of `{{H6659}}` is to its root:
* **Root Word:** צָדַק (tsâdaq, `{{H6663}}`), meaning "to be righteous, just, innocent, vindicated." This is the foundational concept from which Zadok's name derives its meaning.
* **Derived Nouns:**
* צֶדֶק (tsedeq, `{{H6664}}`): "righteousness, justice, what is right." This noun encapsulates the abstract quality that Zadok's name signifies.
* צְדָקָה (tsedaqah, `{{H6666}}`): "righteousness, justice, vindication." Often used interchangeably with *tsedeq*, it emphasizes the active manifestation or act of righteousness.
* **Antonyms/Contrasting Concepts:** Concepts such as wickedness (רֶשַׁע, *resha'*, `{{H7562}}`) or injustice stand in stark contrast to the inherent meaning of Zadok's name.
* **The Priesthood:** The concept of a righteous and legitimate priesthood is intrinsically linked to Zadok, especially given his role as the progenitor of the Zadokite line. This line was often considered the authentic priestly succession, distinct from other priestly groups.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** Zadok's actions, particularly his loyalty to David and Solomon, exemplify covenant faithfulness—a core biblical concept that highlights adherence to divine promises and commands.
### Theological Significance
The name "Zadok" (righteous, just) carries profound theological weight, primarily through the figure of the high priest.
* **Divine Appointment and Legitimacy:** Zadok's role in anointing Solomon, at God's command, solidified the legitimacy of the Davidic monarchy and the Zadokite priesthood. This suggests that divine favor and righteousness are intrinsically intertwined with legitimate spiritual and political authority. His elevation demonstrated God's approval of his character and service.
* **Integrity in Leadership:** Zadok serves as an enduring model of integrity, loyalty, and faithfulness in leadership. His steadfastness during times of political turmoil (e.g., Absalom's rebellion) highlights the critical importance of righteous conduct for those in positions of spiritual and national responsibility. He prioritized divine will over personal ambition or political expediency.
* **The Zadokite Priesthood:** The establishment of the Zadokite line of priests became a crucial touchstone for priestly legitimacy. Later prophets, particularly Ezekiel, envisioned a restored temple where the "sons of Zadok" would minister, emphasizing purity, righteousness, and faithfulness in the priestly office ([[Ezekiel 44:15-16]]). This vision underscores an ideal of priestly service rooted in the very meaning of Zadok's name—a priesthood characterized by justice and holiness.
* **Typological Implications:** While not explicitly stated in the text, some scholars draw typological connections between Zadok and the Messiah. As a "righteous priest" who served faithfully in the earthly temple, Zadok can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, the true and eternal High Priest, who perfectly embodies righteousness and justice, offering a perfect sacrifice and mediating a new covenant ([[Hebrews 7:26-28]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H6659}}`, צָדוֹק (Tsâdôwq), transliterated as Zadok, is derived from the root `{{H6663}}`, meaning "to be righteous" or "just." This inherent meaning profoundly shapes its significance as a proper name, denoting one characterized by uprightness and integrity. The most prominent biblical figure bearing this name is Zadok, the high priest during the reigns of David and Solomon. His unwavering loyalty to David, his crucial role in anointing Solomon, and his subsequent establishment as the progenitor of the Zadokite priestly line underscore the name's theological weight. Zadok exemplifies faithfulness and righteous conduct in leadership, serving as a model for legitimate authority and priestly service. The enduring legacy of the Zadokite priesthood, envisioned by prophets like Ezekiel as a standard of purity and devotion, further highlights the name's deep connection to divine justice and the call to live righteously before God.
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