### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adjective tsaddîyq (`{{H6662}}`) is derived from the verbal root tsadaq (`{{H6663}}`), which means "to be just, righteous, or in the right." As an adjective, tsaddîyq describes an individual or entity that embodies the quality of tsedeq (`{{H6664}}`), meaning "righteousness" or "justice."
The core meaning of tsaddîyq denotes conformity to an established standard, particularly a divine one. This is not merely ethical uprightness in a human sense, but a state of being in right relationship with God and His covenant demands.
Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Just/Righteous:** The primary meaning, referring to moral and ethical integrity in alignment with divine law.
* **Lawful:** Implies adherence to legal or divine statutes and principles.
* **Innocent:** In a legal or judicial context, one who is declared not guilty or vindicated.
* **Upright/Blameless:** Describes a character that is beyond reproach, demonstrating integrity in all dealings.
* **Vindicated:** Can describe someone who is declared righteous or justified, especially by God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Tsaddîyq occurs over 200 times in the Old Testament, underscoring its profound significance. Its usage spans various literary genres, revealing nuanced aspects of righteousness.
* **Early Mentions (Pentateuch):** Noah is the first individual explicitly called tsaddîyq ([[Genesis 6:9]]), highlighting his obedience and faithfulness amidst a corrupt generation. This establishes tsaddîyq as a quality recognized and esteemed by God. Abraham's intercession for Sodom ([[Genesis 18:23-32]]) reveals the concept of the tsaddîyq as a preserving force, whose presence might avert divine judgment, emphasizing the redemptive potential associated with the righteous. In a legal context, tsaddîyq can refer to one who is acquitted or declared innocent ([[Deuteronomy 25:1]]).
* **Wisdom Literature (Proverbs, Psalms, Ecclesiastes):**
* **Proverbs:** Frequently contrasts the tsaddîyq with the rasha' (wicked/guilty, `{{H7563}}`). The tsaddîyq is consistently depicted as blessed, prosperous, delivered from trouble, and ultimately secure ([[Proverbs 10:3, 6, 7, 24, 25, 28, 30, 31, 32]]). Their path is light, and their memory is a blessing.
* **Psalms:** The tsaddîyq is one who trusts in Yahweh ([[Psalm 7:9-10]]), is upheld by Him ([[Psalm 37:17, 24]]), and will ultimately dwell in His presence ([[Psalm 140:13]]). God is portrayed as loving and protecting the tsaddîyq ([[Psalm 146:8]]). The "righteous one" often serves as a synonym for the faithful worshipper.
* **Ecclesiastes:** Acknowledges the perplexing reality that both tsaddîyq and rasha' may experience similar fates in this life ([[Ecclesiastes 7:15, 8:14]]), challenging a simplistic retribution theology and pointing to a deeper, perhaps eschatological, understanding of justice.
* **Prophetic Books (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel):**
* **Isaiah:** Most notably, tsaddîyq is used in reference to the "righteous servant" ([[Isaiah 53:11]]), who by his knowledge makes many tsaddîyq. This passage introduces a profound concept of vicarious righteousness, where the suffering of one brings justification to many, foreshadowing the atoning work of the Messiah.
* **Jeremiah & Ezekiel:** These prophets emphasize individual accountability for righteousness. A tsaddîyq who turns from righteousness will face judgment, while a rasha' who turns to righteousness will live ([[Ezekiel 18:5-9, 20-24]]). This highlights the dynamic and conditional nature of human righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root tsadaq (`{{H6663}}`):** The foundational verb meaning "to be righteous, just, justified." Tsaddîyq describes the state or quality derived from this action.
* **tsedeq (`{{H6664}}`):** The noun "righteousness, justice." This term refers to the inherent quality or state of being tsaddîyq. It encompasses conformity to a standard, especially God's moral and ethical standard, and is often used in parallel with mishpat (`{{H4941}}`, "justice, judgment").
* **tsedaqah (`{{H6666}}`):** Another noun, also translated "righteousness" or "righteous act." While tsedeq emphasizes the inherent quality, tsedaqah often refers to the *demonstration* or *act* of righteousness, including acts of charity, social justice, or covenant faithfulness.
* **Antonym: rasha' (`{{H7563}}`):** "Wicked, guilty." The stark contrast between the tsaddîyq and the rasha' is a pervasive theme, particularly in wisdom literature, delineating two divergent paths of life and their respective outcomes.
* **Covenant:** Righteousness in the Old Testament is deeply intertwined with covenant faithfulness. To be tsaddîyq is to live in accordance with the terms of God's covenant with Israel, demonstrating loyalty and obedience.
* **Holiness (qodesh, `{{H6944}}`):** While distinct, righteousness often aligns with holiness. Holiness speaks to separateness and purity, while righteousness speaks to right conduct and relationship. A holy God demands righteous living from His people.
### Theological Significance
* **God's Nature:** God Himself is the ultimate tsaddîyq ([[Deuteronomy 32:4]], [[Psalm 7:9]], [[Psalm 145:17]]). His righteousness is the immutable standard by which all human righteousness is measured. His justice is perfect, consistent, and unfailing.
* **Human Righteousness:** Human righteousness is always presented as a response to God's character and covenant. It is not self-generated perfection but a state of being in right relationship with God, characterized by obedience to His commands, integrity in one's character, and the pursuit of justice in human dealings.
* **Imputed/Declared Righteousness:** The concept of God declaring someone tsaddîyq is profoundly significant. Abraham's faith was "counted to him as righteousness" ([[Genesis 15:6]]), anticipating the New Testament doctrine of justification by faith. This highlights that righteousness is not solely achieved by human effort but can be granted by divine grace through faith.
* **The Righteous Sufferer/Servant:** The motif of the tsaddîyq who suffers unjustly (e.g., Job, certain Psalms) culminates in the "Suffering Servant" of Isaiah 53. This figure, through his vicarious suffering, makes many tsaddîyq ([[Isaiah 53:11]]), laying the theological groundwork for the New Testament understanding of Christ's atoning work as the means of human justification and redemption.
* **Eschatological Hope:** The ultimate triumph of the tsaddîyq and the final judgment of the rasha' is a consistent theme in the Old Testament, pointing to a future where God's perfect justice will be fully realized and the righteous will inherit His kingdom ([[Psalm 37:28-29]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew adjective tsaddîyq (`{{H6662}}`), derived from the root tsadaq (`{{H6663}}`), fundamentally describes one who is "just" or "righteous." This righteousness is not merely human ethical uprightness but a profound conformity to God's divine standard and covenant demands. Throughout the Old Testament, the tsaddîyq is portrayed as an individual who walks in obedience to God's ways, trusts in Him, and acts with integrity and justice towards others. While often contrasted with the rasha' (wicked), the concept of tsaddîyq is deeply theological, rooted in God's own righteous character and His desire for His people to reflect that character. It encompasses both a declared status (as seen with Abraham's faith being "counted as righteousness") and a lived reality of upright conduct. This culminates in the prophetic anticipation of a "Righteous Servant" who brings righteousness to many, foreshadowing the New Testament's understanding of justification through Christ. The ultimate hope remains in God's perfect justice, where the tsaddîyq will be fully vindicated and dwell in His presence.
TRV