(Aramaic) corresponding to צְדָקָה; beneficence; righteousness.
Transliteration:tsidqâh
Pronunciation:tsid-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H6665}}` (tsidqâh) serves as the direct linguistic and semantic equivalent of the more frequently occurring Hebrew word `{{H6666}}` (tsᵉdāqāh). At its core, tsidqâh denotes "righteousness" or "justice," reflecting a state of conformity to an ethical or divine standard. However, in its limited biblical occurrences, particularly its most prominent usage, it carries a strong emphasis on "beneficence" or "almsgiving." This nuance highlights the active, outward expression of righteousness through deeds of charity and compassion, particularly towards the poor and vulnerable. It is not merely an abstract quality but a demonstrated behavior that aligns with divine expectations for just and merciful conduct.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic word `{{H6665}}` appears in the biblical text exclusively in the book of Daniel, specifically in [[Daniel 4:27]]. This solitary occurrence is highly significant for understanding its specific biblical nuance. In this verse, Daniel advises King Nebuchadnezzar: "Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you; break off your sins by righteousness (`{{H6665}}`), and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; perhaps there may be a lengthening of your tranquility."
The parallelism in this verse is crucial. "Righteousness" (`{{H6665}}`) is directly equated with "showing mercy to the poor" (חֲנֻךְ עֲנִיִּין, *ḥanuk ‘aniyyan*). This explicit pairing unequivocally links tsidqâh to acts of beneficence, charity, and social justice. It is presented as a concrete means of repentance and a path to divine favor and restoration. The context is one of divine judgment upon a proud king, and the prescribed remedy is not merely a change of heart, but a tangible change in action, particularly towards those in need. This usage underscores the practical, ethical dimension of tsidqâh as active compassion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H6666}}` (tsᵉdāqāh), from which `{{H6665}}` derives its fundamental meaning. tsᵉdāqāh in Hebrew encompasses a broad semantic range including justice, righteousness, equity, vindication, and even salvation, often reflecting covenant faithfulness. While `{{H6666}}` can also imply acts of charity, the Aramaic `{{H6665}}` in [[Daniel 4:27]] brings this aspect to the forefront.
Other related concepts include:
* `{{H6663}}` (tsedeq): The root noun, meaning "rightness" or "justice," from which both tsᵉdāqāh and tsidqâh are derived.
* `{{H2617}}` (ḥesed): "Lovingkindness," "mercy," or "covenant loyalty." Often paired with tsᵉdāqāh in Hebrew, it highlights the relational and compassionate dimensions of righteous conduct. The phrase "showing mercy to the poor" in [[Daniel 4:27]] resonates deeply with the concept of *ḥesed*.
* `{{H4941}}` (mishpat): "Justice" or "judgment." While not directly parallel to `{{H6665}}` in its single occurrence, *mishpat* and *tsedeq* often appear together in the Hebrew Bible to describe the comprehensive nature of divine and human justice.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6665}}` is profound, despite its singular biblical occurrence. It underscores the biblical emphasis on righteousness as an active, rather than merely passive, virtue.
1. **Active Righteousness:** tsidqâh in [[Daniel 4:27]] teaches that true repentance and a right relationship with God are demonstrated through deeds of justice and mercy, especially towards the vulnerable. It moves beyond abstract piety to concrete ethical action.
2. **Redemptive Power of Charity:** The counsel to Nebuchadnezzar suggests that acts of beneficence can be a means of averting divine judgment or extending a period of grace. This highlights the transformative and redemptive potential of compassionate action, not as a means of earning salvation, but as an outward sign of a changed heart and a commitment to God's ways.
3. **Continuity of Justice:** Even in an Aramaic context, `{{H6665}}` maintains the consistent biblical theme that God is inherently righteous and just, and He requires His people (and even pagan rulers, as seen with Nebuchadnezzar) to reflect His character through their conduct. It bridges the Aramaic and Hebrew sections of the Old Testament in a unified understanding of divine ethics.
4. **Social Dimension of Faith:** The explicit link to "showing mercy to the poor" elevates social justice and care for the marginalized as integral components of biblical righteousness. It is a reminder that faith has tangible implications for how individuals and societies treat the less fortunate.
### Summary
`{{H6665}}` (tsidqâh) is an Aramaic term directly corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H6666}}` (tsᵉdāqāh), signifying "righteousness" or "justice." Its singular, yet highly instructive, biblical appearance in [[Daniel 4:27]] uniquely emphasizes its meaning as "beneficence" or "almsgiving." In this context, it represents an active demonstration of righteousness through acts of mercy towards the poor, presented as a vital means of repentance and a path to divine favor. This Aramaic usage powerfully reinforces the broader biblical truth that true righteousness is not merely an internal state but finds its fullest expression in concrete, compassionate action, reflecting the just and merciful character of God.
TRV