from צָדַק; rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity); justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness).
Transliteration:tsᵉdâqâh
Pronunciation:tsed-aw-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H6666}}` (צְדָקָה - tsᵉdâqâh) is a feminine noun derived from the verb `{{H6663}}` (צָדַק - tsâdaq), which means "to be just, righteous, vindicated." At its core, tsedâqâh signifies "rightness" or "conformity to a standard." Its semantic range is broad, encompassing:
* **Abstractly:** "Rectitude," "integrity," "moral uprightness." It refers to an inherent quality of being right.
* **Subjectively:** "Virtue," "goodness," reflecting a person's character and disposition.
* **Objectively:** "Justice," "equity," "fairness" in actions, judgments, or relationships. This is often seen in legal or social contexts.
* **Figuratively:** "Prosperity" or "deliverance," particularly as a consequence or manifestation of righteous living or divine action. This is less a direct meaning of the word itself and more an outcome associated with it.
Thus, tsedâqâh denotes both the state of being righteous and the acts of righteousness, highlighting a comprehensive alignment with divine standards.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H6666}}` appears over 150 times in the Old Testament, frequently in legal, prophetic, and wisdom literature.
* **Legal and Judicial Contexts:** In Deuteronomy, tsedâqâh is often linked to adherence to God's commandments and fair legal practice. For instance, [[Deuteronomy 6:25]] states that keeping God's commandments will be "righteousness for us." Similarly, [[Deuteronomy 24:13]] describes returning a pledge to the poor as an act of tsedâqâh before God, emphasizing ethical conduct in daily life. [[Deuteronomy 33:21]] speaks of executing "the righteousness of the Lord," pointing to the implementation of divine justice.
* **Prophetic Emphasis:** The prophets frequently use tsedâqâh to describe God's character and His demand for justice from His people. [[Isaiah 1:27]] declares, "Zion will be redeemed with justice, and her repentant ones with righteousness," linking salvation to divine and human rectitude. [[Isaiah 5:7]] laments that God "looked for justice (mishpâṭ), but behold, bloodshed; for righteousness (tsedâqâh), but behold, a cry of distress," showcasing the tragic absence of these virtues in Israel. [[Isaiah 45:8]] poetically depicts God causing "salvation to spring up, and righteousness to spring up with it," highlighting God's righteous acts as redemptive. In a messianic prophecy, [[Jeremiah 23:5]] foretells a "righteous Branch" for David who "will reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land," underscoring the future king's embodiment of these virtues.
* **Wisdom Literature:** In Psalms and Proverbs, tsedâqâh is presented as a way of life that leads to blessing and flourishing. [[Proverbs 10:2]] asserts that "righteousness delivers from death," while [[Proverbs 14:34]] proclaims, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." [[Psalm 11:7]] affirms God's nature: "For the Lord is righteous; He loves righteousness." These texts emphasize the moral and societal benefits of righteous living.
* **Covenantal and Imputed Righteousness:** A foundational theological use appears in [[Genesis 15:6]], where Abraham's faith in God's promise "was counted to him as righteousness." This verse is pivotal, demonstrating that tsedâqâh can be graciously attributed by God, not solely earned through human works. This concept foreshadows the New Testament understanding of justification by faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H6666}}` (tsᵉdâqâh) is often found in conjunction with or in parallel to several other significant Hebrew terms:
* `{{H6663}}` (צָדַק - tsâdaq): The verbal root from which tsedâqâh is derived. It means "to be just, righteous, to be in the right, to be vindicated." tsedâqâh is the noun form, representing the state or act of being tsâdaq.
* `{{H4941}}` (מִשְׁפָּט - mishpâṭ): "Justice," "judgment," "ordinance." tsedâqâh and mishpâṭ are frequently paired, forming a hendiadys (e.g., [[Amos 5:24]]: "Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream"). This pairing emphasizes comprehensive social and ethical justice, encompassing both the right standard and its proper application.
* `{{H2617}}` (חֶסֶד - ḥesed): "Loyal love," "steadfast love," "mercy." While distinct, tsedâqâh and ḥesed often appear together to describe God's character and His covenant dealings. God's righteousness is not cold legality but is often expressed through His unwavering love and faithfulness (e.g., [[Psalm 36:10]]).
* `{{H8537}}` (תָּמִים - tāmîm): "Blameless," "complete," "whole," "perfect." This term describes a state of moral integrity or wholeness, aligning with the subjective aspect of tsedâqâh as moral virtue.
* **New Testament Greek Equivalents:** The most common Greek translation of tsedâqâh in the Septuagint and the primary New Testament term for "righteousness" is `{{G1343}}` (δικαιοσύνη - dikaiosynē). This Greek word carries a similar breadth of meaning, encompassing divine righteousness, human uprightness, and justification. The related adjective is `{{G1342}}` (δίκαιος - dikaios), "righteous" or "just."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6666}}` (tsᵉdâqâh) is profound and multifaceted:
* **God's Essential Attribute:** tsedâqâh is an inherent and foundational attribute of God. He is intrinsically righteous ([[Psalm 7:9]], [[Psalm 11:7]]). All His actions, judgments, and dealings are perfectly just and right. This divine righteousness is the bedrock of His covenant with humanity and the standard for all creation.
* **Human Obligation and Imitation:** Humanity is called to reflect God's tsedâqâh. This involves not only personal moral uprightness (rectitude) but also actively pursuing justice and equity in social and legal spheres. It is a holistic concept of living in alignment with God's revealed will, moving beyond mere ritualistic adherence to genuine ethical conduct.
* **Covenantal Righteousness:** Within the Old Testament covenant, tsedâqâh defines the relationship between God and Israel. God's faithfulness to His promises is an act of His righteousness, while Israel's obedience to the covenant laws is their expected tsedâqâh. Disobedience, conversely, is a failure of righteousness.
* **Imputed and Forensic Righteousness:** The declaration in [[Genesis 15:6]] where Abraham's faith is "counted as righteousness" is a theological cornerstone. It introduces the concept of a righteousness that is not earned by perfect performance but graciously attributed by God through faith. This forensic (legal) aspect of tsedâqâh lays the groundwork for the New Testament doctrine of justification by faith, where believers are declared righteous in God's sight through Christ's work.
* **Messianic Fulfillment:** The prophetic vision of a "righteous Branch" ([[Jeremiah 23:5]]) points to the Messiah as the ultimate embodiment and bringer of tsedâqâh. His reign will be characterized by perfect justice and righteousness, establishing God's kingdom fully on earth.
* **Righteousness and Salvation:** In many prophetic passages, tsedâqâh is inextricably linked with salvation and deliverance. God's righteous acts are not solely punitive but often redemptive, bringing about salvation for His people (e.g., [[Isaiah 45:8]]). His tsedâqâh is thus an expression of His saving power and faithfulness.
### Summary
`{{H6666}}` (צְדָקָה - tsᵉdâqâh) is a rich and central Hebrew term signifying "rightness" in its broadest sense. Derived from `{{H6663}}` (צָדַק), it encompasses abstract rectitude, subjective moral virtue, and objective justice. While it can contextually imply prosperity as a consequence, its core meaning pertains to conformity to a divine standard of uprightness and equity. Throughout the Old Testament, tsedâqâh describes God's inherent character as perfectly just, humanity's ethical obligation to live in moral integrity and act justly towards others, and the dynamic of the covenant relationship. Its pivotal use in [[Genesis 15:6]], where Abraham's faith is "counted as righteousness," provides a foundational theological insight into a righteousness that is graciously imputed by God, foreshadowing New Testament themes. Frequently coupled with `{{H4941}}` (mishpâṭ - justice), tsedâqâh underscores the comprehensive nature of God's righteous rule and His call for a just and upright society. It is a concept integral to understanding God's nature, human responsibility, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
TRV