or צִדְקִיָּהוּ; from צֶדֶק and יָהּ; right of Jah; Tsidkijah, the name of six Israelites; Zedekiah, Zidkijah.
Transliteration:Tsidqîyâh
Pronunciation:tsid-kee-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma צִדְקִיָּה (Tsidqîyâh), Strong's number `{{H6667}}`, is a theophoric proper noun. Its meaning is derived from two components: צֶדֶק (tsedeq, `{{H6664}}`), meaning "righteousness" or "justice," and יָהּ (yah, `{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of the divine name YHWH. Thus, the name literally translates to "Righteousness of Yahweh" or "My righteousness is Yahweh." This etymology reveals that the name itself functions as a theological statement, attributing righteousness directly to God. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying individuals, but the inherent meaning carries profound theological weight, reflecting a confession about God's character or a hope concerning the individual's future.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Tsidqîyâh is attributed to at least six different Israelites in the biblical text, though some may be variant spellings or represent the same individual in different contexts. The most prominent bearer of this name is Zedekiah, the last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile.
1. **King Zedekiah (Mattaniah):** Originally named Mattaniah, he was renamed Zedekiah by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, when placed on the throne of Judah ([[2 Kings 24:17]]). His reign (c. 597-586 BCE) is extensively documented in [[2 Kings 24-25]], [[2 Chronicles 36]], and the book of Jeremiah. Despite his name meaning "Righteousness of Yahweh," Zedekiah's rule was characterized by unrighteousness, rebellion against God's commands (often delivered through Jeremiah), and ultimately, a disastrous revolt against Babylon. His failure to heed prophetic warnings ([[Jeremiah 21:1-10]], [[Jeremiah 32:1-5]], [[Jeremiah 34:1-7]]) led directly to the destruction of Jerusalem, the temple, and the exile of the Judahite population. The irony of his name in light of his unrighteous actions is a significant theological theme, demonstrating the tragic consequences of human disobedience in contrast to God's righteous character.
2. **Zedekiah, son of Chenaanah:** A false prophet during the reign of King Ahab of Israel, who famously made iron horns and prophesied victory against Ramoth-gilead, contradicting the true prophet Micaiah ([[1 Kings 22:11]], [[1 Kings 22:24]]; [[2 Chronicles 18:10]], [[2 Chronicles 18:23]]).
3. **Zedekiah, son of Maaseiah:** Another false prophet, active among the exiles in Babylon, who was denounced by Jeremiah for prophesying lies in Yahweh's name and committing adultery ([[Jeremiah 29:21-23]]).
4. **Zedekiah, son of Hananiah:** A prince or official during the reign of Jehoiakim, mentioned among those who heard Baruch read Jeremiah's scroll ([[Jeremiah 36:12]]).
5. **Zedekiah, who sealed the covenant:** One of the leaders who signed the covenant renewal oath in the time of Nehemiah ([[Nehemiah 10:1]]).
6. **Zedekiah in genealogies:** A descendant of Jeconiah/Jehoiachin in the Davidic line ([[1 Chronicles 3:16]]), likely referring to King Zedekiah (Mattaniah).
The various occurrences highlight that while the name itself is a declaration of divine righteousness, the individuals bearing it often exemplify the human capacity for unrighteousness, especially in the case of King Zedekiah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic root of Tsidqîyâh is צֶדֶק (tsedeq, `{{H6664}}`), which encompasses a broad range of meanings related to righteousness, justice, equity, and conformity to a standard, particularly God's standard. This concept is central to biblical theology, describing both God's character and the expected conduct of His covenant people.
The divine element יָהּ (yah, `{{H3050}}`) or its fuller form יְהוָֹה (YHWH, `{{H3068}}`) is ubiquitous in Hebrew theophoric names (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hezekiah), signifying that God is the source, sustainer, or object of the name's meaning.
Concepts closely related to Tsidqîyâh include:
* **Righteousness (צֶדֶק):** A foundational attribute of God, who is inherently just and acts in accordance with His perfect moral standard. For humans, it involves living in right relationship with God and others, fulfilling covenant obligations, and demonstrating ethical integrity.
* **Justice (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat):** Often paired with צֶדֶק, referring to the implementation of righteousness, especially in legal and social contexts, ensuring fairness and equity.
* **Covenant (בְּרִית, berit):** The relationship between God and Israel, established on God's righteous character and demanding righteous obedience from His people. King Zedekiah's failure was a breach of this covenant.
* **Prophecy:** The communication of God's righteous will and warnings, often ignored by those, like King Zedekiah, who bore names proclaiming God's righteousness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6667}}` (Tsidqîyâh) is profound, particularly through the lens of King Zedekiah's life.
First, the name itself serves as a **theological declaration**: "Yahweh is righteousness." It affirms God's intrinsic and unchangeable character as the perfectly just and righteous One. This truth stands independent of human actions or failures.
Second, the life of King Zedekiah presents a powerful **irony of unrighteousness**. His name proclaimed God's righteousness, yet his reign was marked by profound unrighteousness, leading to divine judgment and the destruction of the kingdom. This stark contrast underscores that bearing a name with a theological meaning does not automatically confer that quality upon the individual. Rather, it highlights the responsibility to live in accordance with the truth proclaimed. Zedekiah's story serves as a tragic object lesson in the consequences of rejecting God's righteous standards and prophetic warnings.
Third, the name implicitly points to **God's sovereignty in judgment**. The downfall of Judah under Zedekiah's rule was not arbitrary but a righteous judgment for persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness. God's righteousness demands accountability, and His justice is enacted even against His chosen people when they stray from His covenant.
Finally, and perhaps most significantly, the unfulfilled promise of righteousness in King Zedekiah's life foreshadows a future, true fulfillment. The prophet Jeremiah, who condemned King Zedekiah, also prophesied about a future **"Righteous Branch"** (צֶמַח צֶדֶק - tsemach tsedeq) from the line of David, who would "execute justice and righteousness on the earth" and be called "Yahweh Our Righteousness" (יְהוָה צִדְקֵנוּ - YHWH Tsidqenu) ([[Jeremiah 23:5-6]], [[Jeremiah 33:15-16]]). This messianic prophecy provides a divine answer to the human failure represented by King Zedekiah, pointing to the ultimate realization of God's righteousness in the person and work of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies and establishes God's righteousness among humanity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H6667}}`, Tsidqîyâh, is a theophoric proper noun meaning "Righteousness of Yahweh," formed from `{{H6664}}` (tsedeq, "righteousness") and `{{H3050}}` (Yah, for YHWH). While borne by several Israelites, its most significant bearer was King Zedekiah, the final king of Judah. His reign, characterized by disobedience and rebellion against God's will and prophetic warnings, stands in stark, tragic irony to his name's meaning, ultimately leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. This contrast powerfully illustrates that God's righteousness is an unchanging attribute and a standard for human conduct, not merely a label. The theological significance of Tsidqîyâh thus encompasses the declaration of God's perfect righteousness, the dire consequences of human unrighteousness, and implicitly, the prophetic anticipation of the Messiah, the "Righteous Branch," who would perfectly embody and establish God's righteousness on earth, fulfilling the hope inherent in the name.
TRV