The meaning of “צָדַק”
Understanding tsâdaq reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness). - to be (causatively, make) ri...
צָדַק
cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness). - to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense) 1) to be just, be righteous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to have a just cause, be in the right 1a2) to be justified 1a3) to be just (of God) 1a4) to be just, be righteous (in conduct and character) 1b) (Niphal) to be put or made right, be justified 1c) (Piel) justify, make to appear righteous, make someone righteous 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to do or bring justice (in administering law) 1d2) to declare righteous, justify 1d3) to justify, vindicate the cause of, save 1d4) to make righteous, turn to righteousness 1e) (Hithpael) to justify oneself
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 44:16 | “And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lord’s servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found.” Word: צָדַק (tsâdaq) | |
| Deuteronomy 25:1 | “If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.” Word: צָדַק (tsâdaq) | |
| 1 Kings 8:32 | “Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.” Word: צָדַק (tsâdaq) | |
| Job 22:3 | “Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?” Word: צָדַק (tsâdaq) | |
| Proverbs 17:15 | “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.” Word: צָדַק (tsâdaq) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Justify
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: To be righteous, declare righteous
The Hebrew tsadaq (צָדַק) means to be righteous or to declare righteous—a legal verdict of innocence. Abraham 'believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness' (Genesis 15:6).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: To justify, declare righteous
The Greek dikaioo (δικαιόω) means to declare righteous—a forensic term for acquittal. Believers are 'justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus' (Romans 3:24).