The meaning of “צֶדֶק”
Understanding tsedeq reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
[idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). - the right (natural...
צֶדֶק
[idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). - the right (natural, moral or legal) - also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity 1) justice, rightness, righteousness 1a) what is right or just or normal, rightness, justness (of weights and measures) 1b) righteousness (in government) 1b1) of judges, rulers, kings 1b2) of law 1b3) of Davidic king, Messiah 1b4) of Jerusalem as seat of just government 1b5) of God's attribute 1c) righteousness, justice (in case or cause) 1d) rightness (in speech) 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification (in controversy), deliverance, victory, prosperity 1f1) of God as covenant-keeping in redemption 1f2) in name of Messianic king 1f3) of people enjoying salvation 1f4) of Cyrus
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Leviticus 19:36 | “Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt.” Word: צֶדֶק (tsedeq) | |
| Job 29:14 | “I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.” Word: צֶדֶק (tsedeq) | |
| Proverbs 12:17 | “He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.” Word: צֶדֶק (tsedeq) | |
| Isaiah 45:8 | “Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the Lord have created it.” Word: צֶדֶק (tsedeq) | |
| Ezekiel 45:10 | “Ye shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath.” Word: צֶדֶק (tsedeq) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Righteous
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Righteous one
The Hebrew tzaddik (צַדִּיק) describes one who is righteous, just, or lawful—conforming to God's standard. From the root tzedek (צֶדֶק), meaning righteousness or justice.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Righteous, just
The Greek dikaios (δίκαιος) means righteous or just—conforming to God's standard. Christ's righteousness is imputed to believers through faith (Romans 4:5), making them legally righteous before God.