ὀρθῶς (orthōs)
orthōs
correctly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb orthōs means to do something in a correct, proper, or right manner. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, primarily in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, where it describes actions or judgments that align with truth and justice.
Its root lies in the word for "straight" (G3717), suggesting a path that is not crooked or deviated. This imagery gives the word a sense of upright integrity. For instance, Jesus uses it to describe the scribe’s accurate understanding of the law in Luke 10:28, and others use it to characterize Peter’s correct identification of Jesus as the Messiah in Mark 8:29.
Translators typically render orthōs as "rightly" or "correctly." The word emphasizes factual accuracy and moral propriety rather than emotional sentiment. It points to a clear-headed recognition of reality, whether in theological insight or social interaction, marking a moment where perception matches the truth of the situation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word orthōs points to actions or judgments that align with truth and justice. Its root suggests a straight path, free from deviation or crookedness. When we encounter this term in Scripture, it highlights moments where perception matches reality, whether in theological insight or social interaction.
In Luke 10:28, Jesus affirms a scribe’s correct understanding of the law, showing that right thinking leads to right living. Similarly, in Mark 8:29, Peter’s accurate identification of Jesus as the Messiah reflects a clear-headed recognition of who He truly is. These instances remind us that faith involves both moral integrity and factual accuracy.
For your daily life, orthōs invites you to seek clarity and honesty in how you understand God’s Word and interact with others. It encourages a straightforward approach to truth, grounded in love and humility. May this word inspire you to walk in ways that honor God and reflect His character.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- rightly1×
- plainly.1×
- Rightly1×
- Correctly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὀρθῶς3×
- ὀρθῶς.1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 10:28
He said to him, “You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live.”
Jesus uses orthōs to affirm the scribe’s accurate understanding of the law, linking correct knowledge with the promise of life.
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Luke 7:43
Simon answered, “He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most.” He said to him, “You have judged correctly.”
Jesus tells Simon he has judged correctly, using orthōs to validate his discernment about forgiveness and love.