אֲדֹנִי־צֶ֫דֶק (a.do.ni-tse.deq)
a.do.ni-tse.deq
Adoni-zedek
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Adoni-zedek identifies a Canaanite ruler mentioned in the book of Joshua, specifically as the king of Jerusalem during the early conquest period. The Hebrew phrase combines two elements: adoni, meaning "my lord," and zedek, meaning "righteousness" or "justice." Together, they form a personal name that translates to "My Lord is Righteous."
Lexical sources confirm this figure appears in only two verses, both within Joshua 10. He is described as a Canaanite king who opposed the Israelite advance, leading to his defeat by Joshua’s forces. The name itself reflects a common ancient Near Eastern pattern where rulers invoked divine attributes or deities in their titles, here associating kingship with moral uprightness.
While the narrative focuses on his military role and downfall, the name offers a glimpse into the religious and political landscape of pre-monarchic Canaan. It stands as one of the few personal names preserved from this era that explicitly links authority with righteousness, contrasting sharply with the violent conflict described in the text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Adoni-zedek means "My Lord is Righteous." It belongs to a Canaanite king who opposed Israel in Joshua 10. This title shows how ancient rulers claimed their authority came from divine justice. For us, it reminds us that true righteousness comes only from God.
When we face opposition or injustice, this story encourages us to trust in God's ultimate rule. The world may claim its own standards of right and wrong, but Scripture points us to the One who is truly righteous. We can rest in the knowledge that God sees all things clearly.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zedek2×
- Adoni-2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צֶ֜דֶק2×
- אֲדֹנִי\־1×
- אֲדֹֽנִי\־1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 10:1
Now when Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them,
This verse introduces Adoni-zedek as king of Jerusalem, showing his political power and reaction to Israel's victories.
-
Joshua 10:3
Therefore Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon, saying,
Here he actively forms a coalition against Israel, demonstrating how the name reflects his role as a leader defending his territory.