יֹ֫שֶׁר (yo.sher)
yo.sher
uprightness
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun yosher describes a state of moral straightness or integrity. Its core image is that of a line drawn without deviation, which translates into ethical behavior that is consistent and honest. In the Old Testament, this word characterizes individuals whose actions align with God’s standards, reflecting an inner steadiness rather than fluctuating motives.
While often translated as "uprightness," the term carries the nuance of rightness or what is due in a relationship. It appears frequently in wisdom literature like Proverbs and Psalms to contrast the stable path of the righteous with the crooked ways of the deceitful. For instance, Proverbs 2:21 links yosher directly to dwelling securely in the land, suggesting that moral integrity provides a foundation for stability.
The word’s etymological root relates to being straight or level, emphasizing balance and fairness. This concrete imagery helps clarify why biblical authors use it to describe both personal character and just conduct toward others. It is not merely about internal feelings but about observable, reliable behavior that stands firm under scrutiny.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for uprightness paints a picture of a line drawn without deviation. It describes a life where inner character matches outer action. When we walk in this straight path, our decisions remain consistent even when no one is watching. This steadiness brings a quiet confidence, knowing that our conduct aligns with God’s standards rather than shifting social pressures.
Scripture reminds us that this integrity is not earned by human effort alone. Deuteronomy 9:5 clarifies that we do not possess God’s promises because of our own moral straightness. Instead, it is a gift rooted in His covenant faithfulness to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We are invited to rest in that grace while striving for honest living.
As you navigate daily choices, remember that uprightness offers stability. Proverbs 2:21 connects this integrity to dwelling securely in the land. A life of honesty creates a firm foundation, allowing you to face uncertainty with peace rather than fear. May your heart find rest in God’s preserving grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- uprightness5×
- uprightness/ his1×
- in/ uprightness/ his1×
- in/ uprightness of1×
- in/ [the] uprightness of1×
- from/ uprightness1×
- and/ uprightness1×
- and/ in/ uprightness1×
- and/ in/ [the] uprightness of1×
- [are] [the] uprightness of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יֹֽשֶׁר\׃2×
- יֹ֑שֶׁר2×
- מִ֝/יֹּ֗שֶׁר1×
- יֹֽשֶׁר\־1×
- יֹ֖שֶׁר1×
- יָשְׁרֽ/וֹ\׃1×
- וּ/בְ/יֹ֙שֶׁר֙1×
- וּ/בְ/יֹ֔שֶׁר1×
- וָ/יֹ֥שֶׁר1×
- בְּ֭/יָשְׁר/וֹ1×
- בְּ/יֹ֤שֶׁר1×
- בְּ/יֹ֣שֶׁר1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 9:5
Not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart do you go in to possess their land; but for the wickedness of these nations Yahweh your God does drive them out from before you, and that he may establish the word which Yahweh swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
This verse clarifies that uprightness is not the basis for possessing the land, but rather God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.
-
Psalms 25:21
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.
Here the psalmist asks for integrity and uprightness to preserve him, linking moral steadiness directly to waiting on God.
-
Proverbs 14:2
He who walks in his uprightness fears Yahweh, but he who is perverse in his ways despises him.
The proverb contrasts walking in uprightness with despising God, showing that honest conduct is an act of reverence.
-
I Kings 9:4
As for you, if you will walk before me as David your father walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and will keep my statutes and my ordinances,
God promises stability to Solomon if he walks in uprightness, mirroring the path David took before him.