יָשָׁר (ya.shar)
ya.shar
upright
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 105 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective yashar describes something that is straight, level, or correct. In its most literal sense, it refers to a physical path that has no curves or obstacles. This concrete image carries over into moral and spiritual contexts, where it signifies integrity, justice, and right conduct. The word appears frequently in Proverbs and Psalms to describe the character of those who walk with God.
Its meaning extends beyond mere accuracy to include what is pleasing or fitting. For instance, Deuteronomy 6:18 commands doing "that which is right and good" in the sight of the Lord, linking yashar with a broader sense of moral goodness. The sources note its use in Judges 17:6, where people did "what was right in their own eyes," highlighting how the term can describe subjective approval or personal judgment when not anchored in divine law.
A notable usage appears in 2 Samuel 1:18 and Joshua 10:13, which refer to the "Book of Jasher." Here, yashar functions as a noun meaning "the upright" or "uprightness," suggesting a collection of poems celebrating heroic or righteous deeds. This substantive use underscores the word’s theological weight, portraying uprightness not just as an action but as a defining identity for those who align their lives with God’s standards.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word yashar paints a picture of a path without unnecessary curves or obstacles. When applied to character, it describes a life where actions align clearly with God’s standards. This is not about perfection in the sense of never failing, but about integrity in direction. It suggests that your heart and your steps are moving toward the same goal: pleasing the Lord.
Living this way brings a quiet stability. Deuteronomy 6:18 promises well-being for those who do what is right and good in Yahweh’s sight. This uprightness is less about rigid rule-following and more about a genuine desire to walk in step with divine wisdom. It invites you to examine your motives, ensuring they are straight before God.
Even when the world around you seems chaotic, as seen in Judges where everyone did what was right in their own eyes, there is comfort in choosing a different path. You can find peace in knowing that God values this kind of faithful alignment. It is an invitation to live with clarity and purpose, trusting that He guides your steps.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 105 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ right28×
- upright [people]19×
- and/ upright7×
- and/ the/ right4×
- [is] upright4×
- straight3×
- right3×
- [people] upright of3×
- upright2×
- for <the>/ upright [people]2×
- and/ upright[ness]2×
- and/ according to the/ right2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/יָּשָׁ֖ר15×
- יְשָׁרִ֣ים11×
- הַ/יָּשָׁ֥ר6×
- יָשָׁ֣ר4×
- יָ֭שָׁר3×
- יִשְׁרֵי\־3×
- יְשָׁרִ֥ים3×
- יְ֭שָׁרִים3×
- וְ/יָשָׁ֥ר3×
- וְ/יָשָׁ֛ר3×
- הַ/יָּשָׁר֙3×
- הַ/יָּשָׁ֧ר3×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 6:18
You shall do that which is right and good in Yahweh’s sight, that it may be well with you and that you may go in and possess the good land which Yahweh swore to your fathers,
This verse links yashar directly to the promise of well-being, showing that moral uprightness is tied to God's blessing.
-
Judges 17:6
In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did that which was right in his own eyes.
Here the phrase describes a time of moral chaos, highlighting the danger of subjective judgment when disconnected from divine law.
-
I Kings 15:5
because David did that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes, and didn’t turn away from anything that he commanded him all the days of his life, except only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
David is praised for doing what was right in Yahweh’s eyes, establishing him as the standard for royal uprightness despite his flaws.
-
II Samuel 1:18
(and he commanded them to teach the children of Judah the song of the bow; behold, it is written in the book of Jashar):
The reference to the 'book of Jashar' uses the word substantively, celebrating heroic deeds that reflect God's favor on upright living.