נְכֹחָה (ne.kho.chah)
ne.kho.chah
upright
H:A-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew word nekoḥah describes something that is straight, right, or upright. It functions as both an adjective and a noun, referring to physical alignment or moral rectitude. In the Bible, it often points to truthfulness, particularly in the context of prophecy, where a message is considered genuine if it aligns with God’s will.
This term appears only four times in Scripture, mostly in Isaiah and Amos. For example, Isaiah uses it to contrast true prophecy with false visions, emphasizing that authentic divine communication is straightforward and honest. The word conveys a sense of integrity, where what is said matches what is real, reflecting a life or message that stands upright before God.
Its root suggests directness, both in speech and action. Translators often render it as "upright" or "true," depending on context. In prophetic literature, nekoḥah highlights the reliability of God’s word, which is never twisted or obscured but stands clear and faithful to its source.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nekoḥah describes a quality of being straight or upright, both in physical alignment and moral integrity. It suggests a life where actions match words, standing firm without deviation. In Isaiah 59:14, the prophet laments that uprightness cannot enter the street because truth has fallen. This vivid image reminds us that honesty is not just a personal virtue but a communal necessity for justice to flourish.
When we seek to live with nekoḥah, we are called to authenticity before God and others. It means rejecting deception even when it seems easier or more profitable. As Amos 3:10 notes, those who hoard plunder do not know how to do right. True uprightness involves a willingness to let go of unfair gain for the sake of integrity.
God’s word itself is characterized by this straightness. It does not twist or obscure but speaks clearly and faithfully. We can trust that God’s guidance leads us on a direct path, even when the world around us seems crooked. This hope encourages us to pursue honesty in our own lives, knowing that God values truth above all else.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- straightforwardness<es>2×
- straightforwardness1×
- and/ honesty1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְכֹחָ֖ה1×
- נְכֹח֖וֹת1×
- נְכֹח֑וֹת1×
- וּ/נְכֹחָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 26:10
Let favor be shown to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness. In the land of uprightness he will deal wrongfully, and will not see Yahweh’s majesty.
This verse contrasts the wicked’s refusal to learn righteousness despite being in a land of uprightness, highlighting how moral blindness persists even when truth is plainly available.
-
Isaiah 30:10
who tell the seers, “Don’t see!” and the prophets, “Don’t prophesy to us right things. Tell us pleasant things. Prophesy deceits.
Here the word appears as 'right things,' showing that true prophecy requires honesty rather than comforting lies, a principle that challenges our desire for easy answers.
-
Isaiah 59:14
Justice is turned away backward, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has fallen in the street, and uprightness can’t enter.
The image of uprightness being unable to enter the street powerfully illustrates how widespread injustice and deceit can drive integrity out of public life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does nekoḥah mean in the Bible?
How is nekoḥah different from other words for righteousness?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Isaiah 3 verses
Let favor be shown to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness. In the land of uprightness he will deal…
Isaiah 30:10who tell the seers, “Don’t see!” and the prophets, “Don’t prophesy to us right things. Tell us pleasant things.…
Isaiah 59:14Justice is turned away backward, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has fallen in the street, and uprightness…