צַדִּיק (tsad.diq)
tsad.diq
righteous
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 163 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective tsaddiq describes someone who is just, lawful, or righteous. Its core sense is one of conformity to a standard, whether that standard is human law or divine will. It applies to judges and kings who dispense justice fairly, as seen in the description of David’s rule (2 Samuel 23:3), and it characterizes God as the ultimate just judge who punishes evil and rewards good (Psalm 11:7; Deuteronomy 32:4).
When applied to people, tsaddiq refers to those who are upright in conduct and honest in their dealings. It often appears in contrast to the wicked, highlighting a moral distinction rather than mere legal status. For instance, Exodus 9:27 records Pharaoh admitting that while he and his people were wrong, the Lord alone was just. In Proverbs, this term frequently describes the person whose life aligns with wisdom’s path, such as the righteous man who knows the rights of the poor (Proverbs 29:7).
The word derives from the root tsadaq, meaning to be right or justified. This connection emphasizes that righteousness is not just an internal quality but a state of being in right relationship with God and others. Translators usually render it as "righteous" or "just," capturing both the legal innocence and the moral integrity required by Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tsaddiq describes a life aligned with God’s standard of rightness. It is not about perfection, but about direction. Noah walked with God in a twisted age (Genesis 6:9). Abraham trusted that the Judge of all the earth would act fairly (Genesis 18:25). This word invites us to rest in the character of God, who is always just and true.
When we face injustice or confusion, this term reminds us that God sees clearly. He does not ignore the cries of the innocent. He protects those who seek to live with integrity. Your daily choices matter to Him. He honors the quiet faithfulness of those who keep their hands clean and their hearts open.
Righteousness is a gift we receive by trusting God, not by earning it through flawless performance. It means being in right relationship with Him and others. As you navigate your week, remember that God’s justice is perfect. He will make all things right in His time. You can walk forward with confidence, knowing He is your just Judge and faithful Friend.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 163 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- righteous [people]36×
- [the] righteous26×
- a righteous [person]25×
- righteous12×
- [is] righteous9×
- [are] righteous7×
- and/ a righteous [person]5×
- the/ righteous [people]4×
- the/ righteous [person]3×
- and/ [the] righteous3×
- [the] righteous [one]3×
- O righteous [people]3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צַדִּ֑יק15×
- צַדִּ֣יק13×
- צַ֭דִּיק13×
- צַדִּיקִ֣ים12×
- צַדִּ֖יק10×
- צַ֭דִּיקִים8×
- צַדִּ֥יק6×
- צַדִּיק֙5×
- צַדִּ֔יק5×
- צַדִּיקִֽים\׃4×
- צַדִּיקִ֥ים4×
- צַדִּֽיק\׃4×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 6:9
This is the history of the generations of Noah: Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time. Noah walked with God.
This verse establishes Noah as the archetype of a tsaddiq who maintains integrity and walks closely with God despite his corrupt surroundings.
-
Genesis 18:25
May it be far from you to do things like that, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be like the wicked. May that be far from you. Shouldn’t the Judge of all the earth do right?”
Abraham appeals to God’s nature as the universal Judge, asserting that true righteousness requires distinguishing between the innocent and the guilty.
-
Exodus 9:27
Pharaoh sent and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “I have sinned this time. Yahweh is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.
Pharaoh’s confession highlights that tsaddiq describes God’s absolute moral perfection in contrast to human wickedness.
-
Deuteronomy 32:4
The Rock: his work is perfect, for all his ways are just. A God of faithfulness who does no wrong, just and right is he.
This poetic description defines God’s righteousness as the foundation of His perfect work and faithful character.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word tsaddiq mean?
How is tsaddiq different from the word for wicked?
Does being called righteous mean a person is perfect?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (163 verses across 22 books)
Genesis 8 verses
This is the history of the generations of Noah: Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time. Noah…
Genesis 7:1Yahweh said to Noah, “Come with all of your household into the ship, for I have seen your righteousness before me in…
Genesis 18:23Abraham came near, and said, “Will you consume the righteous with the wicked?
Genesis 18:24What if there are fifty righteous within the city? Will you consume and not spare the place for the fifty righteous who…
Genesis 18:25May it be far from you to do things like that, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be…
Genesis 18:26Yahweh said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place for their sake.”
Genesis 18:28What if there will lack five of the fifty righteous? Will you destroy all the city for lack of five?” He said, “I will…
Genesis 20:4Now Abimelech had not come near her. He said, “Lord, will you kill even a righteous nation?