צְדָקָה (tse.da.qah)
tse.da.qah
righteousness
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 117 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tse.da.qah denotes a state of being right, encompassing legal justice, moral integrity, and divine faithfulness. Rooted in the verb for "to be right," it describes actions that align with what is due, whether in a court of law, the administration of a kingdom, or personal conduct. It is not merely an abstract ideal but a concrete reality seen in fair judgments and ethical behavior.
Its meaning shifts contextually to highlight different aspects of rightness. In royal contexts, such as Isaiah 32:16, it refers to just governance by a king. When applied to God, as in Psalm 24:5, it emphasizes His faithful vindication of those who trust Him. For individuals, like Abraham in Genesis 15:6, it signifies a life credited as righteous through faith and obedience.
The word often appears in the plural form, tse.daqot, to describe specific acts of justice or righteousness performed by God or people. This usage underscores that true righteousness is visible in action. Translators typically render it as "righteousness" or "justice," capturing both the legal and moral dimensions inherent in the term.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word tse.da.qah points to a life that is truly right before God. It is not just an abstract idea but a concrete reality seen in how we treat others and how we trust Him. When Genesis 15:6 says Abraham believed Yahweh and it was credited to him for righteousness, it shows that this rightness comes from faith. We are made right with God not by our own perfect performance, but by trusting in His promises.
This concept also shapes how we live among people. Deuteronomy 6:25 reminds us that keeping God’s commands is an act of righteousness. It means our daily choices matter. When we act with integrity and fairness, we reflect the character of a God who loves justice. This word invites us to walk in truth, knowing that our standing with Him is secure through faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 117 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- righteousness27×
- and/ righteousness21×
- righteousness/ your6×
- in/ righteousness/ your6×
- in/ righteousness5×
- righteousness/ his4×
- and/ righteousness/ your4×
- [the] righteousness<es> of4×
- righteousness<es>3×
- and/ righteousness/ my3×
- and/ righteousness/ his3×
- and/ in/ righteousness3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/צְדָקָ֖ה10×
- צְדָקָ֣ה6×
- צְדָקָ֥ה5×
- וּ֝/צְדָקָ֗ה4×
- וּ/צְדָקָֽה\׃4×
- בִּ/צְדָקָֽה\׃4×
- צְדָקָֽה\׃3×
- צְדָקָ֖ה3×
- צְדָקָ֑ה3×
- צְדָק֣וֹת3×
- צְ֝דָקָ֗ה3×
- וְ֝/צִדְקָת֗/וֹ3×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 15:6
He believed in Yahweh, who credited it to him for righteousness.
This verse establishes that righteousness is credited to those who believe, highlighting faith as the foundation of being right with God.
-
Deuteronomy 6:25
It shall be righteousness to us, if we observe to do all these commandments before Yahweh our God, as he has commanded us.”
Here, obedience to God’s commands is described as righteousness for the people, linking right standing with faithful living.
-
II Samuel 8:15
David reigned over all Israel; and David executed justice and righteousness for all his people.
David’s reign is defined by executing justice and righteousness, showing how leaders are expected to embody this standard for their people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word tse.da.qah mean?
Is righteousness earned by good works in the Old Testament?
How is tse.da.qah different from mishpat?
Every Occurrence (117 verses across 21 books)
Genesis 3 verses
He believed in Yahweh, who credited it to him for righteousness.
Genesis 18:19For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the…
Genesis 30:33So my righteousness will answer for me hereafter, when you come concerning my hire that is before you. Every one that…