תֹּם (tom)
tom
integrity
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tom conveys a sense of wholeness or completeness, extending from physical fullness to moral integrity. Derived from a root meaning "to be complete," it describes a state where nothing is lacking or broken. In Proverbs and Psalms, this word frequently characterizes the upright person whose inner life aligns with right conduct, such as David’s plea for protection based on his integrity (Psalm 26:1) or the promise that uprightness guards the blameless (Proverbs 2:7).
Beyond ethical standing, tom also captures simplicity and innocence. It appears in narratives to describe actions taken without hidden agendas or evil intent. For instance, a soldier shooting an arrow "at a venture" is described as acting with this kind of straightforwardness, lacking any malicious design (1 Kings 22:34). This usage highlights a lack of duplicity rather than mere naivety.
The term carries theological weight by linking moral purity with stability. It suggests that a person who walks in integrity enjoys a secure and prosperous life, as seen in Job’s observation about the wicked finding rest in their prosperity (Job 21:23). Translators often render it as "uprightness" or "integrity," capturing the idea of a unified character that stands firm before God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Integrity is not merely about following rules; it is about being whole. The Hebrew word tom describes a person whose inner thoughts match their outer actions, creating a life without hidden agendas or divided loyalties. When we walk in this kind of wholeness, we find stability that does not shift with every new trend or pressure.
This quality offers deep security because it aligns us with God’s character. As seen in Psalm 26:1, David invites God to judge him based on his integrity, showing that a clear conscience brings peace even in difficult times. Walking in tom means we can trust God with our lives because we are not hiding anything from Him or ourselves.
May you find comfort in the promise that uprightness preserves us. Let this word encourage you to pursue simplicity and honesty in your daily interactions, knowing that God values a heart that is undivided and sincere.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ integrity/ his3×
- in/ [the] integrity of3×
- to/ innocence/ his2×
- integrity2×
- in/ integrity/ my2×
- to/ innocence/ their1×
- integrity of1×
- in/ integrity of1×
- in <the>/ integrity1×
- for <the>/ integrity1×
- completeness/ his1×
- and/ [the] integrity of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/תָם\־3×
- לְ/תֻמּ֔/וֹ2×
- בְּ/תֻמּ֑/וֹ2×
- תֻּמּ֑/וֹ1×
- תֹּם\־1×
- תָּם\־1×
- תֹֽם\׃1×
- לַ֭/תֹּם1×
- לְ/תֻמָּ֑/ם1×
- כְּ/תֻמָּ/ם֙1×
- כְּ/תֹ֣ם1×
- וְ/תֹ֣ם1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 26:1
By David. Judge me, Yahweh, for I have walked in my integrity. I have trusted also in Yahweh without wavering.
David uses this word to declare his consistent trust in God, linking personal integrity directly to unwavering faith.
-
Genesis 20:5
Didn’t he tell me, ‘She is my sister’? She, even she herself, said, ‘He is my brother.’ I have done this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands.”
Abraham appeals to his innocent intent as a defense, showing that tom includes acting without hidden malice or deceit.
-
Proverbs 13:6
Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
This verse personifies righteousness as a guardian that actively protects the path of those who live with moral wholeness.
-
Psalms 25:21
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.
The psalmist asks for preservation through integrity, recognizing that a unified character is essential for waiting on God.