Righteousness (Tsedaqah)
צְדָקָה (tsedaqah)
Right standing and right action — conformity to God's character and covenant requirements.
Tsedaqah is the Hebrew word for righteousness, meaning conformity to God's character and covenant standards. It encompasses both right standing before God and right action in the world — justice, integrity, and faithfulness.
"And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." — Genesis 15:6 (KJV)
Key Verses
Genesis 15:6
“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”Read in context
Amos 5:24
“But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.”Read in context
Matthew 6:33
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H6666 — Righteousness (Tsedaqah) (צְדָקָה (tsedaqah))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where צְדָקָה (tsedaqah) appears.
Open Strong's H6666Etymology and Original Meaning
Tsedaqah derives from the root tsadaq, meaning 'to be straight' or 'to be right.' It conveys conformity to a standard — specifically God's character. Righteousness is not an abstract ideal but alignment with who God is: His justice, His faithfulness, His integrity. A righteous person is one whose life conforms to God's character and covenant requirements.
Righteousness as Right Relationship
In the Old Testament, righteousness is relational: Abraham 'believed the LORD, and he counted it to him for righteousness' (Genesis 15:6). Righteousness was not primarily about moral perfection but about right relationship with God through faith and covenant faithfulness. The righteous person is the one who trusts God and lives accordingly.
Righteousness and Justice
The prophets inseparably linked righteousness with justice. Amos thundered, 'Let righteousness roll down as waters' (Amos 5:24). Isaiah warned against religious observance disconnected from social justice (Isaiah 1:11-17). Biblical righteousness is never merely private piety — it includes defending the oppressed, caring for the poor, and establishing just systems.
Imputed and Practiced Righteousness
Paul teaches that believers receive Christ's righteousness by faith (Romans 3:21-22; Philippians 3:9) — imputed righteousness. But this gift produces practiced righteousness — a transformed life of justice, integrity, and love. Jesus calls believers to 'seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness' (Matthew 6:33) — making righteous living the supreme priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does righteousness mean in the Bible?
Righteousness (tsedaqah) means conformity to God's character — right standing before Him and right action in the world. It encompasses justice, integrity, covenant faithfulness, and moral purity.
How does a person become righteous?
Through faith. Abraham believed God and it was credited as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Paul teaches that Christ's righteousness is received by faith, not earned by works (Romans 3:21-22).
Which Bible verse uses the word "Righteousness (Tsedaqah)"?
Genesis 15:6 — "And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness" (KJV). It also appears in Amos 5:24, Matthew 6:33.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Righteousness (Tsedaqah)" matter?
Tsedaqah derives from the root tsadaq, meaning 'to be straight' or 'to be right.' It conveys conformity to a standard — specifically God's character. English uses one word, "Righteousness (Tsedaqah)", where the Hebrew צְדָקָה (tsedaqah) carries the fuller sense: right standing and right action — conformity to god's character and covenant requirements.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Righteousness (Tsedaqah) (צְדָקָה (tsedaqah))
Right standing and right action — conformity to God's character and covenant requirements.
Strong's H6666 — Righteousness (Tsedaqah)
צְדָקָה (tsedaqah) • Right standing and right action — conformity to God's character and covenant requirements.
Righteousness (δικαιοσύνη (Dikaiosynē) / צְדָקָה (Tsedaqah))
Right standing before God; conformity to His character and law
Strong's G1343 — Righteousness
δικαιοσύνη (Dikaiosynē) / צְדָקָה (Tsedaqah) • Right standing before God; conformity to His character and law
Biblical Meaning of the Sun in a Dream (KJV)
God's glory, Christ the Sun of righteousness, or His favor.
Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)
Life, atonement, and covenant with God.
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