Bible Lexicons

Girdlestone's Synonyms of the Old TestamentGirdlestone's OT Synonyms

Uprightness

The subjects discussed in the present chapter will be found to group themselves round three leading ideas which lie at the foundation of that which is right, as it is set before man in Scripture. First, we are given a conception of rectitude, or the keeping to a straight and even line, as opposed to depravity, which swerves from the appointed course; secondly, we are presented with an idea of fixedness, stability, and realisation of the Truth of God, as contrasted with that which is transient, uncertain, and illusory; and, thirdly, there is set forth a spirit of dependence on Him who is the Source of Right and Truth.

The idea of rectitude or uprightness is presented by the word yashar (ישׁר ), whence the names Jasher and Jeshurun are derived. (In Assyrian, esiru is to go straight, and isaru is upright.) this word is found wherever the A. V. uses the word equity, except in Ecclesiastes 2:21, and Isaiah 59:14 (compare Isaiah 26:10; Isaiah 57:2), where other words of the same significance are used.

Yashar is rendered just in Proverbs 29:10, and righteous in Numbers 23:10, 'Let me die the death of the righteous.' See also Job 4:7; Job 23:7; Psalms 67:4; Psalms 96:10; Psalms 107:42; Proverbs 2:7; Proverbs 3:32; Proverbs 14:19; Proverbs 15:19; Proverbs 28:10.

The LXX renders the verb yashar by ἀρέσκω, κατευθύνω, and κατορθόω; also by ὀρθοτομέω, in two passages, namely, Proverbs 3:6, 'He shall direct your paths;' and Proverbs 11:5, 'The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way.' The noun is usually rendered εὐθύς, but we also find ὀρθός, ἀληθινός, ἀρεστόν, δίκαιος.

The verb κατευθύνω is used only three times in the N.T., namely, in Luke 1:79, 1 Thessalonians 3:11, and 2 Thessalonians 3:5; and on each occasion reference is made to the work of God in rightly directing the heart and ways of man in 2 Timothy 2:15, where we meet with the word ὀρθοτομει̂ν, the A. V. renders the passage 'rightly dividing the word of truth.' Some commentators have illustrated the word in this passage by the work of the carpenter or the stonemason; but it is probable that the LXX is the best guide in the matter. If so, we may render it 'rightly directing the word of truth,' i.e. setting it forth in uprightness. Compare Gossner's version, where we find 'verfährt,' and the Vulgate, 'recte tractantem.' The work of the ploughman gives a good illustration of St. Paul's meaning. See R. V., and compare Luke 9:62.