Tzadaqah is the Hebrew word for ‘righteousness’ meaning ‘to be justified, to be loyal, honest, lawful.’ ‘Righteousness’ is found 130 times in the Hebrew Scriptures. Righteousness can simply mean ‘acting rightly before the lawgiver’ in truth and mercy. Melchizedek in Hebrew is Melech Tzadek meaning ‘King of Righteousness.’
Category: Hebrew Lexicon
These articles give insight into the meaning of Hebrew words.
Redeem – Hebrew: Gaal
Gaal is the Hebrew word for ‘redemption’ and means ‘to deliver’ or ‘act as a kinsman.’ The word ‘redemption’ is found 112 times in the Hebrew Scriptures. Boaz was a kinsman redeemer for Naomi, but married Ruth (Ruth 3:12).
Mercy – Hebrew: Chemlah
Chemlah in Hebrew means ‘compassion’ or ‘pity.’ This word comes from the same root as chamal which means ‘to spare.’ The morning prayer from the Sidur known as the Modeh Ani utilizes the word chemlah.
Lawless – Greek: Anomia
Because the word ‘law’ is not specifically used in the Hebrew Scriptures, the word ‘lawless’ is used for those who are wicked. To be without ‘law’ is to be considered wicked. Rejecting Torah makes a person wicked and lawless.