Proverbs 16:31 — Word Study
WLCעֲטֶ֣רֶת תִּפְאֶ֣רֶת שֵׂיבָ֑ה בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ צְ֝דָקָ֗ה תִּמָּצֵֽא׃
BSAGray hairsêybâh [a crown of dignity] [is] a crownʻăṭârâh of glorytiphʼârâh [beauty] it is attainedmâtsâʼ▸ [found, discovered] along the pathderek [way, journey] of righteousnesstsᵉdâqâh [justice, virtue, morality]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| עֲטֶ֣רֶת | [is] a crown of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| תִּפְאֶ֣רֶת | splendor | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| שֵׂיבָ֑ה | gray hair | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ | in [the] way of | Preposition, noun common both singular construct |
| צְ֝דָקָ֗ה | righteousness | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| תִּמָּצֵֽא׃ | it is found | Verb, Niphal, imperfect third person feminine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness. |
| KJV | The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. |
| ASV | The hoary head is a crown of glory; It shall be found in the way of righteousness. |
| YLT | A crown of beauty [are] grey hairs, In the way of righteousness it is found. |
| WEB | Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness. |
| BBE | The grey head is a crown of glory, if it is seen in the way of righteousness. |
There are no significant differences in wording among the translations.
The sentence consists of a main clause with two phrases that elaborate on the attainment of glory through righteousness.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectשֵׂיבָה
verbמָצָא
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Proverbs 16:31
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Wisdom on Aging and Righteousnessgenerated
Proverbs 16:31 reflects on the value of gray hair, suggesting that it is not merely a sign of aging but a symbol of glory and respect that comes from living a righteous life. This verse is part of a broader discourse in Proverbs that contrasts wise behavior with folly, emphasizing moral living as the foundation for dignity and honor. It connects with other verses in Proverbs that speak to the virtues of wisdom and the respect that comes with age, such as Proverbs 20:29.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 20:29 | The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old. |
| 2 | Leviticus 19:32 | You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD. |
| 3 | Job 32:6–7 | So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know. |
| 4 | Genesis 47:7–10 | Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob and presented him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 12:2–5 | Now here is the king walking before you, and I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have walked before you from my youth until this day. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — עֲטֶ֣רֶת, 'a.Te.retgenerated
The word עֲטֶרֶת ('a.Te.ret) means 'crown' and is derived from the root עָטַר (atar), which conveys the idea of honor and authority. In this context, it symbolizes the respect and dignity associated with old age and wisdom.
The use of תִּפְאֶ֣רֶת (tif.'E.ret), meaning 'splendor' or 'beauty', emphasizes that gray hair is not just a physical attribute but also a reflection of a person's character and achievements, enhancing the notion of glory that comes with righteousness.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
All translations agree on the core meaning of the verse, emphasizing the honor of gray hair and its association with righteousness.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause is governed by the subject שֵׂיבָ֑ה (sei.Vah), meaning 'gray hair', which is described as a crown. The verb תִּמָּצֵֽא (ti.ma.Tze') indicates the state of being found or attained.
The structure highlights the relationship between gray hair and the path of righteousness, with the prepositional phrase בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ (be.De.rekh) indicating the manner in which this honor is achieved.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates עֲטֶ֣רֶת as στέφανος (stephanos), which also means 'crown' and carries similar connotations of honor and glory. This choice reinforces the idea of dignity associated with age.
The Greek term used for 'righteousness' is δικαιοσύνης (dikaiosynēs), aligning with the Hebrew concept and emphasizing the moral aspect of the path leading to honor.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 16:31 teaches that gray hair is a sign of glory and dignity, achieved through living a righteous life. It highlights the respect that comes with age and the wisdom gained through experience.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Gray hair symbolizes honor and dignity, reflecting the wisdom and experience gained through a righteous life.
Righteousness is portrayed as the path that leads to the honor associated with gray hair, suggesting that living a virtuous life is key to earning respect.
Yes, other verses in Proverbs and throughout the Bible also emphasize the value of wisdom and respect that come with age, such as Proverbs 20:29.
To attain righteousness means to live in accordance with moral and ethical standards, reflecting justice and virtue in one's actions.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I honor the wisdom of older generations in my life?
- What steps can I take to pursue righteousness in my daily actions?
- In what ways have I seen the connection between age and wisdom in my own experiences?
- How can I encourage others to value the dignity that comes with a life well-lived?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 16:31 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe hoary head [is] a crown of glory,.... Gray hairs, white locks through age are very ornamental; look very beautiful, bespeak gravity, wisdom, and prudence, and command reverence and respect; with
Read John Gill on Proverbs 16 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 16 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleA crown of glory; a great honour and ornament, as it is a singular blessing of God, a token of great experience and prudence, as it comes nearest to God, who is called the Ancient of days, . If it be found in the way of righteousness; if it be accompanied with true piety, otherwise an old sinner is accursed, . Heb. it shall be found, &c. This is a privilege promised to righteous persons, 4:22; whereas ungodly men shall not live out half their days, .
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 16 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 16:31 The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness.Ver. 31. The hoary head is a crown of glory.] Old age and honour are of great affinity in the Greek tongue. God gave order that the aged should be honoured. “ Credebant hoc grande nefas, et morro piandum, Si iuvenis vetulo non assurrexerat. ” - Juvenal, sat. 13. There is a certain plant (which our herbalists call herbam impiam, or wicked cudweed) whose younger branches still yield flowers to overtop the elder. Such weeds grow too rife abroad. It is an ill soil that produceth them. If it be found in the way of righteousness.] Canities tunc venerabilis est, quando ea gerit quae canitiem decent…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 16 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(31) If it be found in the way of righteousness.—Rather, it is found; old age being promised as the reward of obedience. (Comp. Proverbs 3:1-2; Proverbs 3:16; Proverbs 4:10; Proverbs 9:11; Proverbs 10:27.)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 16 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 31. The hoary head is a crown of glory] The latter part of the verse is very well added, for many a sinner has a hoary head.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 16 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges31. if it be found] Rather, it shall be found, R.V. text. “Decus et ornamentum est senectus, senectus vero præmium virtutis,” Maur. Comp. Proverbs 3:2; Proverbs 3:16.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 16 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleOmit “if.” Literally, “it (i. e., the hoary head) is found in the way of righteousness,” comes as the reward of righteousness.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 16 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.
Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.
Gray hair is like a crown of glory; it is attained in the path of righteousness.
Tyndale line
The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
The hoary head is a crown of glory; It shall be found in the way of righteousness.
The hoary head is a crown of glory, it shall be found in the way of righteousness.
The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.
Age is a crowne of glory, when it is founde in the way of righteousnes.
Strictly literal
The hoary head is a crown of glory, [if] it is found in the way of righteousness.
A crown of beauty [are] grey hairs, In the way of righteousness it is found.
Grey hairs [are] a crown of beauty, || It is found in the way of righteousness.
An ornamental crown is the hoary head, on the way of righteousness can it be found.
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living the right way.
From the Latin
Old age is a crown of dignity, when it is found in the ways of justice.
Simplified
Gray hair is a glorious crown; it's achieved by living right.
The grey head is a crown of glory, if it is seen in the way of righteousness.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of this verse, with all six words matched in the Hebrew and Greek texts. This consistency suggests a strong preservation of the original meaning across these traditions.
עֲטֶ֣רֶת תִּפְאֶ֣רֶת שֵׂיבָ֑ה בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ צְ֝דָקָ֗ה תִּמָּצֵֽא׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 16:31
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
עֲטָרָה (atarah) means 'crown' or 'wreath' and is derived from the root word עָטַר (atar). It can refer to a literal crown, a decorative wreath, or symbolize honor. The term appears in contexts related to idol imagery and materials like silver and gold.
עֲטָרָה n.f. crown, wreath
of idol-image
of silver and gold
fig. of honour
base
H5850 עֲטָרָה crown, wreath
5850 `atarah at-aw-raw'
from 5849; a crown:--crown.
see HEBREW for 05849
עֲטָרָה (a.ta.rah) — crown.
crown, wreath
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
תִּפְאָרָה (tiph'arah) refers to beauty and glory, encompassing both physical and abstract qualities. It can denote the beauty of garments and jewels, the glory associated with rank or God, and even the honor of Israel. The term is built from the root meaning 'ornament' and covers a range of meanings related to splendor and majesty.
תִּפְאָרָה n.f. beauty, glory
base
H8597 תִּפְאָרָה beauty, glory
8597 tiph'arah tif-aw-raw'
or tiphereth {tif-eh'-reth}; from 6286; ornament (abstractly
or concretely, literally or figuratively):--beauty(- iful),
bravery, comely, fair, glory(-ious), hono; ornament
(abstractly or concretely, literally or
figuratively):--beauty(-iful), bravery, comely, fair,
glory(-ious), honour, majesty.
see HEBREW for 06286
תִּפְאָרָה (tiph.a.rah) — beauty.
1) beauty, splendour, glory
1a) beauty, finery (of garments, jewels)
1b) glory
1b1) of rank, renown
1b2) as attribute of God
1c) honour (or nation Israel)
1d) glorying, boasting (of individual)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
שֵׂיבָה (seybah) refers to old age and is associated with gray or hoary hair. The term is feminine and emphasizes the physical signs of aging, such as gray hair and the concept of being elderly. It is derived from another Hebrew word, שֵׁיב (sheiv), which relates to aging.
שֵׂיבָה n.f. hoary head, old age
base
H7872 שֵׂיבָה hoary head, old age
7872 seybah say-baw'
feminine of 7869; old age:--(be) gray (grey hoar,-y) hairs
(head,-ed), old age.
see HEBREW for 07869
שֵׂיבָה (se.vah) — greyheaded.
1) age, gray hair, hoary head, old age
1a) gray hair, hoary head
1b) old age
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
har (se`ar, sa`ar, Aramaic se`ar, and their derivatives; thrix, gen. case trichos, kome):
1. Hair Fashions:
Hair was worn in different fashions by the Orientals of Biblical times, and not always in the same way among the same people in different epochs. We know this clearly from Egyptian literature and monuments, as well as from the writings of Greek authors (especially Herodotus), that the dwellers on the Nile had their heads shaved in early youth, leaving but a side lock until maturity was attained, when this mark of childhood was taken away. Priests and warriors kept their heads closely shaved; nothing but the exigencies of arduous warfare were allowed to interfere with this custom. On the other hand, the Hebrew people, like their Babylonian neighbors (Herod. i.195), affected long and well-cared-for, bushy curls of hair as emblems of manly beauty. Proofs thereof are not infrequent in…
Hair
(1.) The Egyptians let the hair of their head and beard grow only when they were in mourning, shaving it off at other times. “So particular were they on this point that to have neglected it was a subject of reproach and ridicule; and whenever they intended to convey the idea of a man of low condition, or a slovenly person, the artists represented him with a beard.” Joseph shaved himself before going in to Pharoah (Gen. 41:14). The women of Egypt wore their hair long and plaited. Wigs were worn by priests and laymen to cover the shaven skull, and false beards were common. The great masses of hair seen in the portraits and statues of kings and priests are thus altogether artificial.
(2.) A precisely opposite practice, as regards men, prevailed among the Assyrians. In Assyrian sculptures the hair always appears long, and combed…
The Hebrews were fully alive to the importance of the hair as an element of personal beauty. Long hair was admired in the case of young men. (2 Samuel 14:26) In times of affliction the hair was altogether cut off. (Isaiah 3:17,24; 15:2; Jeremiah 7:29) Tearing the hair (Ezra 9:3) and letting it go dishevelled were similar tokens of grief. The usual and favorite color of the hair was black, (Solomon 5:11) as is indicated in the comparisons in (Solomon 1:5; 4:1) a similar hue is probably intended by the purple of (Solomon 7:6) Pure white hair was deemed characteristic of the divine Majesty. (Daniel 7:9; Revelation 1:14) The…
The Jewish men, except Nazarites, Nu 6:5,9, and cases like that of Absalom, 2Sa 14:26, cut their hair moderately short, 1Co 11:14, and applied fragrant ointments to it, Ex 30:30-33 Ps 23:5 Ec 9:8. In mourning they wholly neglected it, or shaved it close, or plucked it out by handfuls, Jer 7:29. Women prized a fine head of hair, and plaited, perfumed, and decked it in many ways, Isa 3:18,24 1Co 11:15, so much…
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (derek) means way, road, or journey, and can refer to both literal paths and figurative courses of life or actions. It encompasses various aspects such as direction, manner, and moral character, often highlighting the nature of one's conduct. The term is used in both positive and negative contexts, reflecting the moral implications of one's path.
דֶּ֫רֶךְ 715 n.m. way, road, distance, journey, manner
way, road, path
journey
of direction, almost or quite = toward
way, manner
fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
of moral action and character
of duty
specif.: in good sense
oftener in bad sense
way of י׳
base
H1870 דֶּ֫רֶךְ way, road, distance, journey, manner . way, road, path
. journey
. of direction, almost or quite = toward
. way, manner
. fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
. . of moral action and character
. of duty
. specif.: in good sense
. oftener in bad sense
. way of י׳
1870 derek deh'-rek
from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of
life or mode of action, often adverb:--along, away, because
of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner,
passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side),
whither(-soever).
see HEBREW for 01869
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: conduct.
: conduct/lifestyle
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — Way.
This name means way, road
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — (King's) Highway.
This name means way, road
Combined with me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "King's" H4428I)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: direction.
: direction
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: road.
: road/route
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: journey.
: journey
Prep | N-cs — Preposition · noun common both singular constructHR/Ncbsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
צְדָקָה (tsdaqah) means 'righteousness' and encompasses various aspects such as justice, truthfulness, and ethical rightness. It can refer to God's attribute of sovereignty, righteousness in governance, and even justification or salvation. The term also implies righteous acts and has an Aramaic equivalent, צִדְקָה (tsid.qah).
צְדָקָה 157 n.f. righteousness
righteousness, in government
God's attribute as sovereign
righteousness, in a case or cause
righteousness = truthfulness
righteousness, as ethically right
righteousness as vindicated, justification, salvation, etc.
pl. righteous acts
base
H6666 צְדָקָה righteousness . righteousness, in government
. God's attribute as sovereign
. righteousness, in a case or cause
. righteousness = truthfulness
. righteousness, as ethically right
. righteousness as vindicated, justification, salvation, etc.
. pl. righteous acts
6666 tsdaqah tsed-aw-kaw'
from 6663; rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude),
objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively
(prosperity):--justice, moderately, right(-eous)
(act, -ly, -ness).
see HEBREW for 06663
צְדָקָה (tse.da.qah) — righteousness.
1) justice, righteousness
1a) righteousness (in government)
1a1) of judge, ruler, king
1a2) of law
1a3) of Davidic king Messiah
1b) righteousness (of God's attribute)
1c) righteousness (in a case or cause)
1d) righteousness, truthfulness
1e) righteousness (as ethically right)
1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation
1f1) of God
1f2) prosperity (of people)
1g) righteous acts
Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
ri'-chus-nes (tsaddiq, adjective, "righteous," or occasionally "just" tsedheq, noun, occasionally = "riahteousness," occasionally = "justice"; dikaios, adjective, dikaiosune, noun, from dike, whose first meaning seems to have been "custom"; the general use suggested conformity to a standard: righteousness, "the state of him who is such as he ought to be" (Thayer)):
1. Double Aspect of Righteousness: Changing and Permanent
2. Social Customs and Righteousness
3. Changing Conception of Character of God: Obligations of Power
4. Righteousness as Inner
5. Righteousness as Social
6. Righteousness as Expanding in Content with Growth in Ideals of Human Worth
LITERATURE
1. Double Aspect of Righteousness: Changing and Permanent:
In Christian thought the idea of righteousness contains both a permanent and a changing element. The fixed element is the will to do right; the changing factor is the conception of…
Righteousness
See JUSTIFICATION.
Rectitude, justice, holiness; an essential perfection of God’s character, Job 36:3; Isa 51:5-8; Joh 17:25; and of his administration, Ge 18:25; Ro 3:21,22; 10:3. It is the wonder of grace that as the righteous guardian of the law, he can acquit the unrighteous. "The righteousness of Christ" includes his spotless holiness, his perfect obedience the law demands; and "the righteousness of faith" is that imputed to the sinner who believes in Christ. With reference to personal character, righteousness is used both for uprightness between man and man, and for true religion,
מָצָא (matsa') is a Hebrew verb meaning to find or attain. It encompasses a range of actions, including discovering something lost, encountering someone, or coming upon a situation. The word can also imply being present or sufficient. Lexicons note various forms and uses, including Qal, Niphal, and Hiphil, which indicate different nuances of finding and encountering.
מָצָא 452 vb. attain to, find
Qal
find
find out
= come upon, light upon
noteworthy phrases
Niph. pass. of Qal, be found
Hiph.
cause to find, attain
cause to light upon, come upon, come
cause to encounter
present unto
base
H4672 מָצָא attain to, find
4672 matsa' maw-tsaw'
a primitive root; properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or
exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire;
figuratively, to occur, meet or be present:--+ be able,
befall, being, catch, X certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to
hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion,
out), get (hold upon), X have (here), be here, hit, be left,
light (up-)on, meet (with), X occasion serve, (be) present,
ready, speed, suffice, take hold on.
מָצָא (ma.tsa) — to find.
1) to find, attain to
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to find
1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought)
1a1b) to find (what is lost)
1a1c) to meet, encounter
1a1d) to find (a condition)
1a1e) to learn, devise
1a2) to find out
1a2a) to find out
1a2b) to detect
1a2c) to guess
1a3) to come upon, light upon
1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with
1a3b) to hit
1a3c) to befall
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be found
1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered
1b1b) to appear, be recognised
1b1c) to be discovered, be detected
1b1d) to be gained, be secured
1b2) to be, be found
1b2a) to be found in
1b2b) to be in the possession of
1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be
1b2d) to be left (after war)
1b2e) to be present
1b2f) to prove to be
1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to cause to find, attain
1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come
1c3) to cause to encounter
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs — Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person feminine singularHVNi3fs