Righteous God is one of the many biblical names describing attributes of God. The word tsaddiq is rooted in the idea of conformity to an ethical or moral standard or norm, and in straightness. The other word for it is ‘just’. The legal term “declared innocent” and the typing term “right, left, or center justified” are helpful pictures of its meaning.
God’s will and nature are the universal standards of righteousness; the righteous man aligns with God in action and character. Of course, it is impossible to live up to God’s standards completely, but Jesus (Yeshua‘) imparts His righteousness to us when we put our faith in Him.
God expresses His righteousness in punishment of the guilty, mercy on the repentant, and salvation for the needy.
Righteous God (El tsaddiq) in the Hebrew text of Isaiah 45 v 21
Righteous God in Hebrew:
’El-tsaddiq
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 410, 6662
Bible reference: Isa. 45:21
Declare what is to be, present it—
let them take counsel together.
Who foretold this long ago,
who declared it from the distant past?
Was it not I, the Lord?
And there is no God apart from me,
a righteous God and a Savior;
there is none but me. (Isaiah 45:21 NIV)
Righteous God (Elohim tsaddiq) in the Hebrew of Psalm 7 v 9
’Elohim tsaddiq
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 430, 6662
Bible reference: Ps. 7:9
Bring to an end the violence of the wicked
and make the righteous secure—
you, the righteous God
who probes minds and hearts. (Psalm 7:9)
Similar names for God are common throughout the Bible, for instance, Righteous One, Righteous Father, Righteous Judge, and Righteous Branch.
