Brief Overview of ὀρθός (Strong’s G3717: orthós)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies, as they often convey significant cultural and theological nuances that deeply influence interpretation. The term ὀρθός (orthós) is particularly important, appearing in the New Testament in Acts 14:10, where it describes a miraculous healing. This word encapsulates concepts of correctness, uprightness, and moral integrity, all of which are fundamental to early Christian teachings. By examining ὀρθός, readers can gain insight into how physical and moral uprightness is portrayed in scripture and its relevance to the ethical standards expected of believers in ancient Greek culture.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: ὀρθός (orthós) [or-THOS]

Etymology: The term ὀρθός derives from the root ὀρθέω (orthéō), which means “to set straight” or “to make upright.” This implies not only a physical straightness but also a moral and ethical dimension of being right or correct.

Part of Speech: Adjective. It describes a quality, typically relating to being upright or correct in both a physical and metaphorical sense.

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Defining Meanings

Upright: The primary meaning of ὀρθός is “upright,” referring to a physical position where one is standing straight. This can also imply a sense of moral integrity or ethical correctness.

Correct: ὀρθός can also mean “correct” or “right,” indicating conformity to a standard or truth. This usage often applies in contexts discussing doctrine or moral behavior.

Straight: Additionally, the term conveys the idea of being “straight” in a literal sense, such as a straight path or direction, and metaphorically, in terms of one’s actions or intentions being aligned with righteousness.

Exploring Similar Words

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ἄμεμπτος (amémptos) [a-MEM-ptos]: This adjective means “blameless” or “without reproach.” While both words describe a positive moral quality, ἄμεμπτος emphasizes freedom from blame, whereas ὀρθός highlights uprightness and correctness.

δίκαιος (díkaios) [DEE-kai-os]: Translating to “just” or “righteous,” this word relates to moral and ethical behavior aligned with God’s standards. ὀρθός focuses more on correctness and straightness, while δίκαιος emphasizes justice and fairness.

εὐθύς (euthýs) [ef-THEES]: Meaning “straight” or “direct,” this term shares a similar connotation with ὀρθός, but it is often used in the context of physical straightness rather than moral uprightness.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, ὀρθός has specific morphological features.

Case, Number, Gender: ὀρθός can appear in various grammatical cases: nominative, genitive, dative, and accusative. It can be singular or plural and agrees with nouns in gender (masculine, feminine, neuter).

Declension: The word typically follows the first and second declension patterns, depending on its form and usage.

For further insights into Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Insights from various Greek lexicons provide a deeper understanding of ὀρθός. BDAG emphasizes its application in discussions of moral behavior, noting that it often characterizes individuals who live in alignment with ethical standards. Thayer’s highlights its role in denoting both physical and moral uprightness, underscoring its significance in character assessments. LSJ discusses its usage across classical and scriptural contexts, illustrating how ὀρθός reflects societal values of correctness and integrity. Vine’s focuses on the theological implications, suggesting that being upright is a fundamental aspect of a believer’s life. Moulton and Milligan explore its early Christian applications, showing how ὀρθός reflects the expectations of moral conduct within the faith community. This synthesis demonstrates how ὀρθός serves as an important term for understanding the ethical dimensions of Christian life.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Acts 14:10: “Said with a loud voice, Stand upright (ὀρθός) on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.”

• Matthew 3:3: “For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight (ὀρθός).”

• Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

• Proverbs 11:5: “The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.”

• 2 Peter 3:17: “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text with the Greek Word

Plato Republic “The just man must live in an upright (ὀρθός) manner.”

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics “A virtuous person acts in a manner that is correct (ὀρθός).”

Herodotus Histories “The people valued their leaders’ uprightness (ὀρθός) above all.”

Septuagint Proverbs 12:3 “A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall never be moved.”

Septuagint Isaiah 40:3 “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight (ὀρθός) in the desert a highway for our God.”

Septuagint Micah 6:8 “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

Noteworthy Summary

In summary, the word ὀρθός (orthós) is significant in both biblical and classical literature, primarily relating to the concepts of uprightness and correctness. Its usage in the New Testament underscores the importance of living in alignment with moral and ethical standards. By exploring its meanings, morphology, and scriptural references, readers can appreciate how ὀρθός serves as a critical term for understanding the complexities of moral integrity and ethical behavior in the Christian faith.

Did You Know?

Cultural Perspectives on Uprightness: In ancient Greek culture, the concept of living uprightly was closely tied to virtue and moral integrity, influencing philosophical discussions on ethics.

Philosophical Context: Greek philosophers emphasized the importance of living in accordance with virtues, which resonates with the Christian call to moral uprightness found in ὀρθός.

Theological Application: The emphasis on uprightness in biblical texts reflects a broader theological theme that values integrity and righteousness as foundational to a life of faith.