יָשַׁר
to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous
Definition
The verb יָשַׁר (yâshar) fundamentally means 'to be straight' or 'to be level,' describing physical straightness, as in the straight path of oxen (1 Samuel 6:12). Figuratively, it extends to moral and relational uprightness, meaning 'to be right' or 'to be pleasing.' In this sense, it describes what is ethically correct or agreeable in the eyes of someone, such as Samson finding a Philistine woman 'right in his eyes' (Judges 14:3, 7). The causative (Hiphil) stem means 'to make straight' or 'to direct,' as in making one's way straight (Proverbs 3:6) or giving pleasing, straightforward counsel, as seen in the advice of Hushai (2 Samuel 17:4).
Biblical Usage
יָשַׁר appears 25 times, primarily in narrative and poetic books. It often describes what is pleasing or agreeable in personal judgment, especially in the phrase 'was right in the eyes of' someone (e.g., Judges 14:3, 7; 1 Samuel 18:20, 26). It denotes physical straightness in 1 Samuel 6:12 and 1 Kings 6:35 (regarding carved wood). In wisdom contexts, it conveys the idea of moral uprightness and straightforward direction (Proverbs 3:6; 11:5).
Etymology
A primitive root, יָשַׁר is the verbal source of common nouns like יָשָׁר (yashar, 'upright one') and the adjective יָשָׁר (yashar, 'straight, right, upright'). It is cognate with other Semitic words for straightness and justice. The core meaning of physical straightness naturally extended into the ethical and relational spheres.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it connects the concept of physical order with moral and relational uprightness. It underpins the biblical ideal of integrity—living a 'straight' life aligned with God's ways. The causative form is central to the wisdom theme of God directing the paths of the faithful (Proverbs 3:6). Understanding this Hebrew root enriches the reading of passages about God's pleasure, human approval, and the straight path of righteousness.
In an ancient Near Eastern context, straightness was a powerful metaphor for reliability, honesty, and success. A 'straight' path was safe and direct, while a crooked one was dangerous. Something 'right in the eyes' reflected a personal or communal standard of acceptability, which could be subjective, as seen in Samson's story, contrasting with the absolute standard of what is 'right in the eyes of the LORD.'
טוֹב (tov, H2896) — good, pleasant; broader, more general term for goodness. צָדַק (tsadaq, H6663) — to be just or righteous; focuses on legal/moral rightness, often in a covenant context. יָכַח (yakach, H3198) — to decide, judge, prove; involves correction and establishing what is right.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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