Tsadhe
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Definition and Significance
Tsadhe (also spelled Tzade, Tzaddi, or Ṣade) is the eighteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In the Hebrew language, it represents the sound "ts" as in "cats." The letter Tsadhe holds a numerical value of 90 in the Hebrew alphanumeric system, which is often used in Jewish texts for numerology and symbolic interpretations.

Biblical Usage
Tsadhe appears in the acrostic structure of several Psalms, most notably in Psalm 119. This psalm is an extended meditation on the law of God, with each section corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each verse in the Tsadhe section (verses 137-144) begins with this letter, emphasizing themes of righteousness and divine justice.

Psalm 119:137-144
137 Righteous are You, O LORD, and upright are Your judgments.
138 The testimonies You have laid down are righteous and altogether faithful.
139 My zeal has consumed me because my foes forget Your words.
140 Your promise is completely pure; therefore Your servant loves it.
141 I am lowly and despised, but I do not forget Your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is true.
143 Trouble and distress have found me, but Your commandments are my delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding that I may live.

Symbolism and Interpretation
In Jewish tradition, Tsadhe is often associated with righteousness (צַדִּיק, tzaddik), reflecting the character of God as depicted in the Scriptures. The letter's form is sometimes seen as representing a humble and righteous person, bowing in submission to God's will. This symbolism aligns with the themes found in the Tsadhe section of Psalm 119, where the psalmist expresses a deep commitment to God's righteous laws despite personal affliction and opposition.

Theological Insights
From a theological perspective, the emphasis on righteousness in the Tsadhe section of Psalm 119 underscores the biblical principle that God's laws are inherently just and true. The psalmist's devotion to these laws, even in the face of adversity, serves as a model for believers who seek to live in accordance with divine standards. The repeated affirmation of God's righteousness and the purity of His word highlights the enduring nature of His commandments and their role in guiding the faithful.

Applications for Believers
For Christians, the letter Tsadhe and its associated scriptural passages offer a reminder of the importance of aligning one's life with God's righteous standards. The psalmist's example encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in the purity and truth of God's word even when faced with challenges. The pursuit of righteousness, as symbolized by Tsadhe, is a central tenet of the Christian life, calling for a commitment to live in a manner that reflects the character of God.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
TSADHE

tsa-tha' ("ts"): The eighteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and as such employed in Psalm 119 to designate the 18th part, every verse of which begins with this letter. It is transliterated in this Encyclopedia as "ts". It came also to be used for the number 90. For name, etc., see ALPHABET; TSADHE.

Thesaurus
Tsadhe (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia TSADHE. ... It came also to be used for the number 90.
For name, etc., see ALPHABET; TSADHE. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/t/tsadhe.htm - 7k

Tsaddi (1 Occurrence)

/t/tsaddi.htm - 6k

Tzade (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tzade (1 Occurrence). Psalms 119:137 TSADHE. Righteous
art thou, O Jehovah, And upright are thy judgments. (See JPS BBE DBY YLT). ...
/t/tzade.htm - 6k

Tsidkenu

/t/tsidkenu.htm - 6k

Acrostic (2 Occurrences)
... In 51:21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27 the letters mem, nun, `ayin, pe, tsadhe, qoph and resh
can be traced at the beginnings of lines in that order Samekh is absent ...
/a/acrostic.htm - 15k

Alphabet (2 Occurrences)
... palm of hand; (12) lamedh = ox-goad; (13) mem = water flowing; (14) nun = fish;
(15) camekh = ?; (16) `ayin = eye; (17) pe = mouth; (18) tsadhe = trap (others ...
/a/alphabet.htm - 24k

Tzaddi
Tzaddi. Tyrus, Tzaddi. Tzade . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia TZADDI.
tza-de'. See TSADHE. Tyrus, Tzaddi. Tzade . Reference Bible.
/t/tzaddi.htm - 6k

Daniel (74 Occurrences)
... As to the use of qoph and `ayin for the Aramaic sound which corresponds to the Hebrew
tsadhe when equivalent to an Arabic dad, any hasty conclusion is debarred ...
/d/daniel.htm - 79k

Text (5 Occurrences)
... the Hebrew letters he (h), waw (w), zayin (z), cheth (ch) and taw (t) are lost,
and the tails of kaph (k), lamedh (l), mem (m), pe (p) and tsadhe (ts), which ...
/t/text.htm - 73k

Monthly (11 Occurrences)
... the Hebrew letters he (h), waw (w), zayin (z), cheth (ch) and taw (t) are lost,
and the tails of kaph (k), lamedh (l), mem (m), pe (p) and tsadhe (ts), which ...
/m/monthly.htm - 93k

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Concordance
Tsadhe (1 Occurrence)

Psalms 119:137
TSADHE. Righteous art thou, O Jehovah, And upright are thy judgments.
(ASV)

Subtopics

Tsadhe

Related Terms

Jehovah-tsidkenu

Jehovahtsidkenu

Tubal (9 Occurrences)

Jehovah-what (1 Occurrence)

Tsadhe (1 Occurrence)

Tsaddi
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