εὐθύτης
euthýtēs
G2118 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Straightness or uprightness, primarily in the sense of moral or ethical integrity; the state or quality of being straight, direct, or honest both figuratively (in one's conduct, character, disposition) and sometimes literally (in direction or shape). Can also denote fairness or justice in judgment.
Semantic Range
straightness (literal), uprightness, rectitude, moral integrity, fairness, equity, correctness, honesty
Root / Etymology
From the root εὐθύς ('straight,' 'direct'), with the abstract noun suffix -της, indicating a quality or state. Thus, εὐθύτης literally carries the sense 'the quality of being straight/upright.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, εὐθύτης appears in both literal and figurative contexts, referring to physical straightness (as of a road) and, more prominently, to moral or intellectual uprightness—rectitude, fairness, impartiality. In philosophical usage, particularly Platonic and Aristotelian texts, it describes ethical correctness or rightness in judgments or decisions. The New Testament uses of εὐθύτης are rare, but when the word occurs (e.g., Luke 1:75 in some manuscripts), it emphasizes the quality of ethical uprightness, not just abstract 'righteousness' but a concrete practice of justice and fairness. In the Septuagint and other Hellenistic Jewish literature, εὐθύτης is used to render Hebrew concepts related to equity, straightforwardness, or moral correctness, especially in wisdom contexts (cf. Proverbs, Psalms). English translations often choose "righteousness," "uprightness," or "integrity," but these do not always convey the nuance of directness or fairness implied in the Greek. The term is less common than δικαιοσύνη ('justice,' 'righteousness'), and its focus is less on conformity to law or custom and more on the intrinsic quality of being upright and straightforward.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὐθύς; rectitude:--righteousness.
Root Family
εὐθύ- (euthéōs) — straight, direct, prompt
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2118-01 |
εὐθύτητος | euthutetos | N GEN F SG |
righteousness | of uprightness | of uprightness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2118-01 |
Hebrews 1:8 | εὐθύτητος | euthutetos | N GEN F SG |
righteousness | of uprightness | of uprightness |