ὀρθός
orthós
G3717 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
having a correct, straight, or upright orientation (physically or morally); primarily denotes something that is straight, erect, or in proper alignment; by extension, can refer to being correct, proper, upright (in conduct or thought), or direct (in course or action). The central idea is of something being set in its right form or direction, both literally (as in a straight path or upright posture) and figuratively (as in righteousness, correctness, or truth).
Semantic Range
straight (of direction or position), upright (physically or morally), erect, proper, correct, right, direct (of path or process), truthfully, justly
Root / Etymology
From the root ὀρθ- meaning 'straight', possibly related to the Proto-Indo-European *h₃erǵh- ('to rise, to stand up straight'). The connection to ὄρος ('mountain') suggested by Strong's is possible etymologically via a sense of rising or uprightness, but ὀρθός is most directly connected to the idea of straightness or uprightness.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ὀρθός refers to physical uprightness (such as standing straight or erect posture) and figurative correctness (rightness, properness, truth). In philosophical and moral contexts, it was commonly applied to correct reasoning, just action, or right thinking. In medical or anatomical texts, it described straight bones, postures, or lines. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it often conveys the idea of what is correct or proper, either physically (e.g., a path that is straight, an upright position) or morally (e.g., right conduct, integrity). The term is foundational in compound words such as ὀρθοποδέω ('to walk straight') and ὀρθοτομέω ('to cut straight, to handle rightly'). English translators often render ὀρθός as 'straight', 'upright', 'right', or 'correct', but each choice may emphasize different aspects: 'straight' for physical orientation, 'upright/right' for moral integrity, and 'correct' for intellectual or procedural accuracy. The figurative extension from physical straightness to moral and rational correctness is an important aspect in Hellenistic Greek. The term is not limited to the meaning of 'honest' or 'righteous' but carries a broad semantic range depending on context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from the base of ὄρος; right (as rising), i.e. (perpendicularly) erect (figuratively, honest), or (horizontally) level or direct:--straight, upright.
Root Family
ὀρθός (orthos) — straight, upright, correct, properly aligned
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3717-01 |
ὀρθὰς | orthas | ADJ.A ACC F PL |
straight | straight ones | straight ones | 1 |
G3717-02 |
ὀρθός | orthos | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
upright | uprightly | uprightly | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3717-02 |
Acts 14:10 | ὀρθός | orthos | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
upright | uprightly | uprightly |
G3717-01 |
Hebrews 12:13 | ὀρθὰς | orthas | ADJ.A ACC F PL |
straight | straight ones | straight ones |