Topical Encyclopedia
The term "rightly" in the context of the Bible often pertains to the correct understanding, interpretation, or application of God's Word and His principles. It is a concept that underscores the importance of truth, justice, and righteousness in the life of a believer.
Biblical Usage and Context1.
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth: One of the most notable uses of the term "rightly" is found in
2 Timothy 2:15, where the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy, "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth" . The phrase "accurately handles" is often translated as "rightly dividing" in other versions, emphasizing the need for careful and correct interpretation of Scripture. This involves understanding the context, discerning the intended message, and applying it appropriately to one's life.
2.
Judging Rightly: In
John 7:24, Jesus admonishes, "Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly" . Here, "justly" can be understood as "rightly," highlighting the necessity of making judgments based on truth and righteousness rather than superficial or biased criteria. This aligns with the biblical call for believers to exercise discernment and wisdom in their judgments.
3.
Rightly Understanding God's Nature: Throughout Scripture, there is an emphasis on knowing God rightly. This involves recognizing His attributes, such as His holiness, justice, love, and mercy. In
Jeremiah 9:24, the Lord declares, "But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises loving devotion, justice, and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things," declares the LORD" . Understanding God rightly leads to a deeper relationship with Him and a life that reflects His character.
4.
Living Rightly: The Bible calls believers to live in a manner that is consistent with God's standards. In
Ephesians 5:15-16, Paul exhorts, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil" . Living rightly involves making choices that honor God, reflect His wisdom, and make the most of the opportunities He provides.
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of "rightly" is deeply rooted in the pursuit of truth and righteousness. It is a call to align one's life with God's will and to seek His guidance in all matters. This pursuit is not merely intellectual but is also practical, affecting how believers live, make decisions, and interact with others. The ability to rightly divide the Word of Truth and to judge justly is seen as a mark of spiritual maturity and faithfulness.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the call to "rightly" handle the Word and live according to God's standards is both a privilege and a responsibility. It requires diligent study of Scripture, prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to living out one's faith in everyday life. By doing so, believers can ensure that their lives are a testimony to the truth and power of the Gospel, bringing glory to God and edification to the body of Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
adv.) Straightly; directly; in front.
2. (adv.) According to justice; according to the divine will or moral rectitude; uprightly; as, duty rightly performed.
3. (adv.) Properly; fitly; suitably; appropriately.
4. (adv.) According to truth or fact; correctly; not erroneously; exactly.
Greek
3723. orthos --rightly... orthos. 3724 .
rightly. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: orthos Phonetic
Spelling: (or-thoce') Short Definition:
rightly Definition:
rightly.
...3545. nomimos --rightly, lawfully
...rightly, lawfully. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: nomimos Phonetic Spelling:
(nom-im'-oce) Short Definition: lawfully Definition: lawfully, rightfully....
3718. orthotomeo -- to cut straight
... Phonetic Spelling: (or-thot-om-eh'-o) Short Definition: I cut straight, handle
correctly Definition: I cut straight; met: I handle correctly, teachrightly....
2573. kalos -- well
... well. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: kalos Phonetic Spelling: (kal-oce')
Short Definition: well, nobly,rightly Definition: well, nobly, honorably...
2596. kata -- down, against, according to
... 4), more (1), motives (1), natural* (1), off (2), one* (2), outwardly* (1), over
(3), private* (1), privately* (7), reference (1),rightly* (1), standpoint (2...
2095. eu -- well
... Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: eu Phonetic Spelling: (yoo) Short Definition:
well, well done Definition: well, well done, good,rightly; also used as...
225. aletheia -- truth
... Word Origin from alethes Definition truth NASB Word Usage certainly* (2),
most (1),rightly* (1), truly* (2), truth (104). truth....
Strong's Hebrew
3651. ken -- so, thus... From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually
(as adverb or conjunction)
rightly or so (in various applications to
...6664. tsedeq -- rightness, righteousness
... 1), fairly (1), just (10), just cause (1), justice (3), righteous (15), righteously
(6), righteousness (76), righteousness' (1),rightly (1), vindication (1...
4339. meshar -- evenness, uprightness, equity
... Word Origin from yashar Definition evenness, uprightness, equity NASB Word Usage
equity (8), peaceful arrangement (1), right things (1),rightly (1), sincerity...
3588. ki -- that, for, when
... as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how,
(because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now,rightly, seeing, since...
Library
Whether the Acts of the Orders areRightly Assigned in the Text?
... OF THE DISTINCTION OF ORDERS, OF THEIR ACTS, AND THE IMPRINTING OF THE CHARACTER
(FIVE ARTICLES) Whether the acts of the Orders arerightly assigned in the text...
Whether Adoption isRightly Defined?
... OF LEGAL RELATIONSHIP, WHICH IS BY ADOPTION (THREE ARTICLES) Whether adoption
isrightly defined? Objection 1: It would seem that...
Whether Consanguinity isRightly Defined?
... OF THE IMPEDIMENT OF CONSANGUINITY (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether consanguinity is
rightly defined? Objection 1: It would seem that consanguinity...
The Peaceable Fruits of SorrowsRightly Borne
... THE BOOK OF JOB THE PEACEABLE FRUITS OF SORROWSRIGHTLY BORNE. 'Behold,
happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not...
Whether Four Things areRightly Reckoned as to be Loved Out of...
... OF THE OBJECT OF CHARITY (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether four things arerightly
reckoned as to be loved out of charity, viz. God, our...
Whether Five Expressions of Will areRightly Assigned to the...
... THE WILL OF GOD (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether five expressions of will are
rightly assigned to the divine will? Objection 1: It seems...
The Holy Spirit isRightly Called the Ointment of Christ...
... Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, on the Holy Spirit. To the Emperor Gratian. Book I. Chapter
IX. The Holy Spirit isrightly called the ointment of Christ?...
The Mind Loves God inRightly Loving Itself; and if it Love not...
... Book XIV. Chapter 14."The Mind Loves God inRightly Loving Itself; And
If It Love Not God, It Must Be Said to Hate Itself. Even...
Whether Gratuitous Grace isRightly Divided by the Apostle?
... OF THE DIVISION OF GRACE (FIVE ARTICLES) Whether gratuitous grace isrightly
divided by the Apostle? Objection 1: It would seem...
Whether Idolatry isRightly Reckoned a Species of Superstition?
... OF IDOLATRY (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether idolatry isrightly reckoned a species
of superstition? Objection 1: It would seem that idolatry...
Thesaurus
Rightly (45 Occurrences)... 2. (adv.) According to justice; according to the divine will or moral rectitude;
uprightly; as, duty
rightly performed.
...Rightly (45 Occurrences).
...Divide (71 Occurrences)
... more literal translation of 2 Timothy 2:15, "handling aright the word of truth"
(note "holding a straight course in the way of truth" or "rightly dividing the...
Bolster (7 Occurrences)
... It isrightly rendered in Revised Version "at his head." In Genesis 28:11, 18 the
Authorized Version renders it "for his pillows," and the Revised Version...
Anger (387 Occurrences)
... Particularly when it culminates in action is itrightly called Has "wrath." The
Old Testament doctrine of God's anger is contained in many passages in the...
Sayest (66 Occurrences)
... sa'-est: "Thou sayest" (Matthew 27:11 Mark 15:2 Luke 22:70, "Ye say"; John 18:37),
ierightly; "Thou hast said" (Matthew 26:25, 64), = "Yes"; a rabbinical...
Abel (22 Occurrences)
... been suggested that the Septuagint rendering of Genesis 4:7 makes Cain's offense
a ritual one, the offering not being "correctly" made orrightly divided, and...
Right (4703 Occurrences)
... In 2 Timothy 2:15 "rightly dividing" (orthotomeo) is changed to "handling aright"
with margin "holding a straight course in the word of truth....
Wrong (391 Occurrences)
... of cloth. 7. (adv.) In a wrong manner; notrightly; amiss; morally ill;
erroneously; wrongly. 8. (a.) That which is not right. 9...
Maintain (50 Occurrences)
... (WEB NIV). Proverbs 31:9 Let your mouth be open, judgingrightly, and give right
decisions in the cause of the poor and those in need. (See RSV)....
Rabbi (51 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Mark 12:32 So the Scribe said to Him, "Rightly, in very truth, Rabbi, have
you said that He stands alone, and there is none but He; (WEY)....
Resources
What was Elihu's message to Job? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is good biblical exegesis? | GotQuestions.orgHow does God judge those who were raised in non-Christian cultures and have been taught their entire life that their own religion is correct, and Christianity is wrong? | GotQuestions.orgRightly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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