Tzadik
/ˈtsɑːdɪk/noun
A righteous or exceptionally pious person, especially in Jewish tradition.
Did you know?In Hasidic Judaism, a tzadik may serve as a spiritual intermediary and guide, while the plural form tzadikim can refer to a community of righteous people.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
ṣ-d-q
“Root associated with righteousness, justice, and truthfulness”
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
צַדִּיק (ṣaddīq)
“Righteous, just, or morally upright”
Second Temple Period
Aramaic/Hebrew
צַדִּיקָא (ṣaddīqā)
“A righteous person; a just one”
Rabbinic Period
Mishnaic Hebrew
צַדִּיק (tzaddiq)
“A person whose conduct conforms to religious and ethical righteousness”
18th Century
Yiddish
צדיק (tsadik)
“A holy or spiritually elevated person, especially a Hasidic leader”
19th Century
English
tzadik
“An English loanword for a Jewish righteous person or spiritual leader”
Modern English
English
tzadik
“A righteous or exceptionally pious person”