Introduction

The meaning of צְדָקָה in Ps 98.2.

The traditional MT Hebrew text of Ps 98.2 reads as follows: הוֹדִ֣יעַ יְ֭הוָה יְשׁוּעָת֑וֹ לְעֵינֵ֥י הַ֝גּוֹיִ֗ם גִּלָּ֥ה צִדְקָתֽוֹ׃
Among the key words of Ps 98.2, one may point the hebrew term צְדָקָה. Stigers notes rightfully “the original significance of the root ṣdq to have been ‘to be straight.’” It centers here on keeping an established norm. Nonetheless, interpreters differ in their understanding here as one can see with the renderings in different translations. The ESV, renders our hebrew term as follows:

he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations

RSV prefers the following rendering:

he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations

The vast majority of French translations follow the interpretation of CEV. For example, the French TOB reads here:

aux yeux des nations il a révélé sa justice

These different interpretations come from the fact that can צְדָקָה be understood from three major perspectives . How should one therefore understand the meaning of צְדָקָה in the context of Ps 98?

Option 1: צְדָקָה as a divine ethical act, righteousness (ESV, NIV, NABS, NLT, REB)
Option 2: צְדָקָה as a divine legal act, justice (CEV, NFC, PDV, BDS, NBS, TOB, S21, NVSR)
Option 3: צְדָקָה as a divine salvific and redemptive act, vindication (RSV, NRSV)

Argument Map(s)

Conclusion

Research

Translations

Ancient

ὅτι ἥκει κρῖναι τὴν γῆν (LXX)

Modern

for he comes to judge the earth. (NIV)
for he comes to judge the earth. (ESV)
for He is coming to rule the earth (NJPS)
for he is coming to judge the earth (NRSV)
For the LORD is coming to judge the earth (NLT)
car il vient pour gouverner la terre (TOB)
car il vient ! Oui, il vient pour juger la terre (PDV)
car il vient! Il vient pour rendre la justice sur terre (NFC)
car il vient gouverner la terre ! (BDS)

Secondary Literature

References

98:2 (Training page)

Name of Exegetical Issue (Ervais)