צ
Final form: ץ
Tzadi
Righteousness, the righteous one, to hunt/catch
Tzadi (צ) is the eighteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and it is intimately connected to one of the most important concepts in Scripture: righteousness. The Hebrew words tzedek (צֶדֶק, righteousness), tzaddik (צַדִּיק, righteous person), and tzedakah (צְדָקָה, righteous giving/charity) all begin with Tzadi. Its ancient pictographic form was a fishhook or a person lying on their side in humility — the righteous one who bows before God. For Christians, Tzadi points powerfully to Jesus as 'The Righteous One' (HaTzaddik), who is the embodiment of divine righteousness.
How to Pronounce Tzadi
Tzadi makes a 'Tz' sound, like the 'zz' in 'pizza' or the 'ts' in 'cats.'
“So God created mankind in his own image (tzelem), in the image (tzelem) of God he created them.”
Ancient Pictographic Form
The ancient Tzadi resembled a fishhook or a person lying on their side. It evolved through Phoenician and influenced the development of various letter forms.
Pictograph: A fishhook or a person lying on their side
Spiritual Significance
Tzadi represents righteousness, justice, and the humble posture of the righteous before God. Its value of 90 (Tzadi) combined with Yod (10) gives 'Tzaddik' a connection to the righteous who lives by faith. The shape of Tzadi — bent and humble — teaches that true righteousness comes from bowing before God, not standing in pride.
Connection to Scripture
Melchizedek (מַלְכִּי־צֶדֶק, 'King of Righteousness') contains Tzadi. Zion (צִיּוֹן), God's holy mountain, begins with Tzadi. Humanity was created in God's image (tzelem, צֶלֶם). The Messiah is called 'The Righteous Branch' (Tzemach Tzaddik).
Words That Begin with Tzadi
Tzedek
Righteousness, justice
Tzaddik
Righteous person
Tzion
Zion
Tzelem
Image
Tzedakah
Charity, righteous giving
Modern Hebrew Usage
In modern Hebrew, Tzadi appears in words like צֶדֶק (tzedek, justice/righteousness), צַדִּיק (tzaddik, righteous person), צִיּוֹן (Tzion, Zion), and צֶלֶם (tzelem, image).
People Also Ask
What does Tzadi have to do with righteousness?
Tzadi is the first letter of tzedek (righteousness), tzaddik (righteous person), and tzedakah (charitable giving). It represents the pursuit of justice and right living. In Jewish tradition, a 'tzaddik' is a person of outstanding righteousness.
How do you pronounce Tzadi?
Tzadi is pronounced as a 'Tz' sound — like the 'zz' in 'pizza' or the 'ts' in 'cats.' It's a combination of T and Z sounds together. Practice by saying 'ts' quickly: 'TSAH-dee.'
Fun Fact
The word 'Zion' (צִיּוֹן) begins with Tzadi, connecting God's holy city to righteousness. Melchizedek — the mysterious priest-king who blessed Abraham — means 'King of Righteousness' (Malki-Tzedek), with Tzadi at its heart.
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