The name
Derived from two Hebrew words:
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Jehovah (יהוה) – The covenant name of God, "LORD."
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Tsidkenu (צִדְקֵנוּ) – Our righteousness.
Together, the name is translated:
"The LORD Our Righteousness."
The title reveals God as the source of righteousness for His people and the One through whom they are restored to a right relationship with Him.
Meaning
Jehovah Tsidkenu means:
"The LORD Our Righteousness."
The Hebrew word tsedeq is associated with righteousness, justice, rightness, and what is morally right.
The ending -enu means "our."
Therefore, Tsidkenu literally carries the sense:
"Our righteousness."
The name points to God as the One who establishes righteousness for His people.
First biblical mention
The first appearance of Jehovah Tsidkenu occurs in:
Jeremiah 23:6
Jeremiah speaks of a coming righteous king from the line of David:
"…….. he will be called The LORD our Salvation.” (Jehovah Tsidkenu).(Jeremiah 23:6)
This is particularly significant because the name is connected directly with the promised Davidic King.
Historical setting
The name was revealed during one of the darkest periods of Judah's history.
Judah's kings and leaders had repeatedly led the nation away from God.
The shepherds of Israel—the kings and rulers who were supposed to care for God's people—had instead scattered and harmed them (Jeremiah 23:1–2).
Jeremiah therefore announced God's judgment against these corrupt shepherds.
But immediately after announcing judgment, God gave a promise.
He would raise up a righteous Branch from David's line.
This future king would:
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Reign wisely.
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Execute justice and righteousness.
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Save Judah.
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Cause Israel to dwell securely.
And His name would be:
Jehovah Tsidkenu — The LORD Our Righteousness.
The story behind the name (Jeremiah 23:1–8)
God first pronounced judgment against Israel's shepherds:
"How terrible will be the LORD’s judgement on those rulers who destroy and scatter his people!”(Jeremiah 23:1)
The leaders had failed in their responsibility.
But God promised that He Himself would gather the scattered remnant of His flock (Jeremiah 23:3–4).
Then came the greater promise:
"The LORD says “The time is coming when I will choose as King a righteous descendant of David..."(Jeremiah 23:5)
This coming king would reign wisely and execute justice and righteousness.
Then Jeremiah gives the name:
"He will be called: The LORD our salvation."(Jeremiah 23:6)
The promise is remarkable.
Israel's existing rulers had failed to establish righteousness.
Therefore, God promised a future King who would embody and establish the righteousness that the people desperately needed.
Why this name was revealed here
The name Jehovah Tsidkenu was revealed against the background of human unrighteousness.
Israel's leaders had failed.
The people had been scattered.
Justice had been corrupted.
Yet God promised that their future would not depend upon the righteousness of their present rulers.
God Himself would provide the righteous King.
The revelation therefore contains both judgment and hope.
Human leaders had failed to shepherd God's people.
But God would raise up a righteous Davidic King who would rule with justice and bring salvation.
Why it became important
The name became important because it expressed one of the great hopes of Israel:
God would ultimately provide the righteous King His people needed.
Jeremiah's prophecy connects righteousness with the restoration and security of God's people.
The theme continues through the prophetic Scriptures.
Isaiah speaks of a righteous Branch who will reign in justice (Isaiah 11:1–5).
Jeremiah later speaks again of the righteous Branch from David's line (Jeremiah 33:14–16).
The promise therefore became part of Israel's expectation of God's coming salvation and righteous kingdom.
What this name reveals about God
The title Jehovah Tsidkenu reveals God as:
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Source of righteousness.
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Perfectly just.
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Faithful to His covenant.
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Restorer of His people.
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Giver of salvation.
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Righteous King.
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One who establishes justice where human leadership has failed.
The name also reveals that righteousness is ultimately rooted in God Himself, rather than in human achievement.
How later Scripture/. uses this name
The New Testament presents Jesus as the promised righteous King from David's line.
Matthew repeatedly connects Jesus with the promises concerning David's royal line (Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:32–33).
Paul declares that Christ became for believers:
"By him we are put right with God."(1 Corinthians 1:30)
Paul also writes:
"puts people right through their faith in Jesus Christ."(Romans 3:22)
And:
"……….. share the righteousness of God."(2 Corinthians 5:21)
Jeremiah's promise therefore finds its fullest Christian interpretation in Christ—the righteous Davidic King through whom God's people receive righteousness.
Reflection
Jehovah Tsidkenu was revealed when Israel's leaders had failed.
The people needed a righteousness greater than that which their earthly rulers could provide.
God's answer was a promise:
A righteous King is coming.
He would rule with justice.
He would save His people.
He would restore what had been broken.
And His name would be:
Jehovah Tsidkenu — The LORD Our Righteousness.
The name reminds us that our hope does not ultimately rest upon human goodness or human leadership.
It rests upon the righteous God who provides what His people cannot provide for themselves.
Go in peace
May this Name dwell in your heart and draw you ever nearer to Adonai.
The revelation continues in you.