ὀρθῶς
orthōs
G3723 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
In a straight or correct manner; properly, rightly. The adverb ὀρθῶς describes an action performed in accordance with what is proper, true, or correct, whether literally (straight, upright) or figuratively (correctly, justly, rightly in moral, intellectual, or procedural terms). In broader contexts it can refer to acting in accordance with principles of truth, justice, propriety, or accuracy.
Semantic Range
in a straight manner, correctly, rightly, properly, justly, in accordance with what is true or appropriate, in a morally right manner
Root / Etymology
From the adjective ὀρθός ('straight, upright, correct, right') with the adverbial ending -ῶς, forming an adverb indicating manner. Related to the verb ὀρθόω ('to make straight/upright'). Cognate with Latin rectus and English 'orthodox'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ὀρθῶς appears in classical Greek literature with reference to actions done 'straightforwardly' or 'properly' (both physically and ethically). In the Septuagint and in the New Testament, it carries a primarily figurative sense: to act or speak correctly, properly, in alignment with truth or accepted standards. In the New Testament, its usage often highlights correctness in speech, judgment, or understanding (e.g., Luke 7:43). English translations usually render it as 'rightly,' 'correctly,' or 'well,' but may not always convey the nuance of alignment with order, propriety, or morality. The adverb stands in contrast to ψευδῶς ('falsely'), or ἄτοπος/ἁμαρτάνως ('improperly', 'erroneously'). Usage does not focus explicitly on legal or ceremonial correctness, but general accuracy and propriety; the connotation can be moral or intellectual depending on context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from ὀρθός; in a straight manner, i.e. (figuratively) correctly (also morally):--plain, right(-ly).
Root Family
ὀρθ- (diórthōsis) — to make straight, to correct, to set right
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1357 | διόρθωσις | of thorough correction |
| G1882 | ἐπανόρθωσις | restorative correction |
| G1930 | ἐπιδιορθόω | you might further set right for yourself |
| G2735 | κατόρθωμα | |
| G3717 | ὀρθός | straight ones |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3723-01 |
ὀρθῶς | orthos | ADV |
rightly | rightly | rightly | 4 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3723-01 |
Mark 7:35 | ὀρθῶς | orthos | ADV |
plainly | rightly | rightly |
G3723-01 |
Luke 7:43 | ὀρθῶς | orthos | ADV |
rightly | rightly | rightly |
G3723-01 |
Luke 10:28 | ὀρθῶς | orthos | ADV |
correctly | rightly | rightly |
G3723-01 |
Luke 20:21 | ὀρθῶς | orthos | ADV |
rightly | rightly | rightly |