Integrity
Holman Bible Dictionary [1]
tom tomim Psalm 7:8 Psalm 25:21 Psalm 26:1 Psalm 101:2 tom Genesis 6:9 Genesis 17:1 Genesis 25:27 Job 1:1 1:8 Job 2:3 1 Kings 9:4 Genesis 27:5-27 Genesis 30:37-43 Genesis 33:13-17
In the New Testament, integrity occurs only at Titus 2:7 (NRSV, NIV, REB) in reference to teaching. The idea of singleness of heart or mind is frequent: Matthew 5:8; Matthew 6:22; James 1:7-8; James 4:8 .
Charles Buck Theological Dictionary [2]
Purity of mind, free from any undue bias or principle, Proverbs 11:3 . Many hold, that a certain artful sagacity, founded upon knowledge of the world, is the best conductor of every one who would be a successful adventurer in life, and that a strict attention to integrity would lead them into danger and distress. But, in answer to this it is justly observed,
1. That the guidance of integrity is the safest under which it leads us is, upon the whole, the freest from dangers, Proverbs 3:21 , &c.
2. It is unquestionably the most honourable; for integrity is the foundation of all that is high in character among mankind, Proverbs 4:8 .
3. It is the most conductive to felicity, Philippians 4:6-7 . Proverbs 3:17 .
4. Such a character can look forward to eternity without dismay. Romans 2:7 .
King James Dictionary [3]
INTEG'RITY, n. L. integritas, from integer.
1. Wholeness entireness unbroken state. The constitution of the U.States guaranties to each state the integrity of its territories. The contracting parties guarantied the integrity of the empire. 2. The entire, unimpaired state of any thing, particularly of the mind moral soundness or purity incorruptness uprightness honesty. Integrity comprehends the whole moral character, but has a special reference to uprightness in mutual dealings, transfers of property,and agencies for others.
The moral grandeur of independent integrity is the sublimest thing in nature, before which the pomp of eastern magnificence and the splendor of conquest are odious as well as perishable.
3. Purity genuine, unadulterated, unimpaired state as the integrity of language.
Webster's Dictionary [4]
(1): ( n.) The state or quality of being entire or complete; wholeness; entireness; unbroken state; as, the integrity of an empire or territory.
(2): ( n.) Unimpaired, unadulterated, or genuine state; entire correspondence with an original condition; purity.
(3): ( n.) Moral soundness; honesty; freedom from corrupting influence or motive; - used especially with reference to the fulfillment of contracts, the discharge of agencies, trusts, and the like; uprightness; rectitude.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia [5]
in -teg´ri -ti ( תּם , tōm , תּמּה , tummāh ): The translation of tōm , "simplicity," "soundness," "completeness," rendered also "upright," "perfection." Its original sense appears in the phrase letōm ( 1 Kings 22:34; 2 Chronicles 18:33 ), "A certain man drew his bow at a venture" margin "Hebrew, in his simplicity" (compare 2 Samuel 15:11 , "in their simplicity"). It is translated "integrity" ( Genesis 20:5 , Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 9:4; Psalm 7:8; Psalm 25:21; Psalm 26:1 , Psalm 26:11; Psalm 41:12; Psalm 78:72; Proverbs 19:1; Proverbs 20:7 ), in all which places it seems to carry the meaning of simplicity, or sincerity of heart and intention, truthfulness, uprightness. In the plural ( tummı̄m ) it is one of the words on the breastplate of the high priest ( Exodus 28:30; Deuteronomy 33:8; Ezra 2:63; Nehemiah 7:65 ), one of the sacred lots, indicating, perhaps, "innocence" or "integrity" (Septuagint alḗtheia ). See Urim And Thummim . Another word translated "integrity" is tummāh , from tāmam , "to complete," "be upright," "perfect," only in Job 2:3 , Job 2:1; Job 27:5; Job 31:6; Proverbs 11:3 .
The word "integrity" does not occur in the New Testament, but its equivalents may be seen in "sincerity," "truth," the "pure heart," the "single eye," etc. In the above sense of simplicity of intention it is equivalent to being honest, sincere, genuine, and is fundamental to true character.
