Bible Encyclopedias
Integrity

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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.