Word Study

What is the usage of צְדָקָה in Genesis 15:6? In order to examine this word, careful examination must be done to find the meaning of the word. From Chapters 1-15, the root that relates to צדק appears in 6:9. It says “Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation…” In this context, the root word is used to describe Noah as “righteous or just.” Also in 7:1, it says that “I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.” In this context, the word means “just and righteous, in conduct and character towards God.” However, the most significant insight gained from these two verses are that a man is not righteous because of his own actions; he or she cannot be righteous, but it is God appointed, it is indeed a designation from God and only by God. Therefore, in chapters 1 to 15’s context, the word root צדק refers to righteousness, which is recognized by God. God is the righteous and Holy One. He, in deed has a say, who is righteous and not man. Therefore, the word צדק originates from God.

In observing chapter 16 through the entire book of Genesis, we can trace how the word צְדָקָה is used. In 18:19, צְדָקָה is used in the context of “doing righteousness.” However, this term is used by God. Also 30:33 says צְדָקָה in the context of righteousness in “conduct or honesty” and Jacob describes his conduct as righteousness. In contrast, observing 18:23-28, the word root צדק is defined as someone who is “just.” Abraham uses this word hypothetically to say if there is a righteous man, could God spare? But the truth here is that Abraham tries to call someone, as righteous but indeed, there is no righteous person in Sodom and Gomorrah. However, from the word point of view, only God can use this word.

In 15:6 the...

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..., they will be accounted righteousness before God.

The meaning in the prophet points that God will give righteousness as salvation though they do not deserve it; however, when they repent, they will be counted righteousness.

The best meaning to describe the word in Genesis 15:6 seems to be the imputed righteousness by faith. And main idea of Genesis 15:6 seems close to other books yet does not connect to any of the categories of books: Genesis 1 to 15; Pentateuch, Historical Books, Wisdom Literature, and the Prophets. Clearly, God never mentions or accounts to it as righteousness except to Abraham himself. Genesis 15:6 says that Abraham believed and it was counted to it as righteousness. Faith seems to be the determining factor for God to credit someone as righteousness and nothing else. Therefore, faith is key. Faith is important. God looks at our faith.