And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's so incredible here is that God declares Abram righteous not because of his actions or his character (though he was a man of faith!), but solely because he believed God's promise. This is the very first time "righteousness" is mentioned in Scripture, and it's directly linked to trust in God, setting the foundation for how we're made right with Him.
And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just after Abram's successful rescue of his nephew Lot, God speaks to him in a vision, reassuring him and promising to be his "shield" and "exceeding great reward." Abram, however, expresses his deep concern about being childless and having no heir, leading God to confirm that his lineage would be numerous and that his descendants would inherit the land. This divine conversation and covenant ceremony, involving a symbolic sacrifice, culminates in God's declaration of Abram's righteousness based on his trust in these promises.
What does it really mean to 'believe' God, especially when circumstances seem to contradict His promises? Genesis 15:6 reveals that it's far more than just acknowledging facts.
Abraham's belief wasn't a passive agreement with a divine statement. It was an active trust, a deep-seated conviction that God was true and would fulfill His word, even when common sense and visible evidence pointed elsewhere.
How can an internal state of belief be 'counted as righteousness'? This verse offers a profound glimpse into God's amazing grace.
The most astonishing part of Genesis 15:6 is that God counted Abraham's belief to him as righteousness. This wasn't because Abraham's faith was perfect or without flaw, nor was it a reward for his actions.
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Understand the original words
aman · Hebrew Verb
To hold as true, to trust, or to have firm confidence in. In a biblical context, it refers to a steadfast trust in God's promises, resulting in a faithful relationship with Him.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun (Proper)
The covenant name of God (Yahweh), the personal, self-existent God who reveals Himself to His people. It signifies His holiness, faithfulness, and eternal nature.
tsedaqah · Hebrew Noun
The state or quality of being right, just, or conformed to God's standard. Biblically, it refers to the status of a person who is declared acceptable by God, particularly through faith.
This foundational moment of faith occurs not in isolation, but after Abram had already experienced God's calling and a significant military victory. His belief isn't passive; it's a response to God's direct promises and covenant, setting the stage for God's redemptive plan.
c. 2091 BC
Abram Called from Ur
God calls Abram to leave his homeland and familiar surroundings to journey to an unknown land, promising to make him a great nation and bless the world through him.
c. 2081 BC
Abram's Kin Rescued
Abram rescues his nephew Lot and his household from captivity after a battle involving several kings. This victory brings Abram acclaim but also potential danger and anxieties.
c. 2081 BC
God Reaffirms Promises to Abram
In a vision, God assures Abram, saying, 'Fear not, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.' God reiterates his commitment to Abram's future.
c. 2081 BC— this verse
God Establishes a Covenant
God formalizes his promises through a covenant ceremony involving animal sacrifices, where He outlines the future of Abram's descendants, including their enslavement and eventual return.
Paul directly quotes this verse to explain that Abraham's faith, not his works, was credited to him as righteousness, forming a foundational theological principle for both Jewish and Gentile believers.
Galatians 3:6This passage echoes Genesis 15:6, again highlighting that true children of Abraham are those who believe, emphasizing that faith is the key to inheriting God's promises, not adherence to the Law.
Hebrews 11:4This verse mentions that through faith, Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, and by extension, Abraham's faith in Genesis 15:6 was the foundational act that pleased God and established his righteousness.
Romans 4:22This verse directly links Abraham's faith to its imputation as righteousness, reinforcing that his belief in God's promise was the basis for his declared right standing before God, just as it is for believers today.
gillGenesis 15:6: "And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness."
And he believed in the Lord,.... The Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan are,"in the Word of the Lord;''in the essential Word of the Lord, in Christ the Lord his righteousness; he believed in the promise of God, that he should have a seed, and a very numerous one; he believed that the Messiah would spring from his seed; he believed in him as his Saviour and Redeemer; he believed in him for righteousness, and he…
calvinGenesis 15:1-21: "After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward."
Et eduxit eum foras, et dixit, Suspice nunc coelum, et numera stellas, si poteris numerare eas. Et dixit ei, Sic erit semen tuum.
And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
Et credidit Jehovae, et reputavit illud ei ad justitiam.
And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of U…
What's so incredible here is that God declares Abram righteous not because of his actions or his character (though he was a man of faith!), but solely because he believed God's promise. This is the very first time "righteousness" is mentioned in Scripture, and it's directly linked to trust in God, setting the foundation for how we're made right with Him.
Just after Abram's successful rescue of his nephew Lot, God speaks to him in a vision, reassuring him and promising to be his "shield" and "exceeding great reward." Abram, however, expresses his deep concern about being childless and having no heir, leading God to confirm that his lineage would be numerous and that his descendants would inherit the land. This divine conversation and covenant ceremony, involving a symbolic sacrifice, culminates in God's declaration of Abram's righteousness based on his trust in these promises.
Just after Abram's successful rescue of his nephew Lot, God speaks to him in a vision, reassuring him and promising to be his "shield" and "exceeding great reward." Abram, however, expresses his deep concern about being childless and having no heir, leading God to confirm that his lineage would be numerous and that his descendants would inherit the land. This divine conversation and covenant ceremony, involving a symbolic sacrifice, culminates in God's declaration of Abram's righteousness based on his trust in these promises.
"And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness." — What's so incredible here is that God declares Abram righteous not because of his actions or his character (though he was a man of faith!), but solely because he believed God's promise. This is the…
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Last reviewed October 2026