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Genesis 15:6 - Faith rewarded with covenant

Genesis 15:6 - בראשית 15:6

Hebrew Text

וְהֶאֱמִן בַּיהוָה וַיַּחְשְׁבֶהָ לּוֹ צְדָקָה׃

English Translation

And he believed in the Lord

Transliteration

Vehe'emin ba'Adonai vayachsheveha lo tzedakah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהֶאֱמִ֖ן בַּֽיהֹוָ֑ה וַיַּחְשְׁבֶ֥הָ לּ֖וֹ צְדָקָֽה׃
וְהֶאֱמִ֖ן בַּֽיהֹוָ֑ה וַיַּחְשְׁבֶ֥הָ לּ֖וֹ צְדָקָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

וְהֶאֱמִן בַּיהוָה וַיַּחְשְׁבֶהָ לּוֹ צְדָקָה (Bereishit 15:6)

This verse describes Avraham Avinu's unwavering faith in Hashem after being promised innumerable descendants despite his advanced age. The phrase "וְהֶאֱמִן בַּיהוָה" ("And he believed in the Lord") is foundational in Jewish thought regarding the nature of emunah (faith).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Avraham did not ask for a sign to confirm Hashem's promise, unlike his request regarding inheriting the land (Bereishit 15:8). This demonstrates the completeness of his faith. The calculation ("וַיַּחְשְׁבֶהָ") refers to Hashem considering this belief as tremendous merit ("צְדָקָה") on Avraham's behalf.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah (1:1), Rambam cites this verse as the foundation for the mitzvah to know there is a First Cause (Hashem). Avraham's belief wasn't blind faith but came after profound intellectual inquiry, as described in Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (39:1).

Talmudic Insight

The Talmud (Makkot 24a) identifies this verse as encapsulating one of the 613 mitzvot - the obligation to believe in Hashem. Rabbeinu Bachya notes this was especially meritorious because Avraham maintained his faith despite being childless at age 99.

Midrashic Interpretation

  • Bereishit Rabbah (44:13) compares Avraham's faith to a lantern illuminating darkness
  • Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer (Chapter 28) states this belief made Avraham worthy of being the father of nations
  • The Zohar (1:94b) teaches that Avraham's faith perfected the sefirah of chesed (kindness) in the spiritual realms

Philosophical Dimensions

Rabbi Yehuda Halevi (Kuzari 1:95) explains that Avraham's belief represents the ideal synthesis of intellectual conviction and emotional trust. The Chazon Ish (Emunah U'Bitachon 1:1) emphasizes that true emunah must permeate both thought and action, as exemplified by Avraham.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Makkot 24a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the fundamental principles of Judaism, highlighting Abraham's faith as a model of righteousness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 15:6 mean when it says 'And he believed in the Lord'?
A: This verse describes Avraham's (Abraham's) complete trust in Hashem when he was promised countless descendants despite his old age. Rashi explains that Avraham did not ask for a sign to confirm this promise—his faith was absolute. This unwavering belief was considered a great merit (צְדָקָה / 'righteousness') in Hashem's eyes.
Q: Why is Avraham's belief in Genesis 15:6 so important?
A: The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that Avraham's faith set the foundation for emunah (belief in Hashem) for all future generations. His trust in Hashem's promise—despite seemingly impossible circumstances—became a model for Jewish faith. The Talmud (Makot 24a) also counts emunah as one of the 613 mitzvot, rooted in this moment.
Q: What does it mean that Hashem 'counted it as righteousness' (צְדָקָה)?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 44:4) explains that Avraham's belief itself was an act of righteousness because he relied entirely on Hashem without doubt. Unlike other virtues that require action, here Avraham's pure faith—without any physical deed—was enough to earn divine favor. This teaches that emunah is central to our relationship with Hashem.
Q: How can we apply the lesson of Genesis 15:6 today?
A: Just as Avraham trusted Hashem's promises even when reality seemed contradictory (like being childless at an old age), we too must cultivate emunah during challenges. The Chovot HaLevavot ('Duties of the Heart') emphasizes that true faith means trusting Hashem's plan even when we don't understand it—a daily lesson from Avraham's example.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Avraham's belief specifically here?
A: Rashi notes that this follows Hashem's promise that Avraham's descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). At that moment, Avraham could have doubted due to his age, but instead, he chose faith. The Torah highlights this to show that true belief means trusting Hashem even when logic suggests otherwise—a key theme in Jewish thought.