What Does “Credited to Him as Righteousness” Mean?
Introduction
The phrase “credited to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6) is one of the most foundational statements in the Bible. It describes how Abram’s belief in God resulted in God counting him as righteous. This becomes the cornerstone for the doctrine of justification by faith—a teaching central to Judaism, Christianity, and especially the New Testament’s theology of salvation.
Understanding this phrase requires examining its original meaning, the context of Abram’s life, and how later Scriptures interpret it.
1. The Context of Genesis 15:6
Abram had just expressed concern over his lack of an heir. God reassured him with a direct promise:
-
He would have a biological son.
-
His descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky.
In response, Abram believed God. Immediately the text adds:
“He believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” — Genesis 15:6
This verse marks the moment Abram is declared righteous—not because of anything he did, but because he trusted what God said.
2. What Does “Credited” Mean?
The Hebrew word used is ḥāšab, meaning:
-
to count
-
to reckon
-
to consider
-
to assign a value
It is an accounting or legal term.
To credit means to place something on someone’s account as if it belonged to them.
Thus, God assigned righteousness to Abram’s account—not because Abram was perfect, but because he trusted God.
3. What is “Righteousness”?
In the Bible, righteousness means:
-
Being in right standing with God
-
Meeting God’s moral and relational standard
-
Living in harmony with God’s will
It is not merely moral behavior but a status before God—being accepted and approved by Him.
For Abram to be “counted righteous” means God viewed him as:
-
Accepted
-
In right relationship
-
Approved
-
Free from guilt in God’s sight
This was a declared righteousness, not an earned one.
4. Abram’s Faith Was the Basis for God’s Declaration
Abram believed God’s promise before:
-
The Law of Moses existed
-
Circumcision was given
-
Sacrificial rituals were established
Thus, his righteousness came through faith alone, not through:
-
religious works
-
moral perfection
-
ritual obedience
He simply trusted God, and God credited that trust as righteousness.
5. The New Testament Interpretation
The New Testament quotes Genesis 15:6 three major times because it is so foundational.
1. Romans 4:1–5
Paul uses Abraham to prove:
-
People are justified by faith, not by works.
-
If righteousness were earned, it wouldn’t be “credited”—it would be “owed.”
-
But because righteousness comes by faith, it is a gift.
2. Galatians 3:6–9
Paul argues that all who believe God, as Abraham did, are:
-
“children of Abraham”
-
blessed with Abraham through faith
Righteousness by faith is therefore the basis for inclusion in God’s people.
3. James 2:23
James quotes the same verse to show that genuine faith produces acts of obedience.
He is not contradicting Paul; he is showing that real faith is active, not empty.
Together, Paul and James show:
-
We are declared righteous by faith alone
-
But true faith never remains alone—it shows itself through obedience
6. What “Credited as Righteousness” Does NOT Mean
To understand the biblical meaning, we must also clarify what it does not imply.
1. It does not mean Abram was sinless.
He made mistakes—lying in Egypt, doubting, and later fathering a child with Hagar.
Yet God still counted him righteous.
2. It does not mean Abram earned righteousness.
There was no action, sacrifice, or ritual involved.
3. It does not mean faith is righteousness.
Faith itself is not “good enough” to replace righteousness.
Rather, faith connects a person to God, and God credits righteousness based on that relationship.
7. Theological Significance of the Phrase
1. God grants righteousness as a gift
It is God who counts, assigns, or declares someone righteous.
This shows salvation is an act of God’s grace.
2. Faith is the means by which righteousness is received
Faith is not a work; it is trusting God’s promise.
God responds to faith with divine approval.
3. Righteousness is relational, not merely legal
Abram didn’t simply receive a legal verdict; he entered into a deeper covenant relationship with God.
4. This verse sets the pattern for how God saves people
Genesis 15:6 becomes the blueprint of salvation:
-
God gives His promise — humanity responds in faith — God declares them righteous.
This pattern reaches its fulfillment in the New Testament through faith in Christ.
8. What It Means for Believers Today
The phrase is not merely historical—it applies directly to people today.
Just as Abram was counted righteous by believing God’s promise, believers today are counted righteous by trusting:
-
God’s promise of salvation
-
God’s forgiveness
-
God’s provision through Christ
Paul explicitly says:
“The words ‘credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us”
— Romans 4:23–24
Thus, Genesis 15:6 is a timeless spiritual principle.
Conclusion
The phrase “credited to him as righteousness” means that God declared Abraham righteous because he believed God’s promise. It teaches that righteousness is not achieved by works, law, or rituals, but is given by God to those who trust Him.