Devine Scripture

Genesis 15:6

What does Genesis 15:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 15:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 15:6 means

In response to God's magnificent promise of innumerable descendants, Abram believed in the Lord. This belief was not merely intellectual assent but a profound trust and reliance on God's word, despite the human impossibility of his situation (being old and childless). Because of this faith, God "reckoned it to him for righteousness." This means that Abram's trusting obedience was counted as a right standing before God, rather than through his own merit or works. This verse is profoundly significant, establishing faith as the basis for righteousness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he believed in Jehovah; and he reckoned it to him for righteousness.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he believed in Jehovah; and he reckoned it to him for righteousness.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he had faith in the Lord, and it was put to his account as righteousness.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he hath believed in Jehovah, and He reckoneth it to him--righteousness.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Abram believed God, and it was reputed to him unto justice.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he believed Jehovah; and he reckoned it to him [as] righteousness.

Context

This verse is arguably the theological lynchpin of the entire chapter, directly following God's expansive promise of countless descendants. Abram's act of belief in the face of human impossibility is highlighted, and God's recognition of this faith as righteousness sets a foundational biblical principle. This pivotal moment of faith undergirds all the subsequent covenant rituals and promises that God makes with Abram in the rest of the chapter.

v.5And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and number the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

v.6This passage

v.7And he said unto him, I am Jehovah that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 106:31

    And that was reckoned unto him for righteousness, Unto all generations for evermore.

  • Galatians 3:6

    Even as Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness.

  • Romans 4:11

    and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might be reckoned unto them;

  • Romans 4:20

    yet, looking unto the promise of God, he wavered not through unbelief, but waxed strong through faith, giving glory to God,

  • Hebrews 11:8

    By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

  • Romans 4:3

    For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness.

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