צְדָקָה
Tzedakah
Righteousness, justice, charity
Here's a fact that will change how you read your Bible: in Hebrew, the word for 'righteousness' and the word for 'charity' are the same word — tzedakah (צְדָקָה). This is not a coincidence. In Hebrew thought, you cannot be righteous without being generous. Justice and generosity are inseparable. When Abraham believed God and 'it was counted to him as tzedakah' (Genesis 15:6), the word carries both meanings. And when Maimonides later outlined his famous 8 levels of tzedakah, he was building on a biblical foundation that says true righteousness always overflows into action for others.
“To do righteousness (tzedakah) and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.”
Etymology & Root Letters
Tzedakah comes from the root צ-ד-ק (tsade-dalet-qof), meaning 'to be right, just.' In Hebrew, righteousness and charity are the same word — because true righteousness always results in generous action toward others.
How Tzedakah Is Used in Scripture
Tzedakah appears 159 times in the Hebrew Bible. It's used for God's righteousness (Psalm 71:19), human righteousness (Genesis 15:6), and acts of charity (Daniel 4:27). Abraham's faith was 'counted as tzedakah' (Genesis 15:6).
Cultural & Modern Context
In Judaism, tzedakah (charity) is not optional generosity — it's an obligation of justice. Maimonides outlined 8 levels of tzedakah, with the highest being helping someone become self-sufficient. Many Jewish homes have a 'tzedakah box' for regular giving.
How to Use Tzedakah in Prayer
Ask God for a heart of tzedakah — righteousness that overflows into action. Biblical righteousness is never passive; it always moves toward justice and generosity for those in need.
People Also Ask About Tzedakah
What are Maimonides' 8 levels of tzedakah?
Maimonides ranked charitable giving from lowest to highest: (1) giving reluctantly, (2) giving less than appropriate but cheerfully, (3) giving after being asked, (4) giving before being asked, (5) giving without knowing the recipient, (6) giving anonymously, (7) giving without knowing the recipient and vice versa, (8) helping someone become self-sufficient. The highest form of tzedakah eliminates the need for charity entirely.
Why are righteousness and charity the same word in Hebrew?
In Hebrew thought, righteousness (right standing with God) naturally produces generosity (right action toward others). You cannot be tzaddik (righteous) and ignore the poor. The dual meaning of tzedakah teaches that faith without works is incomplete — a concept James echoes in James 2:17. Biblical righteousness is inherently social and active.
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