What is Tzedakah?
The Hebrew word צדקה (tzedakah) is often translated as "charity," but this translation misses something crucial. While "charity" in English implies optional, voluntary giving, tzedakah means "righteousness" or "justice." It's not optional generosity—it's required righteousness. Giving to the poor and needy is not a choice in Hebrew thought; it's an obligation, a requirement of living justly.
Tzedakah in a Nutshell
Hebrew: צדקה (tzedakah)
Transliteration: tzedakah
Basic Meaning: Righteousness, justice, charity (as required justice)
Root: צ.ד.ק (tz.d.k) - "righteous, just"
Tzedakah appears throughout the Hebrew Bible, especially in contexts of justice, righteousness, and care for the poor. It's used to describe both personal righteousness (living in right relationship with God) and acts of justice toward others (especially the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger).
Etymology and Root Meaning
To truly understand tzedakah, we need to explore its root meaning. The word comes from the Hebrew root צ.ד.ק (tz.d.k), which means "righteous" or "just."
Words from the צ.ד.ק Root
| Hebrew Word | Transliteration | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| צדקה | tzedakah | righteousness, charity | Required justice and giving |
| צדיק | tzadik | righteous person | One who does what is right |
| צדק | tzedek | righteousness, justice | Rightness, justice |
| הצדיק | hitzdik | to justify, to make right | Action of making right |
This root meaning of "righteous" or "just" helps us understand why tzedakah is an obligation, not an option. In Hebrew thought, giving to the poor is not charity—it's justice. The poor have a right to assistance, and those who have resources have an obligation to help. It's not about being generous; it's about being just.
Understanding the Root
Think of tzedakah like paying a debt. When you give tzedakah, you're not being generous—you're doing what is right and just. The poor have a right to assistance, and you have an obligation to provide it. It's justice, not charity.
Biblical Usage of Tzedakah
Tzedakah appears throughout the Hebrew Bible in various contexts, each revealing a different aspect of its rich meaning. Let's explore how it's used in Scripture:
Tzedakah as Personal Righteousness
Tzedakah describes living in right relationship with God—personal righteousness.
Proverbs 21:3: עֲשׂוֹת צְדָקָה וּמִשְׁפָּט נִבְחָר לַיהוָה מִזָּבַח
Transliteration: Asot tzedakah umishpat nivchar la'Adonai mizavach
Translation: "To do righteousness (tzedakah) and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice"
Tzedakah as Justice for the Poor
Tzedakah describes acts of justice toward the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger.
Isaiah 1:17: לִמְדוּ הֵיטֵב דִּרְשׁוּ מִשְׁפָּט אַשְּׁרוּ חָמוֹץ שִׁפְטוּ יָתוֹם רִיבוּ אַלְמָנָה
Transliteration: Limdu heitev dirshu mishpat ashru chamotz shiftu yatom rivu almanah
Translation: "Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause"
While this verse doesn't use the word tzedakah directly, it describes the actions that tzedakah requires.
Tzedakah as Required Giving
Tzedakah is not optional—it's a requirement of living justly.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8: כִּי יִהְיֶה בְךָ אֶבְיוֹן מֵאַחַד אַחֶיךָ בְּאַחַד שְׁעָרֶיךָ בְּאַרְצְךָ אֲשֶׁר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לָךְ לֹא תְאַמֵּץ אֶת לְבָבְךָ וְלֹא תִקְפֹּץ אֶת יָדְךָ מֵאָחִיךָ הָאֶבְיוֹן
Transliteration: Ki yihyeh vekha evyon me'achad achekha be'achad she'arekha be'artzekha asher Adonai Elohekha noten lakh lo teametz et levavkha velo tikpotz et yadekha me'achikha ha'evyon
Translation: "If there is a poor man among you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land that the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother"
Layers of Meaning
Tzedakah has multiple layers of meaning that build upon each other. Understanding these layers helps us grasp the full biblical concept of righteousness and justice.
⚖️ Righteousness
Personal righteousness—living in right relationship with God, doing what is right and just in all areas of life.
Example: "To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice" (Proverbs 21:3)
🏛️ Justice
Social justice—ensuring that the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger receive what they need and what is rightfully theirs.
Example: "Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression" (Isaiah 1:17)
💝 Required Giving
Not optional charity, but required justice. Giving to the poor is an obligation, not a choice. It's doing what is right, not being generous.
Example: "You shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother" (Deuteronomy 15:7)
🤝 Right Relationship
Restoring right relationships—both with God (through personal righteousness) and with others (through acts of justice).
Example: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice" (Micah 6:8)
Key Biblical Passages
Let's examine some of the most important passages where tzedakah appears in Scripture, understanding how each reveals a different aspect of this profound concept.
Proverbs 21:3 - Righteousness Over Sacrifice
עֲשׂוֹת צְדָקָה (Asot tzedakah) - "to do righteousness"
צְדָקָה (Tzedakah) - "righteousness, justice"
מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) - "justice, judgment"
This passage shows that tzedakah (righteousness and justice) is more important to God than religious rituals. Living justly matters more than religious performance.
Isaiah 58:6-7 - True Fasting
פָרֹס לָרָעֵב (Faros lar'ev) - "share with the hungry"
וַעֲנִיִּים (Va'aniyim) - "and the poor"
This passage shows that true religious practice includes tzedakah—caring for the poor, the hungry, and the oppressed. It's not optional; it's essential.
Micah 6:8 - What the LORD Requires
עֲשׂוֹת מִשְׁפָּט (Asot mishpat) - "to do justice"
וְאַהֲבַת חֶסֶד (Ve'ahavat chesed) - "and to love kindness"
This famous passage summarizes what God requires: justice (mishpat, related to tzedakah), loving-kindness (chesed), and humble walking with God. Tzedakah is at the heart of what God requires.
Practical Application
Understanding the full meaning of tzedakah transforms how we approach giving, justice, and righteousness. Here are practical ways to apply this biblical concept:
Practicing Tzedakah in Daily Life
- See giving as justice, not charity: Recognize that helping the poor is not optional generosity but required justice
- Give regularly and systematically: Make tzedakah a regular part of your budget, not just occasional giving
- Prioritize the most vulnerable: Focus on the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger—those most in need
- Give with dignity: Give in ways that preserve the dignity of the recipient, recognizing their worth as image-bearers of God
- Advocate for justice: Beyond individual giving, work for systemic justice and righteousness in society
- Live righteously in all areas: Tzedakah includes personal righteousness—living justly in all areas of life
Tzedakah in Practice
Traditional Jewish teaching provides guidance on practicing tzedakah:
Give regularly: Make tzedakah a regular part of your life, not just occasional giving
Give proportionally: Give according to your means, but make it a priority
Give with the right heart: Give because it's right, not for recognition or reward
Give to those in need: Prioritize the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger
Give in ways that help: Give in ways that truly help, not just make you feel good
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Subscribe to Hebrew NewsletterFrequently Asked Questions
What does tzedakah mean in Hebrew?
Tzedakah means righteousness and charity in Hebrew. It comes from the root צ.ד.ק (tz.d.k) meaning "righteous" or "just." Unlike English "charity" which is optional, tzedakah is an obligation—doing what is right and just, especially toward the poor and needy.
What is the difference between tzedakah and charity?
Charity in English implies optional, voluntary giving. Tzedakah, however, is an obligation—a requirement to do what is right and just. It's not optional generosity, but required righteousness. Giving to the poor is not a choice but a duty in Hebrew thought. The poor have a right to assistance, and those who have resources have an obligation to help.
How is tzedakah used in the Bible?
Tzedakah appears throughout the Hebrew Bible, especially in contexts of justice, righteousness, and care for the poor. It's used to describe both personal righteousness (living in right relationship with God) and acts of justice toward others (especially the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger). Examples include Proverbs 21:3, Isaiah 1:17, and Micah 6:8.
Is tzedakah only about giving money?
No, tzedakah includes more than financial giving. It encompasses all acts of justice and righteousness: caring for the poor, defending the oppressed, helping the widow and orphan, welcoming the stranger, and living righteously in all areas of life. It's about doing what is right and just, not just giving money.
How much should I give in tzedakah?
Traditional Jewish teaching suggests giving at least 10% of one's income (similar to the tithe), but the amount should be proportional to one's means. The key is making tzedakah a regular priority, not just occasional giving. More important than the amount is the heart—giving because it's right, not for recognition.
How does tzedakah relate to the New Testament?
Jesus and the New Testament writers continue the emphasis on tzedakah. Jesus teaches about giving to the poor (Matthew 6:1-4), caring for the least of these (Matthew 25:31-46), and the importance of justice and mercy (Matthew 23:23). The early church practiced tzedakah by caring for widows and the poor (Acts 6:1-7). The concept of required justice and righteousness continues throughout Scripture.