Noahidism is a term used to describe the religious code of conduct followed by non-Jewish believers in Judaism. The spelling of the word is based on the name of Noah, the biblical figure associated with the flood. The word is pronounced as /noʊəhɪdɪzəm/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The initial sound is the vowel sound /oʊ/ followed by the /ə/ schwa sound. The /h/ and /d/ sounds are combined into the /hɪd/ syllable, followed by the /ɪzəm/ suffix indicating a belief or doctrine.
Noahidism, also known as Noachism, is a religious and ethical system based on the principles derived from the biblical account of Noah and his descendants. It refers to a set of universal moral laws believed to have been given by God to all humanity through Noah, after the Great Flood, as a covenant for the preservation and betterment of society.
The central tenet of Noahidism is the belief in the Seven Laws of Noah or the Noahide Laws. These laws are considered to be the basic requirements for all human beings to live in a just and righteous society. The seven laws include the prohibitions against idolatry, blasphemy, murder, adultery, theft, cruelty to animals, and establishing a legal system to enforce justice. Some variants include additional laws concerning respecting God, prayer, and the prohibition of eating the flesh of a living animal.
Noahidism is primarily associated with Judaism, as it is believed to be a universal moral code that was revealed to all of humanity. It emphasizes the idea of monotheism, the belief in a single God, and the importance of ethical behavior. This ethical system seeks to promote harmony, justice, and compassion among all people, regardless of their faith, culture, or background.
Noahidism has gained popularity in recent decades as a bridge between different religious communities, promoting interfaith dialogue and emphasizing the shared values and responsibilities of all human beings. Some individuals and communities practice Noahidism as a way of living a moral and ethical life within the framework of their own religious beliefs.
The word "Noahidism" is derived from the Hebrew term "Noachidut" (נֹחַדוּת), which relates to the concept of Noahide laws or Noahidism. It stems from the biblical figure of Noah (Noach in Hebrew), who appears in the Book of Genesis. In Judaism, Noah is described as a righteous man who lived during the time of the Great Flood and was chosen by God to survive along with his family and a diverse set of animals on the Ark. After the flood, God establishes a covenant with Noah, providing him with a set of laws known as the Noahide laws, intended to be followed by all humanity. These universal laws define the basic moral and ethical principles to guide human conduct.