a primitive root; properly, to cover, i.e. (figuratively) to compassionate; pity, regard, spare.
Transliteration:chûwç
Pronunciation:khoos
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb חוּס (chûwç, `{{H2347}}`) is a primitive root whose semantic range extends from a literal sense of "to cover" to the more prevalent figurative meanings of "to pity," "to compassionate," "to regard," and "to spare." The foundational idea of "covering" suggests protection or shielding, which naturally extends to the act of showing mercy or withholding deserved harm. It implies a conscious decision to refrain from inflicting punishment or destruction, driven by a feeling of concern, pity, or compassion for the object. This word often conveys the nuance of preserving or protecting life and well-being by choosing not to act with severity. It is distinct from other words for mercy in that it frequently emphasizes the act of *withholding* or *refraining* from judgment, often in a context where such judgment would be justified.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb חוּס (chûwç) appears approximately 25 times in the Old Testament, frequently in contexts of divine or human judgment, discipline, and mercy.
One of the most prominent uses is in the book of Jonah, where it highlights God's profound compassion. In [[Jonah 4:10]], the Lord states, "You *pity* (חוּס) the plant for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night." This is immediately followed by [[Jonah 4:11]], where God contrasts Jonah's pity for a plant with His own greater pity for Nineveh: "And should not I *pity* (חוּס) Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?" Here, חוּס underscores God's universal compassion and His desire for repentance rather than destruction, even for a city hostile to Israel.
Conversely, the word is often used to describe the *absence* of pity, particularly in contexts of divine judgment. In Jeremiah and Ezekiel, חוּס frequently appears in negative constructions, emphasizing the severity of God's impending judgment due to Israel's persistent sin. For instance, in [[Jeremiah 13:14]], the Lord declares, "I will dash them one against another, both fathers and sons together, declares the Lord. I will not *pity* (חוּס) or spare or have compassion, that I would not destroy them." Similar expressions are found in [[Ezekiel 5:11]], [[Ezekiel 7:4]], [[Ezekiel 8:18]], and [[Ezekiel 9:5]], where God explicitly states that His eye will *not* pity, and He will *not* spare, signifying the unreserved nature of the coming destruction. This demonstrates that while God is compassionate, His justice demands a response to unrepentant sin.
In human contexts, חוּס can describe both appropriate and inappropriate pity. [[Proverbs 19:18]] advises, "Chasten your son while there is hope; do not *pity* (חוּס) his crying." Here, the lack of pity is seen as necessary for proper discipline and the child's long-term well-being. On the other hand, [[Deuteronomy 7:16]] commands Israel, concerning the Canaanite nations, "Your eye shall not *pity* (חוּס) them." This command, reiterated in [[1 Samuel 15:3]] regarding the Amalekites ("do not *pity* (חוּס) them"), emphasizes the necessity of executing divine judgment without human sentimentality, in order to prevent the corruption of God's people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "sparing" or "pitying" conveyed by חוּס (chûwç, `{{H2347}}`) is deeply intertwined with other significant biblical terms and theological ideas:
* **Mercy and Compassion:** While חוּס specifically denotes the act of withholding harm or showing pity, it is closely related to broader concepts of divine mercy and compassion.
* `{{H7355}}` (racham): This root often describes a deep, visceral, womb-like compassion or tender mercy, often expressed as a strong emotional bond. While חוּס is the *action* of sparing, racham is the *feeling* that often motivates it.
* `{{H2617}}` (chesed): This term refers to steadfast love, loyalty, and covenant faithfulness, often expressed through acts of kindness and mercy. While chesed is a broader concept of enduring love, חוּס can be a specific manifestation of that love in a moment of potential judgment.
* **Forgiveness:** To spare often precedes or accompanies forgiveness. When God spares, it opens the door for reconciliation and forgiveness.
* **Justice and Righteousness:** The use of חוּס in both positive (God sparing Nineveh) and negative (God not sparing rebellious Israel) contexts highlights the tension and interplay between God's mercy and His justice. When God does not spare, it is often an expression of His righteous judgment against sin.
* **Preservation and Deliverance:** The underlying sense of "covering" in חוּס connects it to the idea of preservation. To spare is to preserve life or existence, preventing destruction or harm.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חוּס (chûwç, `{{H2347}}`) is profound, revealing crucial aspects of both divine and human character and responsibility.
Firstly, it serves as a powerful descriptor of **God's character**. The narrative of Jonah, in particular, demonstrates God's boundless compassion and His desire for all humanity to turn to Him. God's willingness to "pity" even a wicked city like Nineveh underscores His patience, His long-suffering, and His preference for repentance and life over judgment and destruction. This attribute of "sparing" is a cornerstone of biblical hope, assuring humanity that God is not quick to condemn but is rich in mercy.
Secondly, the contexts where God declares He will *not* חוּס highlight the **severity of unrepentant sin and the certainty of divine judgment**. When God's people persistently reject His covenant and commands, His patience eventually gives way to justice. The declaration that "My eye will not pity, nor will I spare" (e.g., [[Ezekiel 5:11]]) serves as a stark warning, emphasizing that while God is merciful, He is also righteous and holy, and sin will ultimately be addressed. This tension between God's mercy and justice is a central theme in Old Testament theology.
Thirdly, חוּס informs **human responsibility and ethics**. Believers are called to emulate God's compassion and to show pity where appropriate. However, the Bible also presents situations where "not pitying" is necessary, such as in parental discipline ([[Proverbs 19:18]]) or in the execution of divine judgment against irredeemably wicked nations ([[Deuteronomy 7:16]]). This nuanced application underscores the importance of discerning God's will and acting in accordance with His broader purposes, rather than mere sentimentality.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb חוּס (chûwç, `{{H2347}}`), rooted in the concept of "to cover," primarily signifies "to pity," "to compassionate," and "to spare." It encapsulates the act of withholding deserved harm or destruction, driven by a profound sense of mercy or concern. In its biblical occurrences, חוּס illuminates the depth of God's compassion and His desire for all people to repent, as powerfully illustrated in the book of Jonah. Conversely, its negative usage—God's declaration that He will *not* pity or spare—underscores the gravity of unrepentant sin and the inevitability of divine judgment. The word thus encapsulates the tension between God's mercy and His justice. For humanity, חוּs serves as a model for compassionate action while also defining contexts where a lack of pity is necessary for righteous discipline or the execution of divine will. Ultimately, חוּס is a profound theological term that reveals God's character as both merciful and just, providing a foundation for hope and a guide for human conduct.
TRV