a primitive root; to commiserate; by implication, to spare; have compassion, (have) pity, spare.
Transliteration:châmal
Pronunciation:khaw-mal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H2550}}` (châmal) conveys the fundamental idea of "to commiserate," "to pity," or "to have compassion." Its semantic range extends significantly to "to spare," implying an active decision to withhold harm, punishment, or destruction, particularly when one possesses the power to inflict it. This is not merely a feeling of sympathy, but a volitional act of mercy. The word suggests a reluctance to bring about a detrimental outcome, often stemming from a deep sense of concern or pity for the object of that action. It can describe a sparing of life, property, or a general forbearance from inflicting suffering. The nuance of châmal lies in its emphasis on the *action* taken (or not taken) as a direct result of compassion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb châmal appears approximately 37 times in the Old Testament, illuminating various facets of its meaning. A prominent use is in the context of divine action, where God is depicted as one who châmal His people. For instance, in [[Joel 2:17]], the prophet implores God to "spare Your people, O LORD," in the face of impending judgment, highlighting God's potential for mercy. Similarly, [[Malachi 3:17]] speaks of God sparing His people "as a man spares his son who serves him," emphasizing a paternal, protective compassion.
Conversely, châmal is frequently used in the negative to describe the *absence* of pity or the *failure* to spare, particularly in contexts of divine judgment or human disobedience. In [[Jeremiah 13:14]], God declares, "I will not pity nor spare nor have mercy, but I will destroy them," illustrating the severity of judgment when divine compassion is withdrawn. A critical instance of human failure to châmal is found in the account of King Saul and the Amalekites. God commanded Saul to utterly destroy them, but Saul "spared Agag and the best of the sheep, oxen, fatlings, and lambs" ([[1 Samuel 15:9]], cf. [[1 Samuel 15:3]], [[1 Samuel 15:15]]). This act of not sparing what God commanded to be destroyed was a direct act of disobedience, leading to Saul's rejection as king.
Further examples demonstrate the range:
* In [[Jeremiah 21:7]], God states He will not "pity nor spare nor have mercy" on Zedekiah and the people of Jerusalem, delivering them to the Babylonians.
* [[Ezekiel 9:5]] and [[Ezekiel 9:10]] contain God's command to the executing angels: "let not your eye pity, nor spare," underscoring the absolute nature of the judgment against Jerusalem's idolatry.
* The concept can apply to human-to-human interaction, though less frequently. [[Deuteronomy 13:8]] (in the context of dealing with an apostate) commands, "you shall not pity him nor conceal him," showing that in matters of covenant fidelity, pity must not compromise justice.
### Related Words & Concepts
Châmal interacts with several other Hebrew terms related to mercy and judgment.
* `{{H7355}}` (racham): Often translated "compassion" or "mercy," this word frequently carries the nuance of deep, visceral, often maternal or familial affection. While racham describes the *feeling* of tender compassion, châmal often describes the *action* of sparing that arises from such a feeling, or the deliberate choice to refrain from harm.
* `{{H2617}}` (chesed): This term signifies "loyal love," "kindness," or "mercy," often within the framework of a covenant relationship. While chesed is a broader concept of steadfast love and faithfulness, châmal is more specific to the act of withholding punishment or destruction.
* `{{H5503}}` (salach): "To forgive." Châmal is about sparing from a negative consequence, while salach is about pardoning a wrong. They are related in that both are expressions of grace.
* `{{H995}}` (bin): "To discern" or "understand." Sometimes, understanding a situation or person's plight can lead to the exercise of châmal.
The concept of châmal stands in tension with divine judgment (`{{H4941}}`, mishpat) and destruction (`{{H7843}}`, shachath). It represents the moment of decision where mercy can intervene to prevent the full outworking of justice or wrath.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of châmal is profound, particularly in its application to God's character.
1. **Divine Attribute of Mercy:** Châmal reveals God as a compassionate Sovereign who, despite possessing ultimate power and the right to judge, often chooses to spare. This highlights His patience and desire for repentance rather than immediate destruction. His willingness to châmal demonstrates His graciousness and long-suffering nature towards His covenant people, even when they are unfaithful. It underscores the hope of restoration and the possibility of averting judgment through repentance, as seen in the prophetic calls for Israel to return to the Lord so that He might châmal them.
2. **Justice and Judgment:** The instances where God declares He will *not* châmal are equally significant. They underscore the reality of divine justice and the consequences of persistent sin and rebellion. When châmal is withheld, it signals the culmination of divine patience and the inevitable outpouring of wrath, emphasizing God's holiness and His commitment to upholding His moral order.
3. **Human Responsibility and Obedience:** The command to châmal or the prohibition against it often serves as a test of human obedience. Saul's failure to châmal Agag was not merely a lack of pity but a direct violation of God's explicit command, demonstrating a deeper issue of rebellion against divine authority. Conversely, the righteous are sometimes called to show châmal to the vulnerable, reflecting God's own character.
### Summary
`{{H2550}}` (châmal) is a crucial Hebrew term denoting active compassion leading to the sparing or preservation of an individual or group, particularly when one has the power to inflict harm or destruction. It signifies a volitional act of mercy, often arising from pity or commiseration. Biblically, châmal is a key attribute of God, showcasing His graciousness, patience, and reluctance to bring about destruction, even while affirming His ultimate justice when châmal is withheld due to persistent sin. For humanity, châmal serves as a test of obedience and a reflection of divine character, emphasizing the profound choice between judgment and mercy.
TRV