### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chemlâh**, represented by `{{H2551}}`, conveys the concept of **commiseration**, **merciful**, or **pity**. It is derived from the root word *châmal*. Though it appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, its usage reveals a profound aspect of God's character, specifically His active compassion towards humanity in times of distress.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two appearances of `{{H2551}}` illustrate God's mercy in tangible ways. In Genesis, it describes the direct intervention of the LORD, who is **merciful** to Lot and his family by having his messengers physically lead them out of a city marked for destruction [[Genesis 19:16]]. In Isaiah, the word is used to describe God's motivation for delivering Israel; it was "in his love and in his **pity**" that He **redeemed** them from their affliction and carried them through their hardship [[Isaiah 63:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the meaning of **chemlâh**:
* `{{H160}}` **'ahăbâh** (love): This word for affection is used in direct parallel with **pity** in [[Isaiah 63:9]], indicating that God's compassionate action stems from His love for His people.
* `{{H1350}}` **gâʼal** (to redeem): This term, meaning to buy back or act as a kinsman-redeemer, is presented as the direct result of God's **pity** and love, showing that His compassion leads to redemptive action [[Isaiah 63:9]].
* `{{H6869}}` **tsârâh** (trouble): This word for affliction, distress, and anguish describes the circumstances that provoke God's **pity**. His compassion is a response to the trouble His people experience [[Isaiah 63:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2551}}` is centered on the active nature of God's compassion.
* **Mercy as Intervention:** The term is not used to describe a passive feeling but an active force. God being **merciful** is the reason Lot and his family are physically saved from judgment [[Genesis 19:16]].
* **A Motive for Salvation:** God's **pity**, paired with his **love** `{{H160}}`, is the explicit reason He **saved** `{{H3467}}` and **redeemed** `{{H1350}}` Israel from their affliction [[Isaiah 63:9]].
* **An Expression of Divine Character:** In both instances, `{{H2551}}` is an attribute of God. It reveals that His nature includes a deep commiseration for humanity that compels Him to act on their behalf.
### Summary
In summary, while **chemlâh** `{{H2551}}` is a rare word, it carries significant theological importance. It defines **pity** and being **merciful** not as a distant sentiment but as a powerful, motivating aspect of God's character. Its use in scripture demonstrates that God's compassion directly results in His intervention to redeem, save, and rescue His people from affliction and danger.
TRV