a primitive root; (compare חָנַן); (compare בָרַךְ); properly, perhaps to bow (the neck only in courtesy to an equal), i.e. to be kind; also (by euphemistically, but rarely) to reprove; shew self merciful, put to shame.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châçad**, represented by `{{H2616}}`, is a primitive root with a dualistic meaning. It appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses**. Primarily, it means to be kind or to "shew self merciful," but it can also be used, though rarely, in a euphemistic sense to mean to reprove or "put to shame." This complexity highlights its role in describing an action taken in response to another's character or words.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{H2616}}` in scripture falls into two distinct categories. In two nearly identical verses, it describes God's reciprocal mercy: "With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful" ([[2 Samuel 22:26]], [[Psalms 18:25]]). Here, the word signifies a divine response of kindness that mirrors the character of the godly individual. In contrast, its use in [[Proverbs 25:10]] demonstrates its opposite meaning, warning that slander can result in the slanderer being publicly "put to shame" by one who hears the tale.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the contexts in which `{{H2616}}` appears:
* `{{H2623}}` **châçîyd** (merciful, godly, saint): This noun describes the person to whom God "shews himself merciful" `{{H2616}}` in both [[2 Samuel 22:26]] and [[Psalms 18:25]]. It defines the character that elicits the positive action of **châçad**.
* `{{H8549}}` **tâmîym** (upright, perfect, without blemish): Used in parallel with **châçîyd** in [[2 Samuel 22:26]] and [[Psalms 18:25]], this term reinforces the theme of God's corresponding action toward those who walk in integrity.
* `{{H1681}}` **dibbâh** (infamy, slander, evil report): In [[Proverbs 25:10]], this is the cause for the negative consequence of `{{H2616}}`. Spreading "infamy" is what leads to being "put to shame."
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear intelligently): This verb identifies the agent who "put thee to shame" `{{H2616}}` in [[Proverbs 25:10]], underscoring that malicious speech has consequences when it is heard by others.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2616}}` is centered on the principle of divine and social reciprocity.
* **Reciprocal Mercy:** The primary theological point, seen in [[Psalms 18:25]] and [[2 Samuel 22:26]], is that God's mercy is shown to those who are merciful. His kindness is a direct and fitting response to the character of His people.
* **Consequences of Speech:** [[Proverbs 25:10]] establishes a clear link between careless or malicious words and public shame. The use of `{{H2616}}` here serves as a warning about accountability, showing that reproof is a natural outcome of spreading slander `{{H1681}}`.
* **Appropriate Action:** The word’s dual meaning reveals that kindness and reproof are both fitting actions depending on the context. God's mercy is an appropriate response to the godly `{{H2623}}`, just as shame is an appropriate response to slander.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2616}}` is a concise yet powerful verb that, despite its infrequent use, illustrates a key biblical principle. It is not a static quality but an active response. Whether it is God showing mercy to the merciful [[Psalms 18:25]] or a person being put to shame for their words [[Proverbs 25:10]], **châçad** demonstrates that actions, both positive and negative, have fitting and direct consequences.
TRV