the same as חֵסֵד; favor; Chesed, an Israelite; Hesed.
Transliteration:Cheçed
Pronunciation:kheh'-sed
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חֶסֶד (transliterated *cheçed*, Strong's `{{H2618}}`) is primarily identified in the Masoretic Text as a proper noun, referring to an individual, as in [[1 Kings 4:10]], where "Chesed" is listed among Solomon's officers. However, the provided base definition "the same as חֵסֵד" (`{{H2617}}`) directs us to the far more significant and pervasive theological concept. While `{{H2618}}` itself is a proper name, its root and meaning are inextricably linked to `{{H2617}}`, which denotes a profound and multifaceted concept.
חֶסֶד (`{{H2617}}`) is one of the richest and most important terms in the Hebrew Bible. It defies simple translation into a single English word, often rendered as "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," "mercy," "faithfulness," "loyalty," or "covenant loyalty." Its semantic range encompasses:
1. **Loyalty and Faithfulness:** It describes a commitment to a relationship, particularly a covenantal one, that is enduring and reliable.
2. **Love and Affection:** It signifies a deep, personal affection that motivates action.
3. **Benevolence and Kindness:** It expresses an active demonstration of goodness and generosity towards others, often those in need or distress.
4. **Steadfastness and Endurance:** It implies a quality of persistence and reliability, particularly in the face of changing circumstances.
Thus, *hesed* is not merely an emotion but an active, loyal, and enduring love that is demonstrated through deeds, especially within the context of a relationship or covenant. It is a love that commits and acts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The concept of *hesed* (referring to `{{H2617}}`) permeates the Old Testament, appearing over 240 times. Its most frequent and profound application is in describing an attribute of God:
* **Divine *Hesed*:** God's *hesed* is consistently portrayed as an eternal, unwavering attribute. It is a cornerstone of His character and His relationship with Israel.
* In the Exodus narrative, God reveals Himself as "abounding in *hesed* and truth" ([[Exodus 34:6]]), emphasizing His steadfast loyalty and faithfulness to His covenant promises despite Israel's failures.
* The Psalms frequently celebrate God's enduring *hesed*, often proclaiming that "His *hesed* endures forever" ([[Psalm 136:1-26]]). This refrain underscores the reliability and constancy of God's love and faithfulness, providing hope and security for His people ([[Psalm 107:1]]).
* It is the basis for God's deliverance and salvation ([[Psalm 51:1]], [[Psalm 63:3]]), and for His forgiveness and restoration ([[Nehemiah 9:17]]).
* God's *hesed* is often paired with His justice and righteousness, demonstrating that His compassion does not negate His holiness but rather works in harmony with it ([[Psalm 36:5-6]]).
* **Human *Hesed*:** While primarily divine, *hesed* is also expected and demonstrated among humans:
* It describes loyalty between individuals, such as the bond between David and Jonathan ([[1 Samuel 20:14-15]]) or the remarkable devotion of Ruth to Naomi ([[Ruth 1:8]], [[Ruth 3:10]]).
* It encompasses acts of kindness, hospitality, and compassion towards strangers or those in need ([[Genesis 19:19]], [[Joshua 2:12]]).
* Prophets call for *hesed* as an essential aspect of righteous living, emphasizing its importance over mere ritual sacrifice ([[Hosea 6:6]], [[Micah 6:8]]). This highlights *hesed* as a relational ethic, deeply rooted in God's own character.
### Related Words & Concepts
The richness of *hesed* is often illuminated by its proximity to other significant Hebrew terms:
* **אֱמֶת (*emet*, `{{H571}}` - truth, faithfulness):** These two words are frequently paired (e.g., [[Exodus 34:6]], [[Psalm 25:10]], [[Psalm 85:10]]). *Hesed* denotes the active, loyal love, while *emet* emphasizes its reliability and truthfulness. Together, they describe a love that is both committed and trustworthy.
* **רַחֲמִים (*rachamim*, `{{H7356}}` - compassion, mercy):** While both *hesed* and *rachamim* express mercy, *rachamim* often conveys a deeper, visceral compassion, like a parent's love for a child (from *rechem*, "womb"). *Hesed* emphasizes loyalty and covenant obligation, whereas *rachamim* highlights a tender, empathetic pity.
* **צֶדֶק (*tzedeq*, `{{H6664}}` - righteousness) / מִשְׁפָּט (*mishpat*, `{{H4941}}` - justice):** *Hesed* is often presented as the active expression of God's righteousness and justice, particularly in His dealings with the vulnerable. God's *hesed* is not arbitrary but flows from His just and righteous character ([[Psalm 36:6-7]]).
* **בְּרִית (*berit*, `{{H1285}}` - covenant):** *Hesed* is the very essence of covenant fidelity. It is the steadfast love and loyalty that undergirds and sustains God's covenants with His people, and the expected response from those in covenant with Him.
* **אַהֲבָה (*ahavah*, `{{H160}}` - love):** While *ahavah* is a broader term for love, *hesed* specifies a particular kind of love—one that is loyal, active, and committed, especially within a relational framework.
In the New Testament, while there isn't a single direct equivalent, the concept of *hesed* finds expression in terms like *ἔλεος* (*eleos*, `{{G1656}}` - mercy), *ἀγάπη* (*agape*, `{{G26}}` - selfless love), and *πίστις* (*pistis*, `{{G4102}}` - faithfulness), particularly when describing God's character and actions towards humanity through Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *hesed* is profound and foundational to biblical theology:
1. **Revelation of God's Character:** *Hesed* is a primary attribute of Yahweh, revealing Him as a God who is not only powerful and just but also deeply committed, loyal, and merciful to His creation, especially His covenant people. It assures humanity of His unwavering presence and support.
2. **Basis of the Covenant:** God's *hesed* is the bedrock upon which His covenants are established and maintained. It guarantees His faithfulness to His promises despite human infidelity, providing the ultimate hope for Israel's restoration and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies.
3. **Source of Salvation and Deliverance:** It is God's *hesed* that motivates Him to deliver His people from oppression, forgive their sins, and restore them to fellowship. It is the mercy that triumphs over judgment.
4. **Ethical Imperative for Humanity:** Because God is a God of *hesed*, His people are called to emulate this quality in their relationships with one another. *Hesed* becomes a core ethical demand, requiring active love, loyalty, and compassion towards neighbors, the vulnerable, and even enemies ([[Micah 6:8]]). It transcends mere ritual and demands genuine, relational righteousness.
5. **Continuity with New Testament Grace:** The rich concept of *hesed* deeply informs the New Testament understanding of God's grace (*charis*, `{{G5485}}`) and steadfast love (*agape*, `{{G26}}`) manifested supremely in Jesus Christ. God's sending of His Son is the ultimate demonstration of His enduring *hesed* towards humanity, offering salvation and reconciliation through the new covenant.
### Summary
While חֶסֶד (`{{H2618}}`) functions as a proper noun in specific biblical contexts, its profound theological significance derives from its conceptual identity with חֶסֶד (`{{H2617}}`). This latter term represents one of the most vital theological concepts in the Hebrew Bible, encapsulating "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," "mercy," and "covenant loyalty." It describes an active, enduring, and faithful love that is central to God's character and His relationship with humanity. God's *hesed* is the unwavering foundation of His covenants, the source of salvation, and the ethical standard for human interaction. It is a love that commits and acts, providing both divine assurance and a call to reciprocal faithfulness, foreshadowing the New Testament's revelation of God's grace in Christ.
TRV