from חָסַד; properly, kind, i.e. (religiously) pious (a saint); godly (man), good, holy (one), merciful, saint, (un-) godly.
Transliteration:châçîyd
Pronunciation:khaw-seed'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חָסִיד (châçîyd, `{{H2623}}`) is derived from the root חָסַד (chasad, `{{H2617}}`), which fundamentally conveys the concept of steadfast love, loyal devotion, covenant faithfulness, or mercy. Thus, חָסִיד describes one who is characterized by or is the recipient of such loyal love. It denotes a person who is pious, godly, and devoted to God, often in response to God's own *hesed* (steadfast love). The semantic range of חָסִיד includes "pious," "godly," "holy one," "merciful," and "saint." It consistently refers to an individual who manifests a positive, faithful relationship with the divine, embodying a spirit of loyal devotion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חָסִיד occurs primarily in the Psalms, where it frequently refers to those who are faithful and devoted to Yahweh, often in the context of His covenant.
* In [[Psalm 4:3]], the psalmist declares, "But know that the LORD has set apart the godly (חָסִיד) for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him," emphasizing God's special relationship with His devoted ones.
* [[Psalm 30:4]] exhorts, "Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints (חָסִיד), and give thanks to his holy name," inviting those loyal to God to worship Him.
* The connection between God's preservation and the *chasid* is evident in [[Psalm 31:23]]: "Love the LORD, all you his saints (חָסִיד)! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts haughtily."
* [[Psalm 37:28]] further affirms this divine commitment: "For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints (חָסִיד). They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked shall be cut off."
* In [[Psalm 50:5]], the term is linked to covenant: "Gather to me my saints (חָסִיד), those who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!"
* The psalmist's plea in [[Psalm 86:2]], "Preserve my life, for I am godly (חָסִיד); save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God," highlights the personal devotion that undergirds such a request.
* [[Psalm 89:19]] (often translated "faithful one" or "godly one") can refer to King David or a messianic figure, underscoring God's favor upon His chosen and devoted servant.
* The scarcity of such individuals in times of moral decline is lamented in [[Micah 7:2]]: "The godly (חָסִיד) has perished from the earth, and there is no one upright among mankind."
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H2617}}` (חָסַד - *chasad*):** This is the verbal root from which חָסִיד is derived, meaning "to be loyal, to be kind, to act faithfully." It signifies the action of demonstrating steadfast love.
* **`{{H2617}}` (חֶסֶד - *chesed*):** The noun form, meaning "steadfast love, loyal love, covenant faithfulness, mercy, kindness." A חָסִיד is one who is characterized by *hesed* or is the recipient of God's *hesed*. This is the most direct and crucial semantic link, as the *chasid* embodies or experiences the quality of *hesed*.
* **`{{H6662}}` (צַדִּיק - *tsaddiq*):** "Righteous." While a חָסִיד is often righteous, *tsaddiq* emphasizes conformity to a standard of justice and uprightness, whereas חָסִיד highlights loyal devotion and piety in a relational sense.
* **`{{H8535}}` (תָּמִים - *tamim*):** "Blameless, complete, whole." This term speaks to integrity and moral wholeness, often in a ritual or ethical context.
* **`{{H6918}}` (קָדוֹשׁ - *qadosh*):** "Holy." This word refers to that which is set apart or dedicated to God. While a חָסִיד is often considered holy due to their dedication, חָסִיד specifically emphasizes the relational aspect of devotion.
### Theological Significance
The term חָסִיד holds profound theological significance, particularly in its emphasis on the covenant relationship between God and humanity.
* **Reciprocity of Covenant:** חָסִיד highlights the dynamic of the covenant. God demonstrates His unwavering *hesed* towards His people, and in response, His people are called to be *chasidim*—pious, loyal, and devoted. This relationship is built on mutual faithfulness, though God's faithfulness is both primary and perfect.
* **Divine Preservation and Protection:** A prominent theme associated with *chasidim* in the Psalms is God's commitment to preserve, protect, and deliver them. This is not a transactional reward but an outflow of God's own *hesed* towards those who are truly devoted to Him.
* **Ethical and Moral Living:** While primarily denoting religious piety, the concept of *chasid* inherently implies ethical living. One who is genuinely loyal to God will reflect God's character in their actions, manifesting kindness, justice, and righteousness in their interactions with others.
* **Messianic Implications:** In certain contexts, such as [[Psalm 16:10]] (often cited in [[Acts 2:27]]), the term *chasid* (translated as "Holy One") takes on a messianic dimension, referring to the unique, perfectly devoted one who would not experience decay, thus pointing to the resurrection of Christ.
* **Aspirational Ideal for Believers:** The term serves as an ideal for believers, encouraging a life characterized by sincere devotion, trust, and unwavering loyalty to God, with the assurance of His unfailing love and protection.
### Summary
חָסִיד (châçîyd, `{{H2623}}`) is a rich Hebrew term signifying one who is pious, godly, and profoundly devoted to God. Rooted in חָסַד (chasad, `{{H2617}}`), it describes an individual characterized by or receiving God's steadfast love (*hesed*). Predominantly found in the Psalms, *chasid* refers to those in covenant with Yahweh, whose loyalty elicits divine preservation and protection. The term underscores the reciprocal nature of the divine-human relationship, where human devotion mirrors God's perfect faithfulness. It encompasses not only religious piety but also ethical living, and in select instances, carries significant messianic overtones, pointing to the ultimate "Holy One."
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