### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word *çallâch* (`{{H5546}}`) is an adjective derived from the verbal root *sālach* (`{{H5545}}`), which means "to forgive," "to pardon," or "to remit (sin)." As an adjective, *çallâch* describes the quality or disposition of being "forgiving," "ready to pardon," or "placable." It speaks to an inherent attribute of a being who is characteristically disposed to grant forgiveness, rather than merely performing the act of forgiveness on a single occasion. Its semantic range emphasizes the readiness and willingness to extend pardon, highlighting a fundamental aspect of the forgiver's nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *çallâch* (`{{H5546}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly significant.
* **[[Nehemiah 9:17]]**: "But they refused to obey and did not remember your wondrous deeds that you had done for them, but stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them."
In this passage, *çallâch* is part of a profound prayer of confession and praise offered by the Levites during a solemn assembly. The prayer recounts Israel's persistent rebellion and God's unfailing faithfulness throughout their history. The term *çallâch* is explicitly attributed to God, declaring Him to be "a God ready to forgive." This attribute is presented alongside other core divine characteristics: "gracious" (*channûn*, `{{H2587}}`), "merciful" (*rachûm*, `{{H7349}}`), "slow to anger" (*'erekh 'appayim*, `{{H750}}` + `{{H639}}`), and "abounding in steadfast love" (*rav chesed*, `{{H7227}}` + `{{H2617}}`). The context underscores the stark contrast between Israel's stubborn disobedience and God's enduring disposition to pardon, even in the face of their desire to revert to slavery.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb *sālach* (`{{H5545}}`):** The most direct linguistic relation, *sālach* describes the *act* of forgiving (e.g., [[Numbers 14:19]], [[Psalm 25:11]], [[Psalm 103:3]]). *Çallâch* (the adjective) describes the *nature* or *disposition* that leads to such acts.
* **Divine Attributes of Mercy and Grace:** The cluster of terms in [[Nehemiah 9:17]]—gracious, merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love—are frequently associated with God's character. These attributes, together with "ready to forgive," form a comprehensive picture of God's compassionate nature.
* **The Thirteen Attributes of God (Exodus 34:6-7):** The phrase in Nehemiah 9:17 is a direct echo of the foundational revelation of God's character to Moses in [[Exodus 34:6-7]], where God proclaims Himself as "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin." While *çallâch* itself is not present in the Exodus passage, the concept of God's inherent readiness to forgive is central to this self-revelation, with the verb *sālach* being explicitly used. *Çallâch* serves as a concise summary of this forgiving disposition.
* **Atonement and Redemption:** The very possibility of atonement and redemption in the Old Testament, through sacrifices and other means, is predicated on the understanding that God is by nature "ready to forgive." This divine attribute provides the theological foundation for all pathways to reconciliation with God.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of *çallâch* (`{{H5546}}`) in [[Nehemiah 9:17]] is profoundly significant for understanding the character of God. It reveals that forgiveness is not merely an occasional act for God, but an intrinsic and defining aspect of His being. He is not reluctantly persuaded to forgive, but is inherently "ready to forgive."
This attribute provides the ultimate ground for hope for humanity, particularly in the face of persistent sin and rebellion. If God were not *çallâch*, there would be no enduring possibility of reconciliation or restoration after transgression. It underscores God's unwavering covenant faithfulness (*chesed*), demonstrating that even when His people break the covenant, His nature remains disposed to pardon, allowing for renewal and continued relationship.
Furthermore, the contrast drawn in Nehemiah between Israel's stubbornness and God's *çallâch* nature highlights the unilateral and gracious nature of divine forgiveness. It is not earned or coerced but flows from God's own benevolent character. This Old Testament revelation of God's forgiving heart lays crucial theological groundwork for the New Covenant, culminating in the ultimate act of divine forgiveness accomplished through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.
### Summary
The Hebrew word *çallâch* (`{{H5546}}`), meaning "ready to forgive" or "placable," appears uniquely in [[Nehemiah 9:17]]. Derived from the verb *sālach* (`{{H5545}}`, "to forgive"), *çallâch* describes an essential divine attribute: God's inherent disposition to pardon. In its sole biblical context, it is presented as a foundational characteristic of God, alongside His grace, mercy, patience, and steadfast love. This attribute underscores that forgiveness is not merely an action God performs, but a defining aspect of His very nature, providing the ultimate basis for hope and reconciliation between a holy God and sinful humanity. It reveals God's unwavering faithfulness and sets the stage for the broader biblical narrative of redemption.
TRV