### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çᵉlîychâh**, represented by `{{H5547}}`, means **forgiveness** or **pardon**. It is a specific term derived from the root for pardon and appears only **3 times** in 3 unique verses, always in the context of God's character and actions. Its rarity underscores the significance of the passages where it is found.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H5547}}` is exclusively associated with God's capacity to pardon. In Nehemiah's prayer of confession, God is described as a "God ready to **pardon**" in direct contrast to Israel's rebellion and refusal to obey [[Nehemiah 9:17]]. Daniel makes a similar statement, affirming that "mercies and **forgivenesses**" belong to the Lord, even when the people have rebelled against Him [[Daniel 9:9]]. The Psalms connect this divine pardon to a specific response from humanity, stating that there is **forgiveness** with God so "that thou mayest be feared" [[Psalms 130:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which `{{H5547}}` is used:
* `{{H4775}}` **mârad** (to rebel): This word defines the action that makes pardon necessary. It is used to describe humanity's state when God extends mercy and **forgiveness** [[Daniel 9:9]].
* `{{H7349}}` **rachûwm** (compassionate): This divine attribute is closely linked to God's readiness to forgive. God is described as **merciful** in the same breath as being "ready to **pardon**," highlighting that His compassion is a source of forgiveness [[Nehemiah 9:17]].
* `{{H3372}}` **yârêʼ** (to fear; morally, to revere): This term reveals the intended result of God's pardon. The existence of divine **forgiveness** is meant to inspire a reverential **fear** of the Lord, not to be taken for granted [[Psalms 130:4]].
* `{{H3985}}` **mâʼên** (to refuse): This word captures the human side of the dynamic, describing Israel's choice to **refuse** to obey, which then magnifies the grace of God who is "ready to pardon" despite this rejection [[Nehemiah 9:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5547}}` is focused on the nature of God and His relationship with a rebellious people.
* **A Divine Attribute:** Forgiveness is presented as an inherent characteristic belonging to God. The phrase "To the Lord our God belong mercies and **forgivenesses**" establishes pardon as a divine possession and prerogative [[Daniel 9:9]].
* **A Response to Rebellion:** God's readiness to pardon is consistently set against the backdrop of human failure. Nehemiah contrasts Israel hardening their necks and their **rebellion** with God being ready to **pardon** and full of kindness [[Nehemiah 9:17]].
* **The Foundation for Reverence:** Divine pardon is not intended to make God seem lenient but to reveal a depth of character that inspires awe. The psalmist understands that it is precisely because there is **forgiveness** with God that He should be rightly **feared** [[Psalms 130:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5547}}` is a potent and specific term for the pardon that originates from God. Though used sparingly, it appears in key moments of prayer and confession to define a core aspect of God's character. It reveals a God who is merciful and ready to forgive, even in the face of persistent rebellion, and whose pardon is the very reason He is to be revered.
TRV