### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rachûwm**, represented by `{{H7349}}`, is a term for **compassionate**, **full of compassion**, and **merciful**. It appears 13 times across 13 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from the root word for compassion, it is used exclusively to describe the tender and merciful character of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7349}}` is a central component of a recurring declaration about God's nature. This formula is first established when God proclaims His own character to Moses, stating He is "The LORD, The LORD God, **merciful** and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth" [[Exodus 34:6]]. This foundational statement is echoed repeatedly by authors throughout Scripture, such as in the Psalms ([[Psalms 103:8]], [[Psalms 145:8]]) and by the prophets. It serves as the basis for humanity's interaction with God, whether in praise [[Psalms 86:15]], as the motivation for repentance [[Joel 2:13]], or even as the reason for a prophet's frustration with divine patience [[Jonah 4:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of divine compassion:
* `{{H2587}}` **channûwn** (gracious): This word is almost always paired directly with `{{H7349}}`, forming the phrase "gracious and merciful." It describes the undeserved favor and kindness that flows from God's compassionate nature [[Nehemiah 9:17]].
* `{{H7356}}` **racham** (compassion, mercy): This is the root from which `{{H7349}}` is derived, signifying a deep, tender love often associated with a parent's feelings for a child. Its plural form is used to describe God's "great mercies" for which He does not forsake His people [[Nehemiah 9:31]] and the basis of his unfailing compassions [[Lamentations 3:22]].
* `{{H2617}}` **chêçêd** (kindness, mercy): Often translated as "lovingkindness" or "mercy," this word describes God's steadfast, covenantal love. It frequently appears alongside `{{H7349}}` to describe God as being "abundant" or "of great" kindness ([[Exodus 34:6]], [[Joel 2:13]]).
* `{{H750}}` **'ârêk** (long, slow): This adjective is consistently used to describe God's patience, appearing in the phrase "slow to **anger**" `{{H639}}`. It qualifies His compassion, showing that His mercy leads to forbearance and a slowness to wrath [[Psalms 103:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7349}}` is profound, defining God's fundamental disposition toward humanity.
* **Divine Self-Revelation:** The word is a cornerstone of God's own description of Himself in [[Exodus 34:6]]. This declaration becomes a creedal statement for Israel, a truth about God's identity that is repeated and trusted throughout generations [[Psalms 111:4]].
* **Foundation for Covenant:** God's compassionate nature is the guarantee of His covenant promises. He is a **merciful** God `{{H410}}` who will not forsake His people or **forget** `{{H7911}}` the **covenant** `{{H1285}}` He swore to their fathers [[Deuteronomy 4:31]].
* **The Basis for Repentance:** The knowledge that God is **merciful** `{{H7349}}` is presented as the very reason people can and should return to Him. It provides the hope that He will "turn and **repenteth** him of the **evil** `{{H7451}}`" [[Joel 2:13]], and it is why He will not turn His face away from those who return to Him [[2 Chronicles 30:9]].
* **Source of Forgiveness:** In moments of failure and rebellion, God’s identity as being "full of **compassion**" is what allows Him to forgive iniquity and not **destroy** `{{H7843}}` His people [[Psalms 78:38]]. Nehemiah highlights that even in their rebellion, God was a God ready to **pardon** `{{H5547}}`, gracious and **merciful** [[Nehemiah 9:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7349}}` is far more than a simple attribute; it is a core element of God's revealed name and character. It defines His posture toward His creation, particularly His covenant people. This single word, almost always appearing within a larger formula of divine attributes, serves as the foundation for hope, the motivation for repentance, and the assurance of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness across the biblical narrative.
TRV