from רָחַם; compassionate; full of compassion, merciful.
Transliteration:rachûwm
Pronunciation:rakh-oom'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`) is an adjective derived from the verb racham (`{{H7355}}`), which means "to have compassion," "to show mercy," or "to love deeply." The root racham is etymologically linked to rechem (`{{H7358}}`), meaning "womb," suggesting a deep, visceral, and tender affection, akin to a mother's love for her child. Therefore, rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`) describes one who is inherently "compassionate," "merciful," or "full of compassion." It denotes an active, benevolent concern for others, especially those in distress, coupled with a readiness to alleviate suffering, forgive, and show favor. It signifies an abiding quality rather than a fleeting emotion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`) is a pivotal term in the Old Testament, almost exclusively used to describe the character of God. Its most significant occurrences appear in confessional statements about Yahweh's nature:
* **Exodus 34:6-7:** This foundational passage, where God reveals His glory to Moses, declares Him to be "Yahweh, Yahweh, a God merciful (rachûwm `{{H7349}}`) and gracious (chanûn `{{H2587}}`), slow to anger (erekh appayim `{{H750}}`), and abounding in steadfast love (rav chesed `{{H7227}}`) and faithfulness (emet `{{H571}}`), keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin..." [[Exodus 34:6-7]]. Here, rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`) stands as a primary attribute of the covenant God, assuring His people of His tender disposition towards them despite their failings.
* **Nehemiah 9:17, 31:** In the great prayer of confession during the post-exilic period, the Levites recount God's enduring faithfulness to Israel despite their rebellion in the wilderness: "But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful (rachûwm `{{H7349}}`), slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them" [[Nehemiah 9:17]]. Later, they reiterate, "Nevertheless, in your great mercies you did not make an end of them or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful (rachûwm `{{H7349}}`) God" [[Nehemiah 9:31]]. These verses highlight God's rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`) nature as the basis for His forbearance and preservation of His people.
* **Psalms:** The Psalms frequently extol God as rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`). [[Psalm 86:15]] echoes the Exodus declaration: "But you, O Lord, are a God merciful (rachûwm `{{H7349}}`) and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." Other instances include [[Psalm 103:8]], [[Psalm 111:4]], [[Psalm 112:4]], and [[Psalm 145:8]]. Notably, [[Psalm 112:4]] describes the righteous man as "gracious, merciful (rachûwm `{{H7349}}`), and righteous," indicating that this divine quality can be reflected in human character.
* **Prophetic Books (Joel, Jonah):** Rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`) is used in prophetic contexts to underscore God's willingness to relent from judgment when His people repent. [[Joel 2:13]] urges repentance with the assurance: "For he is gracious and merciful (rachûwm `{{H7349}}`), slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster." Ironically, Jonah's complaint in [[Jonah 4:2]] reveals his prior knowledge of this very attribute: "Oh Lord, is not this what I said when I was still in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful (rachûwm `{{H7349}}`), slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster."
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Racham (`{{H7355}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to have compassion" or "to show mercy." This is the foundational concept from which rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`) derives, emphasizing the deep, visceral nature of this attribute.
* **Chesed (`{{H2617}}`):** Often translated as "steadfast love," "lovingkindness," or "mercy." While rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`) focuses on tender compassion, chesed (`{{H2617}}`) highlights covenant loyalty and faithfulness, often expressed through acts of kindness and mercy. The two terms frequently appear together, as in "merciful and abounding in chesed," indicating a comprehensive divine benevolence.
* **Chanûn (`{{H2587}}`):** "Gracious." This term denotes a disposition to show favor, often unmerited. It is almost always paired with rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`), emphasizing God's free and benevolent giving, not based on human merit.
* **Erekh Appayim (`{{H750}}`):** Literally "long of nose" or "slow to anger." This phrase consistently appears alongside rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`), highlighting God's patience and forbearance, which is an outflow of His compassionate nature.
* **Divine Justice:** While rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`) emphasizes God's mercy, it is always balanced by His justice. [[Exodus 34:7]] concludes by stating that God "will by no means clear the guilty," indicating that His compassion does not negate His righteousness or the need for accountability.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`) is profound:
* **Core Divine Attribute:** Rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`) is a non-negotiable aspect of God's character. It is not merely an action God performs, but an inherent quality of His being. This assures Israel, and all believers, of God's fundamental disposition toward mercy and His unwavering commitment to His people, even in their unfaithfulness.
* **Basis for Hope and Repentance:** The knowledge that God is rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`) provides the theological bedrock for human hope, prayer, and repentance. It assures humanity that despite their sin and rebellion, God remains open to reconciliation and restoration, desiring life and turning from wickedness rather than judgment.
* **Contrast with Human Sin:** The repeated declaration of God's rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`) nature often occurs in contexts highlighting Israel's persistent sin and rebellion. This stark contrast magnifies God's extraordinary compassion and patience, demonstrating that His mercy is not contingent on human worthiness but flows from His own character.
* **Imitation of God:** While primarily a divine attribute, the Old Testament, particularly [[Psalm 112:4]], suggests that humans, especially the righteous, are called to reflect this quality. This anticipates the New Testament emphasis on believers being merciful, just as their Heavenly Father is merciful [[Luke 6:36]].
### Summary
The Hebrew word rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`) denotes a deep, inherent quality of compassion and mercy, stemming from the root racham (`{{H7355}}`), which evokes a visceral, tender affection. Predominantly used to describe Yahweh in the Old Testament, rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`) is a cornerstone attribute of God, frequently appearing in confessional statements such as [[Exodus 34:6-7]] and [[Nehemiah 9:17]]. It consistently accompanies other divine qualities like graciousness (chanûn `{{H2587}}`), steadfast love (chesed `{{H2617}}`), and slowness to anger (erekh appayim `{{H750}}`), painting a comprehensive picture of God's benevolent and forbearing character. The theological significance of rachûwm (`{{H7349}}`) lies in its assurance of God's unfailing love, providing the fundamental basis for human hope, repentance, and reconciliation with a God who is inherently tenderhearted and ready to forgive.
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