The meaning of “חֵסֵד”
Understanding chêçêd reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing....
חֵסֵד
favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. - kindness - by implication (towards God) piety - rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty 1) goodness, kindness, faithfulness 2) a reproach, shame
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 24:27 | “And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren.” Word: חֵסֵד (chêçêd) | |
| Joshua 2:14 | “And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the Lord hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.” Word: חֵסֵד (chêçêd) | |
| 1 Kings 8:23 | “And he said, Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart:” Word: חֵסֵד (chêçêd) | |
| Esther 2:17 | “And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.” Word: חֵסֵד (chêçêd) | |
| Jeremiah 31:3 | “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Word: חֵסֵד (chêçêd) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Mercy
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Compassion, mercy
The Hebrew rachamim (רַחֲמִים) derives from 'womb' (rechem), suggesting tender, maternal compassion. God's mercies are 'new every morning' (Lamentations 3:23), showing His compassionate nature.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Mercy, compassion
The Greek eleos (ἔλεος) denotes compassionate mercy—pity for those in distress. God is 'rich in mercy' (Ephesians 2:4), withholding deserved punishment and granting undeserved kindness.