The meaning of “רַחַם”
Understanding racham reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
bowels, compassion, damsel, tender love, (great, tender) mercy, pity, womb. - compassion (in the plural) - by extension,...
רַחַם
bowels, compassion, damsel, tender love, (great, tender) mercy, pity, womb. - compassion (in the plural) - by extension, the womb (as cherishing the fetus) - by implication, a maiden n m 1) womb n m abs pl intens 2) compassion
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 43:30 | “And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.” Word: רַחַם (racham) | |
| 2 Samuel 24:14 | “And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the Lord; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.” Word: רַחַם (racham) | |
| 2 Chronicles 30:9 | “For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.” Word: רַחַם (racham) | |
| Proverbs 30:16 | “The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.” Word: רַחַם (racham) | |
| Lamentations 3:22 | “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” Word: רַחַם (racham) |
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.