Hebrew · Strong's H2617

חֵסֵד

(KHEH-sed)

noun, masculine

Hesed refers to a love that is steadfast, loyal, and involves active commitment within a relationship, often a covenant.

Hesed, frequently translated as "lovingkindness," "mercy," or "steadfast love," is a foundational concept in the Old Testament, representing a deep and enduring commitment within a relationship. This divine attribute is consistently demonstrated by God towards his people, rooted in his covenant with them. It speaks not merely of emotion, but of actions that flow from loyalty and faithfulness, even when undeserved. Hesed characterizes God’s unswerving devotion, his willingness to rescue, forgive, and restore, revealing the depth of his character.

While hesed is primarily used to describe God's disposition and actions, it also appears in human relationships, reflecting acts of loyalty, kindness, and fidelity expected between family, friends, or those bound by agreement. It denotes a practical, active demonstration of care and faithfulness, rather than a passive sentiment. Its wide semantic range highlights its importance in both vertical (God-human) and horizontal (human-human) interactions, often appearing alongside other attributes like truth (emet) and righteousness (tzedek).

The theological weight of hesed is immense, portraying God as one who can be trusted and relied upon. It assures Israel of God's constant presence and help, despite their failings. The New Testament concept of agape, while distinct in its emphasis on self-sacrificial love, shares some conceptual overlap with hesed in its demonstration of enduring, active love.

Common English renderings

lovingkindness
mercy
goodness
kindness
favor

Key verses

"In overflowing wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting lovingkindness will I have mercy on thee, saith Jehovah thy Redeemer."
— Isaiah 54:8
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"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: According to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions."
— Psalm 51:1
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"And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great lovingkindness, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great lovingkindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day."
— 1 Kings 3:6
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"And Naomi said unto her two daughters-in-law, Go, return each of you to her mother’s house: Jehovah deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me."
— Ruth 1:8
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"And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in justice, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies."
— Hosea 2:19
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Related words

חֵן The Hebrew word "chen" refers to favor, grace, or charm, reflecting a positive disposition shown by one person to another or a pleasing quality inherent in something.בָּשָׂר This common Hebrew noun refers to the physical substance of living beings, including humans and animals, often emphasizing its frailty and perishable nature.דְּבַשׁ This term refers to honey, a sweet, sticky substance produced by bees, often found in combs, and also to fruit syrup.מָאַס To reject, refuse, despise, or abhor, often with the nuance of casting something away due to its perceived worthlessness or unacceptability.מָחָה To wipe, wipe away, wipe out, or blot out, often with the nuance of complete removal or destruction.מִשְׁתֶּה This noun refers to a drinking occasion, often a lavish banquet or feast involving celebration and sometimes excess.סִיחוֹן Sihon was an Amorite king who refused Israel passage through his land and was subsequently defeated by them.עֵצָה The Hebrew term עֵצָה (ay-tsaw) refers to advice given or received, and by extension, the plan or purpose that results from such deliberation.עֶרְוָה This term primarily refers to physical nakedness, often with connotations of shame, disgrace, or vulnerability, particularly in relation to forbidden sexual exposure.אָסַר To bind, tie, or shackle things, animals, or people, often for a specific purpose or by an oath.רָחַם To deeply care for someone, often expressing itself as compassion, tender affection, or having mercy, stemming from a profound emotional connection.רָפָה To slacken, release, or let go; frequently used in contexts of weakening, ceasing, or abandoning an action or state.שָׁלַךְ To cast, throw, or hurl, often with implications of rejection, destruction, or depositing something.שֶׁמֶן The Hebrew term שֶׁמֶן (shemen) generally refers to oil, primarily olive oil, used for anointing, food, fuel, and cosmetic purposes.שֶׁמֶשׁ This noun refers to the sun, the celestial body that provides light and warmth, and also metaphorically to its direction or rays.שֵׁן This noun refers to a tooth, particularly a sharp tooth, and metaphorically to things that resemble a tooth, such as ivory or a crag.שָׂעִיר The Hebrew term śāʿîr primarily denotes a "he-goat" but can also refer to hairy things or satyr-like demons.שָׂפָה This noun refers to the lip of a person or animal, the edge or bank of a physical object, and also to human speech or language.שֶׁקֶר This noun refers to a lie or falsehood, denoting that which is untrue, vain, or deceitful.בֶּטֶן This term refers to the belly as a physical organ and also metaphorically to the womb or inner self.

חֵסֵד

Common English renderings

Key verses

Where this word lives in scripture