What is the meaning of the Hebrew word hesed?

Answer

Many biblical terms such as mercy, compassion, love, grace, and faithfulness are connected to the Hebrew word hesed (חֶסֶד), but none of these fully encapsulate the concept. Hesed is not solely an emotion or sentiment but entails taking action on behalf of someone in need. It signifies a combination of love and loyalty that motivates kind and compassionate actions toward others.

Hesed, appearing around 250 times in the Old Testament, represents a fundamental aspect of God’s nature. When God revealed Himself to Moses for the second giving of the Law, He described Himself as “abounding in” or “filled with” hesed, which is interpreted as “love and faithfulness,” “unfailing love,” “faithful love,” “steadfast love,” or “loyal love,” depending on the Bible version (Exodus 34:6-7). At its core, this term conveys loyalty or faithfulness within a relationship. Therefore, hesed is closely linked to God’s covenant with His people, Israel. Concerning the concept of love, hesed demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His people.

In Exodus 20:6, God declares that He bestows His hesed “for a thousand generations” upon those who love Him and follow His commands. This reliable, enduring, loyal aspect of God’s covenantal love echoes throughout the Old Testament (Nehemiah 1:5;Daniel 9:4;Jeremiah 32:18)

In the Scriptures, hesed frequently portrays God’s mercy and compassion. When Moses pleaded for the people, he appealed to God’s hesed: “‘The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in unfailing love [hesed], forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. . . . In accordance with your great, unfailing love [hesed], please pardon the sins of this people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt” (Numbers 14:18-19; NLT).

While God’s faithful love [hesed] is eternal and limitless, humans can also express hesed to one another. An example is seen in the relationship between Jonathan and David (1 Samuel 18:3; 1 Samuel 20:8; 2 Samuel 9:1, 3, 7). Hesed motivates the superior or more powerful party to meet a critical need of the lesser or weaker person. Acts of hesed are always done willingly, without obligation or fear of reprisal. The inspiration behind hesed stems from the relationship between the two parties. Boaz acknowledges Ruth’s kindness towards him and Naomi as hesed «And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. », (Ruth 3:10).

God’s covenant relationship with His people demonstrates His loyal love and faithfulness [hesed], even when His people are unfaithful. At the core of hesed lies God’s abundant sense of compassion, grace, and mercy.

Hesed goes beyond ordinary kindness and friendship. It is the heartfelt desire to show “amazing grace” to the beloved. Hesed goes deeper than social norms, duties, fleeting emotions, or what the recipient deserves. Hesed is rooted in committed, familial love, and is manifested through actions.

The gospel message—God’s act of forgiveness and salvation in Jesus—is founded on hesed. Hesed reflects God’s heart not only towards His people but towards all humanity. God’s love exceeds mere duty or expectation. His forgiveness of sin meets a fundamental need in the relationship between humans and God—the restoration and continuity.Continuation of fellowship with God in Jesus Christ. God’s hesed manifested in forgiveness enables a relationship with Him. This forgiveness is freely given to us as a gift from God, rooted in the sacrificial act of Christ.