Further Insights into the Hebrew Word Chesed—Part 2
What is one of the most impactful words in the Bible? It’s also one of the 13 attributes of God listed in Exodus 34. Can you guess what it is? It’s “chesed”—God’s loyal, merciful, lovingkindness. Note: some people translate the word as “chesed” and others as “hesed.”
In my previous post Word Studies: A Bible Study Method Featuring God’s Lovingkindness (chesed), I featured the word “chesed” as the object of my word study. The reason I chose to use “chesed” is because it’s such a vital word and concept to understand. It’s a full or multi-faceted word. There is not a single word in the English language that can convey the concept. Not only does it describe the character of God, which merits study by itself, but it also describes his relationship with us. I believe the Apostle Paul drew on the knowledge of this word when constructing his arguments about grace in the New Testament. In this post, I’m going to go a little deeper into the meaning of “chesed.” Although, this is not an exhaustive list, it should give you a greater understanding of the word “chesed.”
Grace, Mercy, and Love
“Chesed” is a relational word. It combines New Testament ideas of grace (charis) and love (agape) and even mercy into one word. Even Jewish rabbis, such as Rashi, define “chesed” as unearned reward, which is the New Testament definition of grace.
Loyalty Love
Chesed conveys an idea of loyalty. Norman H. Snaith described “chesed” as a loyalty-love in A Theological Word Book of the Bible:
“The word is used only in cases where there is some recognized tie between the parties concerned. It is not used indiscriminately of kindness in general, haphazard, kindly deeds; ….. The theological importance of the word chesed is that it stands more than any other word for the attitude which both parties to a covenant ought to maintain towards each other. Sir George Adam Smith suggested the rendering ‘leal-love.’ The merit of this translation is that it combines the twin ideas of love and loyalty, both of which are essential.”
Chesed and the Book of Ruth
What Bible character comes to mind when thinking about loyal love? For me, it’s Ruth. The Midrash (Jewish writings) says, “Rabbi Zeira said: [Ruth] does not teach about ritual purity or impurity, nor what is prohibited and permitted. Then why was it written? To teach you the good reward for those who bestow chesed” (Ruth Rabbah 2:20). How did Ruth show Naomi love? She was loyal to her. Ruth showed kindness to Naomi. She showed her mercy. Then Boaz showed Ruth mercy and lovingkindness, and Ruth returned the lovingkindness to Boaz by marrying him—a much older man.
Three More Meanings of Chesed
Here is a quote from Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words:
“In general, one may identify three basic meanings of hesed, and these 3 meanings always interact— strength, steadfastness, and love. Any understanding of hesed that fails to suggest all three inevitably loses some of its richness.”
A Covenantal Word
“Chesed” is a covenantal word as you can see in Deuteronomy 7: 9 and Psalm 89: 28. What is God’s covenant with his people? His covenant is to maintain his love to His people even though they do not deserve it! It is a loyal-love. It is a faithful love. It is an immense kindness to an undeserving people.
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love (chesed) to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” (Deuteronomy 7: 9, NIV)
“I will maintain my love (chesed) to him forever and my covenant with him will never fail.” (Psalm 89: 28, NIV)
“‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love [chesed] for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10, NIV)
Chesed on the Mountain
Many people know that God gave the Ten Commandments twice—once before the golden calf incident and once after Moses broke them. However, did you realize there were variations in the two sets? One of the biggest differences is how God introduces himself. In Exodus 20:2, he states:
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” (NIV)
Then in Exodus 34: 6-8 He says:
“The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love [chesed] and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” (ESV)
If you notice in Exodus 20, he emphasizes his role of Savior. Despite the fact that the Israelites were delivered from slavery, they quickly turned to idolatry by worshiping the golden calf. Moses was so angry, he broke the Ten Commandments. When he went back up the mountain to intercede on behalf of his people, God gave him a second set. But this time God focuses on not what He did, but who He is. He gives 13 attributes of himself including the concept of chesed. This is truly an example of the law and gospel. The Israelites could not keep the law, yet because of God’s grace (chesed) he did not destroy them as they deserved but reinstated his covenant with them knowing full well that they couldn’t keep his laws.
Action Step: Loving Love
Micah 6:8 joins the words “ahava” (love) and “chesed” together. He states that God wants us to love “chesed.” He wants us to love undeserved kindness, mercy, and faithful, loyal love and exhibit that same love we receive from Him to others.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love [ahava] mercy [chesed] and to walk humbly with your God.” (NIV)
Therefore, go and do likewise! Love others by practicing “chesed” to those around you! The best motivation for doing so is by understanding the innumerable acts of “chesed” that you received from God.
Share and Subscribe
Share this article with a friend and do a word study together! It’s always more fun to study with a friend—not to mention two heads are better than one.
Subscribe to get more these ideas and study tools sent straight to your inbox. Currently, I have a lot of free printable Bible Study resources printed on my website. But if you subscribe you get access to exclusive content such as the following:
- 7-Day Memory Devotional on Psalm 8: 3-9
- 7-Day Memory Devotional on John 1: 1-5
- 7-Day Devotional on Diving Deeper into the Bible Using the Notice and Wonder Method
I also have educational printables as well.
Pre-Order Ladder Learns to Pray
Are you looking for a way to disciple your young son or grandson? Are you having a difficult time finding Christian resources that target young boys? If so, I have the perfect book for you: Ladder Learns to Pray and other Bedtime Prayers!
Many of the Christian resources I found for young children had cute little kids and cuddly animals. This was not appealing at all to my son; he wanted trucks and wheel and trains! So, I scoured Amazon looking for Christian books aimed at young boys, but I couldn’t find anything. Therefore, I decided to write my own. Ladder Learns to Pray should be available Spring 2026. If you join my pre-order list today, you will receive a coupon for 20% off of list price. (Note: There is NO financial obligation at this time!)
Follow Me on Social Media
Follow me on social media! Did you know I have a Pinterest account? I was recently selected to be a part of the Pinterest Educator Fund. To help me out pin, like, and save my pins and boards!
Once again Annie Cannelongo did a wonderful job describing a tough subject. And she did it with ease and understanding.