This is the first of a few short posts on some of the more important Hebrew words found in the Bible, i.e. The Old Testament, which was written in ancient Hebrew & Aramaic. Many of these words have lost much of their meaning and context when translated into their modern English form. I think its interesting to study these words in their original language and what the Biblical authors like Moses meant to convey when they took down the Word of God for us.

Hesed (חסד, pronounced “kheh-sed”)

Hesed means love. That is its literal translation. However, love of course can have many different meanings. In context, its not a feeling, it is an action. Its not romantic love but a love of faithfulness, loyalty, etc. In Hebrew culture it was much more important to take action as a means of faithfulness than to believe. So, Hesed is love in action.

For example, the prophet Isaiah wrote, “Though the mountains be shaken, and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing hesed for you will not be shaken”. (Isaiah 54:10)

It is a faithful, reliable love. When a wife prays for years for her husband to know God. It is parents lovingly caring for their autistic child. Hesed is in a sense, faithfulness that endures.

Hesed is also one of the most fundamental characteristics of God, consistent with what we know about His covenantal nature. Hesed is:

“Wrapping up in itself all the positive attributes of God: love, covenant faithfulness, mercy, grace, kindness, loyalty – in short, acts of devotion and loving-kindness that go beyond the requirements of duty,” – Darrell L. Bock

And most importantly, hesed is the unfailing love God has for YOU.