Hebrew Word of the Week:

Hebrew: חֶסֶד

Pronunciation: CHEH-sed

Meaning: Steadfast love, covenant loyalty, lovingkindness, mercy

Root: ח־ס־ד (Chet–Samech–Dalet)

Chesed is one of the richest words in the Hebrew Scriptures. It describes a love that goes beyond emotion—a faithful, committed love expressed through action. When ADONAI shows chesed,  He remains faithful to His covenant and extends mercy and goodness to His people, even when they are undeserving.

Tanach — Psalm 136:1

“Give thanks to ADONAI, for He is good, for His chesed endures forever.”

Hebrew:

הוֹדוּ לַיהוָה כִּי־טוֹב כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ

Hodu l’ADONAI ki tov, ki l’olam chasdo.

The phrase כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ — ki l’olam chasdo, “for His steadfast love endures forever,” is repeated throughout Psalm 136. Israel’s history is presented as a testimony to the enduring chesed of ADONAI.

Apostolic Writings — Ephesians 2:4–5

“But God was rich in mercy because of His great love with which He loved us. Even when we were dead in our trespasses, He made us alive together with Messiah.”

The covenant love revealed throughout the Tanach reaches a beautiful expression in Yeshua. God’s love does not merely feel compassion—it acts. Through Messiah, He brings forgiveness, redemption, and new life.

Living Out Chesed:

Biblical chesed is something we receive from ADONAI and then extend to others. It means choosing faithfulness when it is difficult, showing mercy when judgment would be easier, and loving through tangible acts of kindness.

Chesed is love that keeps its word, mercy that takes action, and faithfulness that refuses to walk away.

 This week:  Look for an opportunity to show someone chesed — not simply by saying that you care, but by demonstrating the faithful love of ADONAI through what you do.

Blessings,

Erez