חסד
chesed
חסד (chesed) is the Hebrew word for hesed.
It is often translated as 'loving-kindness', 'mercy' or 'steadfast love'. In biblical contexts, it is frequently used to describe a covenantal, loyal love or faithfulness.
What does it mean word for word?
The word חסד literally translates to 'hesed'.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is chesed.
Did you know?
- The concept of חסד is so central to Jewish life that there are dedicated organizations called Gemach which provide free loans or items to those in need as an act of 'hesed'.
- Hebrew has a distinct difference between חסד and אהבה, where the latter describes the feeling of 'love' and the former describes the action of loyalty and kindness.
- The root of חסד is conceptually linked to the idea of 'abundance' or 'extra', implying that this type of love goes beyond what is strictly required.
Examples in context
- הוא עשה לי חסד גדול.hu asa li hesed gadol.He did me a great kindness.
- זה היה מעשה של חסד.ze haya ma'ase shel hesed.It was an act of kindness.
Example conversation
Ido and Rotem are discussing a volunteer project.
- עידו Idoרוטם, את רוצה לבוא להתנדב איתי?Rotem, at rotze lavo lehitnadev iti?Rotem, do you want to come volunteer with me?
- רוטם Rotemבטח, אני אוהבת לעשות חסד.Betach, ani ohevet la'asot chesed.Sure, I love doing acts of kindness.
- עידו Idoזה יעזור להרבה אנשיםZe ya'azor leharbe anashim.It will help many people.
- רוטם Rotemאני אשמח לעזור, עידו.Ani esmach la'azor, Ido.I would be happy to help, Ido.
