This Hebrew word is usually translated as “mercy” or “kindness.” It is derived from the root חסד (Hh.S.D, Strong’s #2616), which is usually translated as “to be merciful” or “to be kind.” However, these abstract English terms do not convey the more concrete meaning of the original Hebrew. A related word that will help in understanding this concrete meaning is the noun החיסד (hhasiydah, Strong’s #2624), meaning a “stork.” The stork’s curved neck provides the clue, which is the “bowing” of the head, which one would do when showing respect, kindness or mercy.

Ancient Hebrew Dictionary (Book) This Biblical Hebrew dictionary contains the one thousand most frequent verbs and nouns found within the Hebrew Bible.

The Living Words - Introduction (Article) An introduction to Mr. Benner's book The Living Words expounding on the Ancient Hebrew culture and philosophy.

Definition of Hebrew Names (Articles) Defining Hebrew names based on the Hebrew words used within the names.