How to Do a Hebrew Word Study

Every Hebrew Word Has a Root

In Hebrew, nearly every word is built from a three-letter root, called a shoresh (שׁוֹרֶשׁ). This root carries a core meaning, and from it, many related words are formed — much like branches growing from the same trunk.

Think of it this way:

If words paint pictures, then the root is the seed from which those pictures grow.

Let’s continue exploring the word ḥesed (חֶסֶד). This word comes from the root ḥ–s–d (ח־ס־ד). To understand the depth of ḥesed, we need to examine the root and how it’s used in various forms across Scripture.

The Root ח־ס־ד in Action

The root ḥ–s–d appears in different words, all carrying some form of loyalty, kindness, or devotion expressed through concrete action.

Let’s look at three related uses:

1. ḥasīd (חָסִיד) – often translated as “godly” or “faithful one.” This is someone who lives out ḥesed — showing loyalty, mercy, and devotion in action.
2. ḥasidim (חֲסִידִים) – the plural form, meaning “those who practice ḥesed.” This term came to refer to entire communities known for faithful living.
3. ḥasád (ח־ס־ד) – a rare verb form, meaning “to be kind or show devotion.”

Each of these words are grounded in relational faithfulness — not just an inner feeling, but something demonstrated in behavior. But these definitions still have an abstract nature to them. However, there is one word derived from the root ḥ–s–d that will give us a clue to the concrete nature of these words

4. ḥasidah – a stork.

Why is a stork connected to mercy or kindness?

Because of what the stork does.

The stork is known in the natural world for its fierce devotion to its young — bringing food, sheltering them under its wings, and protecting them with unwavering care. But the key detail lies in the shape and movement of the stork: it is distinguished by its long, bent neck, which bows the head as it serves its young. In the Hebrew mindset, this bending of the neck is the concrete action that becomes a visual metaphor for kindness — the posture of one who humbles themselves to meet another’s need.

This posture of the stork — head bowed, acting in care — becomes the physical picture behind the abstract idea of mercy or lovingkindness.

Now, let’s revisit the translation of Psalm 103:8:

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

These English terms are abstractions. But in the Hebrew:

• Merciful (raḥum) – wraps his arms around you for protection
• Gracious (ḥanun) – provides your needs and comfort
• Slow to anger (erek appayim) – prevents his nostrils from flaring
• Plenteous in mercy (rav ḥesed) – bows his head in kindness

When you see ḥesed through the lens of ḥasidah, the picture becomes clearer: God bows His head toward you — not out of obligation, but in loving action. Just like the stork tending her young, it’s a mercy that acts, protects, and provides.

This is how abstract Hebrew words find their meaning: through concrete images rooted in daily life and observable behavior.

In the next lesson, we’ll explore how the ancient Hebrews used concrete imagery across the language — not just in individual words but in how they thought and communicated entirely.

A Word Study Example: Ruth 1:8

Ruth 1:8 (KJV) – And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother’s house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

The word “kindly” here is ḥesed.

Naomi is recognizing the faithful devotion Ruth and Orpah have shown — not just in emotion, but in action: staying with her, caring for her, honoring the memory of her sons.

This is ḥesed.

Exercise: Tracing the Root

Let’s practice tracing a Hebrew root.

1. Take the word ḥesed (חֶסֶד) and write down its root: ḥ–s–d (ח־ס־ד).
2. Look up one or two other verses that use this word (e.g., Exodus 34:6, Micah 6:8, Proverbs 3:3).
3. Ask: What picture is being painted by the context? What actions are associated with ḥesed in that verse?

Write down your insights. Try to avoid dictionary definitions. Instead, describe what ḥesed looks like in each passage.

Next Up: Using an Interlinear and Strong’s Dictionary

In this lesson, you saw how Hebrew words like ḥesed are rooted in vivid, concrete imagery. Now it’s time to start uncovering those meanings for yourself.

In this lesson, you'll learn to use two free tools — an interlinear Bible and Strong’s Dictionary — to trace English Bible words back to their Hebrew origins. We’ll use mercy as a starting point, but what you’ll discover is that one English word can point to many Hebrew expressions, each with its own nuance.

This is where you begin thinking like a Bible translator. Let's get started.