Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Etymology:The term "lovingkindnesses" is a translation of the Hebrew word "chesed," which appears frequently in the Old Testament. "Chesed" is a complex word that encompasses love, mercy, grace, kindness, and loyalty. It is often used to describe God's covenantal love and faithfulness towards His people. The plural form, "lovingkindnesses," emphasizes the multitude and richness of God's merciful acts.
Biblical Usage:Lovingkindnesses are a central theme in the Bible, particularly in the Psalms and the prophetic books. They reflect God's enduring love and mercy, which are foundational to His relationship with humanity. The Berean Standard Bible translates "chesed" as "lovingkindness" in several key passages, highlighting its significance in the biblical narrative.
Key Scriptures:1.
Psalm 36:7 : "How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings." This verse underscores the protective and nurturing aspect of God's lovingkindness, inviting believers to find safety and comfort in His presence.
2.
Lamentations 3:22-23 : "Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" Here, God's lovingkindness is portrayed as the reason for hope and renewal, even amidst suffering and despair.
3.
Psalm 103:4 : "He who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with loving devotion and compassion." This passage highlights the redemptive power of God's lovingkindness, which rescues and restores the believer.
4.
Isaiah 54:10 : "Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken, says the LORD, who has compassion on you." This verse emphasizes the unshakeable and eternal nature of God's lovingkindness, which remains steadfast despite earthly changes.
Theological Significance:Lovingkindnesses are integral to understanding God's character and His interactions with humanity. They reveal His compassionate nature and His commitment to His covenant promises. In the Old Testament, God's lovingkindness is often linked to His acts of salvation, deliverance, and provision for Israel. It is a reminder of His unwavering faithfulness and mercy.
In the New Testament, the concept of lovingkindness is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus embodies God's ultimate act of lovingkindness, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe. The Apostle Paul echoes this in
Titus 3:4-5 : "But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."
Practical Application:Believers are called to emulate God's lovingkindness in their relationships with others. This involves showing mercy, compassion, and steadfast love, reflecting the character of God in daily life. As recipients of God's lovingkindness, Christians are encouraged to extend the same grace and kindness to those around them, serving as witnesses to God's transformative love.
Strong's Hebrew
2617a. chesed -- goodness, kindness... devout (1), faithfulness (1), favor (2), good (1), kindly (7), kindness (32),
kindnesses (1), loveliness (1), lovingkindness (176),
lovingkindnesses (7), loyal
...Library
Where is the Lord?
... 7. I will mention thelovingkindnesses of the Lord,. Are you, dear friends, mentioning
thelovingkindnesses of the Lord; or are you silent about them?...
The Blessing of Mercy,
... We are all ready enough to talk of the mercies andlovingkindnesses of God to us
and to all men, but what mercy, what lovingkindness, do we show to our...
Assurance
... we hear David say, Thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes.' Psalm 26:6. At another
time he is at a loss: Lord, where are thy formerlovingkindnesses?' Psalm 89...
April 9 Evening
... APRIL 9 EVENING. I will mention thelovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises
of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us."ISA.63:7....
Responsiveness to Christ.
... does for you fills your soul with gratitude, and you can get blessed any time of
day or night by simply reflecting on the mercies andlovingkindnesses of the...
Vile Ingratitude!
... By these mercies of God, I adjure you, do hate your sins; by theselovingkindnesses,
these favours, immense, innumerable, unsearchable, by these covenant gifts...
Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... Every morning and every hour they acknowledge and praise God for Hislovingkindnesses
toward them, and for their food and drink they give thanks to Him....
Thesaurus
Lovingkindnesses (11 Occurrences)...Lovingkindnesses (11 Occurrences).
... (ASV). Psalms 25:6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender
mercies and thy
lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. (KJV NAS).
...Compassions (17 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 63:7 I will make mention of thelovingkindnesses of Jehovah, and the praises
of Jehovah, according to all that Jehovah hath bestowed on us, and the...
Lovingkindness (176 Occurrences)
... Genesis 32:10 I am not worthy of the least of all thelovingkindnesses, and of all
the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant; for with my staff I...
Loving-kindnesses (8 Occurrences)
Loving-kindnesses.Lovingkindnesses, Loving-kindnesses. Lovingly . Multi-Version
Concordance...Lovingkindnesses, Loving-kindnesses. Lovingly . Reference
Vav (1 Occurrence)
... Vav (1 Occurrence). Psalms 119:41 VAV. Let thylovingkindnesses also come unto me,
O Jehovah, Even thy salvation, according to thy word. (See JPS ASV)....
Kindnesses (11 Occurrences)
... (WEB ASV). Psalms 25:6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thylovingkindnesses;
for they have been ever of old. (Root in KJV DBY WBS YLT NAS)....
Camps (33 Occurrences)
... Genesis 32:10 I am not worthy of the least of all thelovingkindnesses, and of all
the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant; for with my staff I...
Swarest (4 Occurrences)
... throne. (KJV ASV). Psalms 89:49 Lord, where are thy formerlovingkindnesses,
which thou swarest unto David in thy truth? (KJV ASV DBY)....
Loving-kindness (150 Occurrences)
Loving-kindness. Lovingkindness, Loving-kindness.Lovingkindnesses .... Continued...
Lovingkindness, Loving-kindness.Lovingkindnesses . Reference Bible.
Swear (99 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 89:49 Lord, where are
thy formerlovingkindnesses, Which thou swarest unto David in thy faithfulness?...
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