7: Love — Chesed (OT), Agape (NT), and Intertestamental Usage

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1. Hebrew Term: Chesed — חֶסֶד

Pronunciation: kheh-SEHD
Meaning: Loving-kindness, mercy, steadfast love; God’s faithful, covenantal love and mercy.

Old Testament Usage:

  • Frequently describes God’s covenant loyalty and mercy towards Israel.
  • Emphasizes relational, steadfast love in covenant context.
    Example Verses:
  • Psalm 136:1 — “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love (chesed) endures forever.”
  • Exodus 34:6 — “The LORD, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love (chesed) and faithfulness.”

Intertestamental Usage:

  • Jewish literature expands chesed to include God’s mercy and kindness in the face of exile and suffering.
  • Often linked to ethical exhortations to imitate God’s mercy.

New Testament Usage:

  • Agape is the Greek term emphasizing selfless, unconditional love.
  • It is central to Christian ethics and understanding of God’s nature in Christ.
    Example Verses:
  • John 3:16 — “For God so loved (agape) the world…”
  • 1 Corinthians 13 — The “Love Chapter” describing agape’s characteristics.

Comparative Summary:

  • Chesed highlights covenantal faithfulness and mercy grounded in relationship.
  • Agape emphasizes unconditional, sacrificial love as revealed in Christ.
  • Intertestamental writings bridge relational mercy to universal love.
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