רַחֲמִים
Rachamim
Mercy, compassion, tender love
If you want to understand the most tender, intimate side of God's character, learn the Hebrew word rachamim (רַחֲמִים). This word for mercy comes from the root 'rechem' — which means 'womb.' God's mercy is literally 'womb-love': the fierce, protective, instinctive compassion of a mother for the child she carried. When Exodus 34:6 reveals God's character — 'The LORD, the LORD, a God rachum (merciful) and gracious' — it's using the language of motherhood. This doesn't make God female; it reveals that the deepest human experience of unconditional love — a mother's love for her baby — is only a shadow of how God feels about you.
“As a father shows compassion (rachamim) to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.”
Etymology & Root Letters
Rachamim comes from the root ר-ח-ם (resh-chet-mem), which is also the word for 'womb' (rechem). God's mercy is literally 'womb-love' — the fierce, protective, nurturing love of a mother for her child.
How Rachamim Is Used in Scripture
Rachamim appears 44 times in the Hebrew Bible. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals His character: 'The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful (rachum) and gracious.' The connection to 'womb' reveals that God's mercy is instinctive, deep, and unconditional.
Cultural & Modern Context
The 13 Attributes of Mercy (Midot HaRachamim) from Exodus 34:6-7 are central to Jewish High Holiday prayers. They begin with 'Adonai, Adonai, El rachum v'chanun' — LORD, LORD, God merciful and gracious.
How to Use Rachamim in Prayer
When you need mercy, remember that God's rachamim is womb-love — not cold, distant forgiveness, but the warm, fierce, protective compassion of a parent who would do anything for their child.
People Also Ask About Rachamim
Why does the Hebrew word for mercy come from 'womb'?
The connection between rachamim (mercy) and rechem (womb) reveals that God's compassion is not cold, distant forgiveness — it's the warm, fierce, protective love of a mother for her child. Isaiah 49:15 makes this explicit: 'Can a mother forget the baby at her breast? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!' God's mercy is more instinctive and tender than the deepest human love.
What are the 13 Attributes of Mercy?
The 13 Attributes of Mercy (Midot HaRachamim) come from Exodus 34:6-7, where God reveals His character to Moses: 'The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.' These attributes are central to Jewish High Holiday prayers and are considered the ultimate revelation of God's nature.
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