Lexical Summary rechem: compassion Original Word: רְחֵם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mercy (Aramaic) corresponding to racham; (plural) pity -- mercy. see HEBREW racham NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to racham Definition compassion NASB Translation compassion (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs רַחֲמִין noun [masculine] plural intensive compassion (Biblical Hebrew רַחֲמִים, √ I. רחם); — absolute ׳ר Daniel 2:18. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Nuance רְחֵם (Strong’s 7359) denotes earnest pleading for “mercy” or “compassion.” Related to the more common plural רַחֲמִים, it speaks of tender, heartfelt pity—never a cold legal pardon, but a warm, affectionate inclination to relieve misery. Biblical Usage Only once does Scripture employ the singular form רְחֵם, in Daniel 2:18, where the prophet and his companions “asked the God of heaven for mercy concerning this mystery”. Though rare in Hebrew, the term’s placement in a pivotal narrative underscores its weight: • Daniel stands before imminent death. Human wisdom has failed, but divine mercy can unveil the hidden. Even a single occurrence suffices to show that genuine mercy is never abstract; it is experienced where God’s people humbly ask. Historical Setting Nebuchadnezzar’s court represents the apex of pagan power. Exiled Judeans serve under a king who claims absolute authority, yet the narrative quietly affirms that the “God of heaven” rules above him. By choosing רְחֵם, the inspired writer highlights the covenant God’s intimate compassion amid exile. Divine sovereignty and mercy meet: the Most High both ordains empires (Daniel 2:21) and stoops to rescue faithful servants. Theological Threads 1. Mercy as God’s Self-Disclosure The plea in Daniel echoes Exodus 34:6, where the LORD reveals Himself as “compassionate and gracious.” Mercy is therefore not an add-on to divine power but integral to His name. In Daniel, mercy leads to unveiling. Similarly, Psalm 25:14 links God’s friendship with those who fear Him to the making known of His covenant. Mercy opens eyes. The same chapter pronounces death on the Babylonian wise men, yet mercy spares Daniel’s company. This anticipates the cross, where judgment and mercy converge (Romans 3:26). Christological Anticipation Daniel’s petition foreshadows the Mediator who pleads for His people. Jesus Christ embodies רַחֲמִים (Matthew 9:36) and secures “mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). The isolated Hebrew singular thus whispers of the singular Savior who perfectly reveals the compassionate heart of God. Ministry Implications • Intercessory Prayer: Leaders faced with impossible demands should imitate Daniel—assemble trusted believers, confess dependence, and seek mercy first, strategy second. Related Vocabulary and Themes רַחֲמִים (“compassions”), חֶסֶד (“steadfast love”), and χάρις (“grace,” New Testament) interweave to form a tapestry of divine kindness. Together they affirm the unchanging character of God who “delights in mercy” (Micah 7:18). Summary Though רְחֵם appears only once, its placement in Daniel 2:18 crystallizes a biblical conviction: the Almighty delights to grant compassionate help when His people unite in humble, believing prayer. That confidence remains the backbone of faithful ministry until Christ returns. Forms and Transliterations וְרַחֲמִ֗ין ורחמין verachaMin wə·ra·ḥă·mîn wəraḥămînLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:18 HEB: וְרַחֲמִ֗ין לְמִבְעֵא֙ מִן־ NAS: so that they might request compassion from the God KJV: That they would desire mercies of INT: compassion request according 1 Occurrence |
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