Hesed describes a sense of
love and loyalty that inspires merciful and compassionate behavior toward another person.
When God appeared to Moses to give the Law a second time, He described Himself as “abounding in” or “filled with” hesed, which is translated “
love and faithfulness,” “unfailing
love,” “faithful
love,” “steadfast
love,” and “loyal love,” depending on the Bible version (Exodus 34:6–7).
The core idea of this term communicates loyalty or faithfulness within a relationship. Thus, hesed is closely related to God’s covenant with His people, Israel. As it relates to the concept of love, hesed expresses God’s faithfulness to His people.