Comments on: Hesed: Enduring, Eternal, Undeserved Love

By: Annette Taylor

Annette Taylor — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 07:22:38 +0000

Lois,
I enjoyed reading this. Your writing is so easy for me to understand. It’s not that it isn’t complex because it is, but you have a way of putting the complex into digestible and understandable wording. It’s clear and often very profound. I’m so glad I found you. Is it possible to put the audio of the Hebrew words you use online next to it. Keep at it. You’ve opened up a whole new world!

By: Clare Sunderland

Clare Sunderland — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 02:12:52 +0000

In reply to Robert. How would we ever repent if God had not offered grace to us? I was drawn by his love and accepted him as savior long before I really understood my sin and need for repentance. I believe he reaches out to everyone with his headed.

By: Lois Tverberg

Lois Tverberg — Sat, 23 Jul 2022 18:38:38 +0000

In reply to Gart Ventimiglia. Gart, The title you are quoting is that of this article, not of a book that was written by John Oswalt. The quote from him comes from his book, "The Bible Among the Myths" (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009).

By: Gart Ventimiglia

Gart Ventimiglia — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 20:30:05 +0000

I am trying to find out how I can order a copy of Oswald’s book, “Hesed: Enduring, Eternal, Undeserved Love.” I cannot find it anywhere. Can you help me?

By: Rene

Rene — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 12:20:37 +0000

Thank you for your article, I have been researching the meaning of Hesed for many years now.
I wonder if the word Jesus used to ask Peter “do you love me more than these?” in John 21:15, was actually hesed?
Since we do not have originals in Aramaic or Hebrew the best we can do is look at the Greek and Latin translations. Greek uses “Agape” and Latin “Dilige”, neither having the exact meaning of Hesed. If Jesus used Hesed, no wonder Peter was confused and answered “Yes, I am your friend (philios)” prompting a repetition of the question….
If Jesus used Hesed, which involved “faithful covenant commitment to act and improve the loved one’s condition (materially or spiritually)”. How could Peter do that to one who has everything? Then Jesus explained:Feed my lambs.
The way I see it, Jesus was explaining to Peter (again) that:”what you do to the least of my children you do unto me”. Meaning, for Peter to practice Hesed to Christ would involve nourishing Jesus followers.
What do you think?

By: Hesed | FOR A BRAVE SPARROW

Hesed | FOR A BRAVE SPARROW — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 03:35:35 +0000

[…] This morning I woke out of a deep sleep to what I was sure was a Hebrew word and a phrase about struggle, love and wholeness. I was so completely awake I began searching online to try to find out what I had heard, to learn about what had called me out of my sleep. I soon came across an article: Hesed: Enduring, Eternal, Undeserved Love […]

By: Joyce Veronica

Joyce Veronica — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 14:51:54 +0000

While writing a song about God’s unfailing love, I decided to google the Hebrew word hesed and came upon this article. The many English adjectives needed to describe hesed helped me get a glimpse into the scope and meaning of this word. As a result, a very intense, joyous and intimate moment between God and me was prompted. Lo and behold, the second stanza of my song was penned. “Though the mountains shake, the hills be removed; yet Your unfailing love, yet Your unfailing love; Your deep, eternal love is unshakable!”

By: Kunle

Kunle — Mon, 25 May 2015 19:04:37 +0000

I was searching for an english word that makes one to love someone undeserving, and I came across your article. The Hebrew word “Hesed” captured my heart. It burned in my heart like the words of Jesus did to two of his disciples on their way to Emmaus(Luke 24:32). Thanks for putting this together and sharing it.

By: betsy roy

betsy roy — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 18:50:02 +0000

Thank you very much for all your work which I am learning from and appreciate! I am very interested to learn more about the connection of hesed and emet with grace and truth. How does John 1:14 echo Exodus 34:6 as mentioned by John’s comment posted on 5/10/12? I read your response, Lois, but I need more explanation please. Thank you.

By: Lois Tverberg

Lois Tverberg — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 22:18:41 +0000

In reply to Joyce. No. "Hesed" is not the same as marrying someone. That's not what hesed is about. Please don't use my writing to override Paul's admonition about not marrying unbelievers.

By: Joyce

Joyce — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 21:51:26 +0000

In reply to Lois Tverberg. What if they love each other? Though it is said that we should not be yoked with unbelievers, nor compromise our faith, how about what Paul said in 1 Cor 7:13-16 about marrying a nonbeliever being okay?

By: Lois Tverberg

Lois Tverberg — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 21:32:04 +0000

In reply to Joyce.

Joyce, CS Lewis has a great quote – “Love is not an affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s ultimate good as far as it can be obtained.” I would think that applies to either sex.

Part of wishing for someone’s best is to not want to be a temptation. So part of loving people of the opposite sex is staying far enough away them that this doesn’t happen.