Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; For I trust in You; Teach me the way in which I should walk; For to You I lift up my soul.

Psalm 143:8

Lovingkindness is how some English translations of the Bible translate the Hebrew word checed (also spelled hesed). In other verses and other versions of the Bible, the word is translated as mercy, goodness, kindness, faithful love, and steadfast love. As with many Hebrew words, there is no exact English equivalent that conveys the fullness of the meaning of checed. However, by looking at its usage in the Bible, we can gain a better understanding of this word’s richness.

Checed, or lovingkindness, is usually connected to the idea of covenant (a solemn oath, promise, or commitment). It is used when Abraham makes a covenant and treaty of peace with Abimelech. Abimelech said, “Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my descendants or with my posterity, but as I have dealt kindly with you, so you will deal with me and with the land where you have sojourned” (Genesis 21:23). “And Abraham said, ‘I will swear'” (Genesis 21:24). The phrase “dealt kindly” is actually checed in Hebrew, so Abraham promised to show lovingkindness and mercy to Abimelech and his descendants in return for the kindness and mercy Abimelech had shown him.

Wondrously show Your lovingkindness, O Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand from those who rise up against them. (Psalm 17:7)

O continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart. (Psalm 36:10)

Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You. (Psalm 63:3)

Answer me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good; According to the greatness of Your compassion, turn to me, (Psalm 69:16)

Who is wise? Let him give heed to these things, And consider the lovingkindnesses of the Lord. (Psalm 107:43)

“I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, In lovingkindness and in compassion, (Hosea 2:19)

The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness. (Jeremiah 31:3)

You, O Lord, will not withhold Your compassion from me; Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me. (Psalm 40:11)

Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth. (Psalm 119:88)

O may Your lovingkindness comfort me, According to Your word to Your servant. (Psalm 119:76)

For the choir director. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. (Psalm 51:1)

Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your ordinances. (Psalm 119:149)

For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth. (Psalm 26:3)

We have thought on Your lovingkindness, O God, In the midst of Your temple. (Psalm 48:9)

Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me. The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night, A prayer to the God of my life. (Psalm 42:7-8)

Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; (Psalm 103:4)

“But I will not break off My lovingkindness from him, Nor deal falsely in My faithfulness. (Psalm 89:33)

Remember, O Lord, Your compassion and Your lovingkindnesses, For they have been from of old. (Psalm 25:6)

Where are Your former lovingkindnesses, O Lord, Which You swore to David in Your faithfulness? (Psalm 89:49)

Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; For I trust in You; Teach me the way in which I should walk; For to You I lift up my soul. (Psalm 143:8)

To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning And Your faithfulness by night, (Psalm 92:2)

I will bow down toward Your holy temple And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word according to all Your name. (Psalm 138:2)

I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation. (Psalm 40:10)