סַלָּח (sal.lach)
sal.lach
forgiving
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The adjective sallach describes a character marked by readiness to forgive. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears only once, in Psalm 86:5, where it is used to describe Yahweh. The word conveys more than a simple act of pardon; it points to an inherent disposition or nature. To call God sallach is to say that forgiveness flows from His very being.
This single occurrence carries significant theological weight by defining the divine character. It suggests that God’s willingness to overlook sin is not a reluctant concession but a fundamental aspect of who He is. Translators typically render this as "forgiving" or "ready to forgive," capturing the sense of an open, accessible grace that meets the penitent.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sallach appears just once in the Hebrew Bible, found in Psalm 86:5. Here it describes God not as someone who reluctantly grants pardon after much persuasion, but as one whose very nature is defined by readiness to forgive. This adjective points to an inherent disposition rather than a temporary action. It tells us that grace is not an exception in God’s character; it is the default setting of His heart toward those who call on Him.
For your faith, this offers profound comfort. When you stumble or feel weighed down by past mistakes, you are approaching a God who does not keep a tally of offenses but is abundant in loving-kindness. You do not need to earn this forgiveness through perfect performance. Instead, you can come with honesty, knowing that the One you are speaking to is fundamentally good and eager to restore relationship.
This assurance changes how we view our own failures. It does not excuse sin, but it removes the fear that keeps us hidden. Because God is sallach, we are invited to bring our brokenness into the light without shame. His forgiveness is a gift rooted in who He is, not in how well we perform.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ ready to forgive1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/סַלָּ֑ח1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 86:5
For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you.
This verse uniquely uses sallach to define God's essential character as inherently ready to forgive, linking this trait directly to His goodness and abundant loving-kindness.