סְלִיחָה (se.li.chah)
se.li.chah
forgiveness
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun selichah denotes the act or state of forgiveness, appearing only three times in the Hebrew Bible within Psalms 86:5, Nehemiah 9:17, and Daniel 9:9. In these contexts, it describes God’s willingness to pardon transgressions. The word functions as a concrete noun for this divine attribute, anchoring the abstract concept of mercy in a specific theological reality.
Its usage highlights the relationship between human failure and divine grace. When Nehemiah recounts Israel’s history, he uses selichah to emphasize that despite repeated rebellion, God remained ready to forgive. Similarly, Daniel invokes it while confessing national sins, relying on God’s established character of pardon rather than human merit.
Though rare in the Old Testament, its presence in key confessional moments underscores a central theme: forgiveness is not earned but received as a gift from a merciful Lord. The term does not imply a casual dismissal of sin but points to a resolved relationship restored through divine initiative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word selichah appears only three times in the Old Testament, yet it carries a weight that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt the burden of failure. It is not merely a legal pardon but a relational restoration. When we look at verses like Psalm 130:4, we see that this forgiveness is tied to God’s character rather than our performance. The text reminds us that because there is forgiveness with Him, He is worthy of reverence. This shifts the focus from our inability to keep perfect records to His readiness to restore broken ones.
In moments like Daniel 9:9, the word anchors a confession of national sin. It acknowledges that mercy and forgiveness belong to the Lord alone. We do not earn this grace through good deeds; we receive it because He is gracious. This distinction offers profound relief. It means our standing before God rests on His steadfast love, not on our fluctuating efforts.
For your daily walk, this word invites you to bring your failures honestly into the light. You do not need to hide or make excuses. The promise in Nehemiah 9:17 shows that even when we harden our hearts, God remains ready to pardon. This assurance allows us to move forward with confidence, knowing that our past does not define our future in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- forgiveness<es>1×
- and/ <the>/ forgiveness<es>1×
- <the>/ forgiveness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סְלִיח֜וֹת1×
- וְ/הַ/סְּלִח֑וֹת1×
- הַ/סְּלִיחָ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 130:4
But there is forgiveness with you, therefore you are feared.
This verse links God's fearfulness directly to His capacity for forgiveness, showing that His pardon is the foundation of true reverence.
-
Daniel 9:9
To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him.
Here the word is paired with mercies to emphasize that forgiveness is a divine attribute belonging to God, not a human achievement.
-
Nehemiah 9:17
and refused to obey. They weren’t mindful of your wonders that you did among them, but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage. But you are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and didn’t forsake them.
The context highlights God's patience despite Israel's rebellion, defining Him as one who is ready to pardon rather than quick to punish.