רַחֲמִין (re.chem)
re.chem
compassion
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun rachamin, appearing only once in Daniel 2:18, carries the core meaning of deep compassion or mercy. It is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew word rachamim (H7356), sharing the same root that evokes the tender affection associated with a mother’s love for her child. In this single occurrence, the term describes the heartfelt plea made by Daniel and his friends for divine insight into King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.
Its usage highlights a specific theological weight: human vulnerability before God’s sovereign knowledge. The word does not merely denote pity but an active, empathetic concern that moves one to intercede. By using this term in the court of Babylon, the text underscores that true wisdom and revelation come from a God who responds to sincere, compassionate appeal rather than mere ritual or status.
Translators typically render rachamin as "mercy" or "compassion," capturing the emotional depth of the request. The rarity of the word in Scripture makes its presence in Daniel particularly striking, anchoring the narrative in a moment where human limitation meets divine grace through earnest prayer.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Aramaic word rachamin appears only once in Scripture, nestled in Daniel 2:18. Here, it describes the deep compassion or mercy that Daniel and his friends sought from the God of heaven. This was not a casual request but an earnest plea for divine insight into a dream that threatened their lives. The term evokes a tender, empathetic concern, reminding us that true wisdom comes from a God who responds to sincere appeal.
In our own struggles, this word invites us to approach God with vulnerability. We do not need to rely on our own status or knowledge but can ask for His mercy and understanding. This single occurrence highlights how human limitation meets divine grace through prayer. It encourages us to seek God’s help with humility, trusting in His sovereign care.
When faced with uncertainty, we can look to Daniel’s example. He did not hesitate to ask for compassion from heaven. This reminds us that God is accessible and responsive to those who seek Him with genuine hearts. May we find comfort in knowing that our prayers for guidance are heard by a compassionate Creator.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ compassion<s>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/רַחֲמִ֗ין1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:18
that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret, that Daniel and his companions would not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
This verse uniquely uses rachamin to describe the specific plea for divine insight and protection, highlighting the connection between human vulnerability and God's responsive mercy.