Grace and Mercy--meanings of derived from the Hebrew Letters

Appendix A

Word Study of Grace and Mercy, looking at their meaning from the meanings of the Hebrew letters by Lewis Turner, Wheatland Ministries-notes-

Grace  חֵ֖ן

Strong’s Number: 2580

Transliteration: ḥên

ח  Heth, Chet, Hhet (9) – fence, hedge, to separate. Outside, divide, half (2b), Barrier, outside, defend, divide. (5e) (1a) (an inferred meaning could also be protection-IE a fence protects) (an inferred meaning could also be that Heth refers to instruction—instruction that makes the hedge—see the word Statutes Hebrew Strong’s Number 2706 חֹק‎) (another inferred meaning is that the hedge represents love-possibly protective love) H

Chesed is the Old Testament's highest expression for love. It is a love that remains constant regardless of the circumstances. Chesed is translated in English in many different ways: kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, loyalty, love, and unfailing love. (5c)

נ ן  Nun-Continue, heir, son, (2b) seed. Life, grow, son, continue, (5e) It can also mean to propagate, to increase, or to sprout. (1a)  In the ancient picture language this was pictured as a seed in ancient Hebrew and Egyptian cultures. As mentioned, it represented "life", "posterity", "active life". As used in the Hebrew word for son , the nun symbolized the posterity of the house. (Also by inference, Nun could mean purpose—it is used in the word—potter  יֹצְרֵ֔נוּ –see Isaiah 64:8—a potter makes a vessel for a specific purpose). Another thought about the meaning of the letter Nun, in Isaiah 53:5 it is possible that the letter Nun in the word nirpa, we are healed, could indicate an inferred meaning of Nun as healing. (10)   N

Ancient meaning derived from the meanings of the Hebrew letters of the word grace:  The hedge/protection of life.

References and notes:

—Brown-Driver-Briggs (Old Testament Hebrew-English Lexicon)

From H2603; graciousness, that is subjectively (kindness, favor) or objectively (beauty):—favor, grace
(-ious), pleasant, precious, [well-] favored.

—Strong's (Hebrew & Chaldee Dictionary of the Old Testament)  חֵן

Grace:  Genesis 6:8: 19:19; 32:5: 33:8, 10, 11; 34:11: 39:4: 47:25, 29; 50:4 Exodus 33:12, 13, 16, 17:34:9.
Numbers 32:5. Judges 6:17. Ruth 2:2, 10. 1 Samuel 1:18; 20:3; 27:5. 2 Samuel 14:22; 16:4. Esther 2:17,
Psalms 45:2; 84:11 Proverbs 1:9; 3:22, 34; 4:9; 22:11. Jeremiah 31:2, Zechariah 4:7. 7; 12:10

*****

Mercy חָ֑סֶד

Strong’s Number: 2617

Transliteration: ḥā·seḏ

ח   Heth, Chet, Hhet (9) – fence, hedge, to separate. Outside, divide, half (2b), Barrier, outside, defend, divide. (5e) (1a) (an inferred meaning could also be protection-IE a fence protects) (an inferred meaning could also be that Heth refers to instruction—instruction that makes the hedge—see the word Statutes Hebrew Strong’s Number 2706 חֹק‎) (another inferred meaning is that the hedge represents love-possibly protective love) H

Chesed is the Old Testament's highest expression for love. It is a love that remains constant regardless of the circumstances. Chesed is translated in English in many different ways: kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, loyalty, love, and unfailing love. (5c))

סָ  Samekh - lean upon, support, uphold, It's literal meaning is a "prop" or "support". It's symbolic meaning is to prop up, support, to turn aside, like a prop on a tree to change the direction of it's growth. (1a). grab, hate, protect (2b), thorn (9), support, protect (5e).  From the word dross Strong’s Hebrew Number 5509, Ps 119:119 it could mean remove (10)   X 

The Samech is another letter of support and protection. The ancient pictograph of the Samech is that of a prop or support, thus it represents God's support. The circular shape of the Samech can be seen as a picture of God, our support, who has no beginning and no end. This center letter is seen by the sages as a picture of the heart of God where one can reside and be protected by the strong outer circle.  (5c)

ד  Dalet -opening, enter, door (5e) move, Hang, Entrance (2b)- In ancient Hebrew this letter was drawn as a tent flap (1a).  (to enter could infer an action of discovering what is behind the door)  The letter ‘Dalet’ is a picture of a door. D

Ancient meaning derived from the meanings of the Hebrew letters of the word for Mercy:  The hedge or chamber (of God’s love) that supports us and separates us, and provides a door (who is Jesus) to enter it.

Genesis 39:21

Christ said “I am the door” John 10:9.  Those words are an invitation showing He is Mercy providing the door to God’s support upholding us.

Note 1: the English does not convey the depth of meaning that the letters do.  We find that looking at mercy through the meaning of the letters of the word, that God provides a protective hedge to support us and separate us and in providing it, provides a door to enter it.

Note 2: 1 Corinthians 10:13 King James Version (KJV)

¹³ There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

The way of escape is through the door (Jesus) to the protective hedge that support us and separate us, providing safety and a way of escape from the temptation.

The hedge that God provides for us which Jesus is the door to, supports and protects us.

©2012 Lewis Turner

Potter-A Study of its Meanings From the Meanings of the Hebrew Letters Is 64 vs 8

The following is a study of the Hebrew Word YATSAR, Potter, יֹצְרֵ֔נוּ      Hebrew Strong’s Number: H3335  It is used as a name for God in Isaiah 64:8 "Thou our potter."

*Possible Letter Meaning of Potter יֹצְרֵ֔נוּ:  The secure deed of the righteous desire of the capstone that gives life/purpose

Reflection Discussion and Questions:

A potter is one who takes a shapeless piece of clay and makes it into something useful—something special—and something with a purpose.  What a potter makes is according to his desire and the process of making the vessel or special item, is a deed of action. 

Let’s look at the Hebrew letters and their meanings in the name ‘Potter’:

To start, it has the Hebrew letter י  Yud, which refers to a deed.  In looking at the other Hebrew letters making up the name ‘Potter’, we find the letter ו  ן     Vav, which can mean secure or lasting.  Another Hebrew letter found is צַ   Tzadi, which means desire.  Who’s desire is being expressed?  The Hebrew letter ר   Resh, Reish, in the name indicates whose desire is being referred to. That letter means ‘the most important person’.  Perhaps we should take a moment and consider—who is this most important person.  The letter ו  ן     Vav, gives us a clue.  It is quite possible that the most important person is Christ who was secured to the Cross of Calvary by nails.  There is one more letter in the name ‘Potter’.  It is the Hebrew letter  נ  Nun, which tells us about the purpose of the deed being made.  It is referring to life, an active life.

From the above, what might you conclude about the meaning of the word ‘Potter’ as it is used in Isaiah 64:8?

As you consider the meaning of the name Potter, consider what a ‘Potter’ does and what the work Christ has done for us. A potter makes a vessel generally for a purpose, and the work of Christ at Calvary provides a way for us to have life and purpose.

Prayer Focus:  Father, may the desire You have for us, make us into something important and beautiful to you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Definitions of the letters used in the Hebrew Word for Potter, YATSAR.

י    Yud - deed done, to make, power, might- Work, worship `(2b) In the ancient Hebrew word pictures, the yod was drawn as a "hand" complete with the arm above the elbow. It symbolized work done - (1a) (note: the picture of the letter Yud-of how it was represented in the Alphabet used in Abraham’s time, looks like a possible handshake-a handshake could infer ‘agreement’.)    JI

צַ     Tzadi-harvest, desire, just, righteous—In ancient Hebrew this letter was drawn like a hook. In Hebrew, to "want" or "desire" is Ra-tsah and the word picture tells us that desire is when a person is "hooked". Another significant word is the Hebrew word for Righteousness, Tse-dek and the word picture tells us that you are righteous when your hook is the door you follow. See John 10:7,9 (1a) Journey, chase, hunt(2b) (an inferred meaning could be: focused desire)

ר   Resh, Reish - what comes first, capstone, head, highest, first, top, beginning, (2b) The literal meaning of the Reish is "first", "Head" and the symbolic meaning is "first" "person", the "most important", "highest" or the "highest/first person".(1a)    R

נ    Nun-Propagate increase, In the ancient picture language this was pictured as a seed in ancient Hebrew and Egyptian cultures. As mentioned, it represented "life", "posterity", "active life". As used in the Hebrew word for son , the nun symbolized the posterity of the house.(also by inference, Nun could mean purpose—it is used in the word-potter  יֹצְרֵ֔נוּ –see Isaiah 64:8—a potter makes a vessel for a specific purpose) Continue, heir, son (2b)  N

ו  ן     Vav- Nail, to secure – add, secure, hook (2b) The literal meaning is a nail. The symbolic meaning is "to secure or fasten" "add" "a connection". The letter in grammar serves to connect or join together, two words or phrases as in English our word “and” (1a) (inferred—lasting—vs  Psalms 119:144- עוֹלָם‎ ʿôlām  -everlasting))  F

The Connection of Light and Life in the Bible

The Connection of Light and Life in the Bible

Lamp, ner, נֵר‎, Psalms 119 verse 105

Psalms 119 verse 105 speaks of God’s word being a lamp to our feet.  In looking at the word lamp in Hebrew, which is ner and is spelled in Hebrew,  נֵר‎.  The letters of Hebrew do have a meaning and can expand on the meaning of the word as it is often translated.  the Hebrew letter  נ Nun means life, and the Hebrew letter ר Resh, Reish means highest person.  Putting these meanings together we have the life of the Highest person.

In the context of Psalms 119:105, the word is translated lamp.  A lamp gives light.  John 1:1-5 says: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 

This passage in the New Testament ties life and light together in Jesus.  It shows us that the Word of God not only gives light, but it is also life. 

Praying Together--Connecting--God's Love Present Among Those Praying Together

The more reading I have done, the more seeking the Lord about the condition of our churches, and our nation that I have done, I find a burning within my heart to find ways to encourage people to pray together. This includes Husbands and wives, friends, acquaintances, Churches, Co-workers, and the list goes on. 

What happens when we pray together?  

• Matthew 18:20 says Christ is present!  “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
• When Christ is present—God’s Love is also present.
• When God’s Love is shown—it connects us with God.

If you hear the phrase I don’t connect— that might be because we are not praying together.  When we don’t—God’s Love is fully manifested.

When we pray together, we find according to scripture that Jesus is also with us.  It is because of Jesus and His presence that we can find the Love of God present among us.  The Love that comes from God ties us together. 

I encourage all who read this to take time to meditate on this, and ask the Lord to help us to pray together.

Consider—what would happen to the deep divisions in our country if our politicians—from all parties—prayed genuinely together?

Consider—What would happen in marriages and families if they prayed together?

Consider—what would happen if Churches prayed on their knees together?

There is much to look forward to when we do pray together—much good and blessings.

Perhaps you might want to share how the Lord encouraged you when you prayed with others.

A Name of God that shows the action of God in Isaish 64 vs 8

 One of the Names of God -- to meditate on   

YASA, POTTER      יֹצְרֵ֔נוּ      

Hebrew Strong’s Number H3335

Meanings of the letters of Hebrew in the word Potter:

י    Yud - deed done, to make, power, might- Work, worship (2b) In the ancient Hebrew word pictures, the yod was drawn as a "hand" complete with the arm above the elbow. It symbolized work done - (1a) (note: the picture of the letter Yud-of how it was represented in the Alphabet used in Abraham’s time, looks like a possible handshake-a handshake could infer ‘agreement’.)    JI

צַ     Tzadi-harvest, desire, just, righteous—In ancient Hebrew this letter was drawn like a hook. In Hebrew, to "want" or "desire" is Ra-tsah and the word picture tells us that desire is when a person is "hooked". Another significant word is the Hebrew word for Righteousness, Tse-dek and the word picture tells us that you are righteous when your hook is the door you follow. See John 10:7,9 (1a) Journey, chase, hunt

ר   Resh, Reish - what comes first, capstone, head, highest, first, top, beginning, (2b) The literal meaning of the Reish is "first", "Head" and the symbolic meaning is "first" "person", the "most important", "highest" or the "highest/first person".(1a)    R

נ    Nun-Propagate increase, In the ancient picture language this was pictured as a seed in ancient Hebrew and Egyptian cultures. As mentioned, it represented "life", "posterity", "active life". As used in the Hebrew word for son , the nun symbolized the posterity of the house.(also by inference, Nun could mean purpose—it is used in the word-potter  יֹצְרֵ֔נוּ –see Isaiah 64:8—a potter makes a vessel for a specific purpose) Continue, heir, son (2b)  N

ו  ן     Vav- Nail, to secure – add, secure, hook (2b) The literal meaning is a nail. The symbolic meaning is "to secure or fasten" "add" "a connection". The letter in grammar serves to connect or join together, two words or phrases as in English our word “and” (1a) (inferred—lasting—vs  Psalms 119:144- עוֹלָם‎ ʿôlām  -everlasting))  F

*Possible Letter Meaning of Potter:  יֹצְרֵ֔נוּ  :  The secure deed of the righteous desire of the capstone that gives life/purpose

Thou our potter  Isaiah 64:8

Prayer Focus:  Father, may the desire You have for us, make us into something important and beautiful to you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

What Should We Repent Of As a Nation?

The work of Wheatland Ministries involves research in learning how to best pray and be involved in intercessory prayer.

I am currently reading the book the Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn. In it he identifies 3 spirits affecting our nation, which are the spirits of Defiance, Pride, and Arrogance. I mention them, because we seen many saying we need to repent--and that is in scripture--but there is a question--do we know what we are repenting of?--especially as a nation.

Research is one way we can identify how to pray. What we pray for should be in agreement with scripture.  These three spirits listed above are related to pride, and there is much scripture about pride, and the problems of pride.  A heart full of pride does not seek the Lord. 

This week (week of July 4, 2014) there has been a call to prayer by the National Day of Prayer Task Force-I encourage you to consider what is shared in this blog, and to search for even other things we as a nation need to repent of.

Some may not understand why repentance is so-o-o-o important.There is a verse found in II Chronicles 7:14: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Praying Into Another Person's Vision-an act of Love and Friendship

Praying Into Another Person’s Vision-an act of Love and Friendship

We live in a highly individualistic society—which carries over into our prayer life—many of us pray alone—and we justify that by showing in the Bible various occasions where Christ went and prayed alone.—We also look at the prayer closet (Matthew 6: 6)—as reason to pray alone.  Even with these times mentioned in the Bible when Christ prayed alone, the Bible also mentions about Christ taking a few of his disciples with him to pray.  Matthew 17: 1-9  

When we look at prayer, and fundamental points of prayer—which can be called elements, (See ‘Prayer Elements’ at the following link:  http://wheatlandministries.blogspot.com/2010/11/prayer-elements.html), these Prayer elements work together in a way that might be called acts of love of a person on the behalf of others.  (See ‘Prayer is an Act of Love’—link: http://wheatlandministries.blogspot.com/2007/01/prayer-is-act-of-love_04.html) .

The context of prayer being made on the behalf of others, can refer to both individual and corporate prayer when it comes to upholding someone else, especially if they have share a vision with rou about what they sense God wants them to do.  Part of that prayer could be—in a practical sense prayer..:

• That their vision will be aligned with God’s Word
• For their vision- that the Lord will work the details out—including the nitty gritty details—
• For needed resources including financing or other need,
• Asking people to join in prayer as prayer partners,
• Asking for people to join as advisers or a board--people who have a similar vision or calling (we need to ask the Lord to bring these people together).

Here is why those prayer points above are important.  Many times, the Lord has given each of us a vision, but we seem stymied.  Others when they pray, often pray once or twice for someone’s vision, but regular praying into that vision—er—uh—oops—we don’t do it very well—and we often move on praying for other things once we prayed once or twice.  I do know there are some intercessors who will take the challenge to regularly pray for someone’s vision—but they are few in number. 

Taking the time to regularly pray for a friend’s vision could make a difference of your friend being able to move ahead.  It seems that sometimes the Lord waits to answer until others join together in their prayers—exactly what may be happening in the spiritual realm that causes hold back of our prayers being answered, and keeping us from moving forward — is not always clear.  When that happens, it could also be a time of needed preparation or training for us.  Even when answers seem long in coming and there is sometimes a wait in seeing a vision come about, the principle agreeing together is Biblical, in accordance with Matthew 18:19, must not be neglected.  It is important to keep that vision before the Lord.  Consider the example of the woman who kept a request before a judge.  See Luke 18:2-8.  I believe that when Christ shared that story in Luke 18:2-8, He was teaching us to keep our requests before Him.  Praying regularly for someone’s vision is doing just that. 

Perhaps the gist of what I am bringing up here is—would you be willing to join with someone and pray for their vision-regularly?

Now if one does desire to pray for someone, and seeks the Lord on how to pray into that person’s vision—how do we know what to pray for—????  We all like to see clearly, but the Bible says we see through a glass dimly (I Corinthians 13:12).  The result is that we have to depend on God to lead us one item at a time.  This may also require reading between the lines, and asking the Lord for wisdom and discernment on the issues at hand. This would be difficult for someone, but with God’s help it can be done.  Also, it takes a willingness to sense someone else’s burden and involve yourself with that person and learn first hand about their vision/burden.  Once you have an understanding of their vision—what it is, joining together with them in prayer is like taking a weight off a weary traveler.  The action of Aaron and Hur made it possible for Moses to hold up his arms in a major battle when Joshua fought Amalek.  See Exodus 17: 9-13.  Watching out for, praying for, and helping each other is the action that can make it possible to complete/move forward on accomplishing their vision.  That is the action of a true friend.  

In considering what the action of a friend can do in the area of prayer, we need to remember that man was not meant to walk alone.  We need to encourage each other.  We need others to listen to us, listen to the Lord, and seeking God’s word—to help us in seeking God’s thoughts—not only our thoughts, but thoughts and actions that help each other.

In addition to praying for your friend, we should also seek the Lord to include those in our churches to pray for our vision that:

• That your friend’s church will encourage and pray for the vision.

Why pray for their church?—perhaps that church is so self focused—churches are like people—that they fail to bring in help that the Lord provides—which may be what the individual needs to move ahead with the vision the Lord has given.

What is happening when we pray into a friend’s vision—that action is a true act of friendship that is important in helping your friend move ahead.  Proverbs 18: 24 says:  “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

Also Hebrews 3: 13 says to “…exhort one another daily,” and such action is a true act of friendship.

Praying with a friend for their vision is honoring to God and encourages each other which the Word of God says we are to do. 

Thoughts-Reflection

**Have you prayed for someone’s desire or vision to serve?  What can you share from that experience that would encourage us on how the Lord worked when you and others prayed for a vision?

**What does it mean pray without ceasing when it comes to praying for someone’s vision?

**Does the individualism that impacts our society, keep us from praying for someone else’s desire to serve the Lord or their vision?

**Do we understand the importance of importunate prayer (Link: http://www.praynetwork.org/profiles/blogs/importunate-prayer) when it comes to praying for someone else and their vision?

**there may be other reasons not touched on in the above reflection questions of items that affect our praying for the vision of someone else.  Would you be kind enough to share some?

©2014 Lewis Turner

Supplication-understanding what it means and is

The following may help to develop an understanding of the meaning of supplication and what supplication is.  We see this 'Old English Word' in the Bible--but often we may not fully understand what the meaning of the word is and from that what supplication is.  We sometimes hear the phrase 'Prayer and Supplication' (Philippians 4:6)  and connect it with prayer, and possibly conclude that supplication has something to do with making requests.  However, the meaning of supplication is much deeper than just making requests.  It focuses on beholding the Covenant hedge -or hedge of the covenant --the Covenant of life that is is provided by Jesus for us. (Romans 11:27 and Hebrews 12:24).  Meditating on that work of the New Covenant that Jesus gave us is what Supplication is about.

Below is the development of the meaning of Supplication from the meaning of the Hebrew letters used to write the word supplication.

Supplication ‏תְּחִנָּה‎ teḥinnâ tekh-in-naw' Hebrew Strong’s Number 8467

Examining the meanings of the letters used in the Hebrew Spelling of תְּחִנָּה‎ teḥinnâ

tekh-in-naw' Hebrew Strong’s Number 8467:

תּ ת     Tav  -- It's literal meaning is "ownership" "covenant" "sign" "a mark" and "to join two things together". (1a), mark, sign, signal, monument (2b)   T

Note about Tav:  In the ancient Hebrew picture letters the Tav was written as a cross, and later as an X. In the ancient Hebrew word for "sign" we see that the SIGN is "the strong leader nailed to the cross". It is this same word that is translated in the Greek text of Luke 2:12 which reads: And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
The Hebrew word for religion is "DaT" , דתּ.  In Abraham’s Day it was written as:    the ancient word picture tells us that religion is the "door of the sign" or the "door of the cross".  Souce  (1a)

ח   Heth, Chet – fence, hedge, to separate. Outside, divide, half (2b), The literal meaning of this letter is a "fence", "hedge" or “chamber”, (1a) (an inferred meaning could also be protection-IE a fence protects)  (an inferred meaning could also be that Heth refers to instruction—instruction that makes the hedge—see the word Statutes Hebrew Strong’s Number 2706 חֹק‎)(another inferred meaning is that the hedge represents love-possibly protective love)  H

Chesed is the Old Testament's highest expression for love. It is a love that remains constant regardless of the circumstances. Chesed is translated in English in many different ways: kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, loyalty, love, and unfailing love. (Tiffany Ann Lewis)

נ    Nun-Propagate increase, In the ancient picture language this was pictured as a seed in ancient Hebrew and Egyptian cultures. As mentioned, it represented "life", "posterity", "active life". As used in the Hebrew word for son , the nun symbolized the posterity of the house.(1a) Continue, heir, son (2b)  N

ה     He, Hey – behold, to reveal, the – look, reveal, breath (2b)  It's literal meaning is a window, or lattice. The symbolic meaning is behold, or to reveal. This meaning of the letter is one of the many reasons Rabbinic tradition calls the letter hey the letter of revelation! (1a) (Also by inference, the meaning could mean--expose or show.)  E

Possible Letter Meaning of Supplication: תְּחִנָּה‎ teḥinnâ tekh-in-naw' Hebrew Strong’s Number 8467: Beholding the Covenant hedge (of love) and life 

Note:  from examination of the definition, you could conclude that 'supplication' deals with focusing on the covenant-the work of Christ—the work of the greatest expression of love—and the hedge that the covenant of God provides which offers protection—a protection made possible by God’s Love.

Applying the meaning to Psalm 119:170

^{Psalm 119: 170} Let my supplication (Beholding the Covenant hedge (of love) and life) come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.