Robin Routledge While there is little dispute that ḥesed is a significant term, opinion is divided over its meaning. Glueck defines ḥesed in terms of loyalty and mutual obligation within the context of relationships, especially relationships involving a covenant. More recent studies, however, have minimised this aspect, linking ḥesed, instead, with ideas of benevolence and kindness. This article looks at the use of ḥesed in the OT in the setting