We are using the Authorized Version of the Bible for these studies, but will quote from the King James, as well. In the Old Testament this word, hhesed, is translated by three main synonyms: Mercy, Lovingkindness, Kindness. It is of real value and importance in your Bible study to know that these three words are used as the translation of just one Hebrew word: hhesed. The word kindness, is, with one exception, the translation of the same word hhesed. That exception is in 2 Sam. 2:6 where the Hebrew word tov, meaning good is translated “kindness.” As we will see the words “goodness” and “mercy” are, in the Bible very nearly the same in meaning. For the purpose of this study it is perhaps best to keep chiefly the three synonyms in view: Mercy, Lovingkindness, Kindness.

When you are reading the word, kindness, or lovingkindness, you can just as well read it as, “mercy” for they are identically the same word. Or the other way around: the word, mercy, can just as well be read as lovingkindness, or kindness, because they are synonyms as used in the Authorized Version. Our first concern, however, is to know wherever you find the words , lovingkindness, and kindness, they are the translations of the same Hebrew word as is translated, mercy.

Psalm 25:10, "All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies."
    In this passage the word “mercy” is the Hebrew word, hhesed.

Psalm 17:7, "Shew thy marvellous LOVINGKINDNESS, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them."
    The Hebrew word, hhesed, is translated “lovingkindness.” And is always the translation of the same word.