Zekhut
“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:40 NASB
The least – Benevolence toward others without any expectation of gain. That’s the idea. No financial repayment. No profit. No enhanced reputation. No celebrity status. Not even the recognition of others. This is action in the dark. This is zekhut.
“There is an untranslatable Hebrew word for the matter, zekhut, meaning, ‘the heritage of superrogatory virtue and its consequent entitlement.’ In Rabbinic Judaism zekhut stands for the empowerment, of a supernatural character, that derives from the virtue of one’s ancestry or from one’s own virtuous deeds of a particular kind, specifically, deeds not commanded but impelled by utter generosity of the heart. They make a difference only when they are done without hope let alone prospect of recompense and without pressure of any kind. No single word in American English bears the same meaning, nor is there a synonym for zekhut in the canonical writings. But there is an antonym, sin.”[1]
Notice a few things about zekhut. It is not generous giving. Far too often generous giving is a euphemism for planned distribution of wealth to take advantage of charity tax breaks. It is not dutiful compassion like taking your turn at the soup kitchen or handing out food baskets at Christmas. It isn’t even giving that extra offering when the missions chairman makes an appeal. Zekhut is strictly motivated by the move of the Spirit. It is heartfelt compulsion to care for another when there is absolutely no reason to do so. That’s when the action is god-like. That’s when the King recognizes it as if it were done to Him. No wonder there is no translation into English. The concept is inexplicable in a language based in personal fulfillment.
Notice something else about the Hebrew idea of zekhut. It is trans-generational. It has effect far beyond the lifetime of the actor. God spares many of the wicked kings because David was God’s friend. Zekhut. The jailer’s decision brings salvation to his entire household. Zekhut. The obedience of a woman produces fellowship for her children and husband. Zekhut. Ruth’s hesed heals ancient animosity. Zekhut.
I suppose this causes us to ask if we have an Hebraic view of benevolence. Are our kind acts motivated by nothing but the Spirit? Or do we respond to some other kind of pressure? Is zekhut translatable in your life? Do the “least of these” know you?
Topical Index: zekhut, benevolence, least of these, Matthew 25:40
Don’t forget the conference in Phoenix starts on May 11.
It strikes me that zekhut is Is 58: 6-9 HCSB in action.
6 Isn’t the fast I choose: To break the chains of wickedness, to untie the ropes of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to tear off every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your house, to clothe the naked when you see him, and to not ignore your own flesh [and blood]? 8 Then your light will appear like the dawn, and your recovery will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the Lord’s glory will be your rear guard. 9 At that time, when you call, the Lord will answer; when you cry out, He will say: Here I am. If you get rid of the yoke from those around you, the finger-pointing and malicious speaking,
Excellent word and message for today, but I also believe in “cause and effect!” If wages (or consequences) of sin is death (Romans 3.23)- what are the “wages” (payday someday!) of zekhut? Whether giving or receiving zekhut -lives will be transformed into the image of the Son, eyes will be opened, and the ears will be more receptive to the Giver.
I also see, “zekhut” may involve a lack of recognition from my fellow men or even family. But isn’t our giving (according to our instructions received from God’s Word) is to be done “in secret?” – Doesn’t this go against the grain! How we love to be recognized or rewarded for our “good deeds.” Maybe we could have a hospital wing named after us or be on the six o’clock news for all the world to see. I’ve just done something good here- where’s my “pat on the head?” – Feeling that feelin’? Brother, -been there-done that!
But when you’re running for political office- it has to be that way! (should I be steppin’ here?) – such a slippery (and smelly!) slope!
Is anyone reminded of the words of our Master?
~But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. They love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. “But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. ~ (from Matthew 23)
(Yes, -What’s my motivation?)
Yeshua then proceeds to say- “they receive their expected reward”- (which is) “to be seen of men.” – Why do I do -what I do? – to be seen of men? to be recognized? even honored or exalted? – or does God see where I am and what I am (even) thinking? Does He know the innermost thoughts and desires of the heart?
Haven’t we traveled full circle to see: The heart of the matter (no doubt) is the human heart? What is our deepest need? (sit down EGO and shut up). What is my deepest need? I need rescue. I need deliverance. I need transformation. I need humility. I need repentance. I need to “think differently.” -I need a Savior.
Zekhut : Benevolence toward another without any expectation of gain. There is another parallel word for this. It is agape love. This is the love from God above. He loves.← (period.) He “shines upon” – He “rains upon” the just and the unjust. This love flows in one direction. This is not reciprocal love. This is unconditional love, flowing in one direction only, and we (who are His) are expected also to love -tHis way: “Benevolence toward another without any expectation of gain.”
I will have opportunity to practice “zekhut” today, and so will you. God will see to it. How will I respond when He opens the door of opportunity to give and to “share” some love? Will it cost me to love? If it is love- it will cost. Sacrificial giving took place long ago,”on a hill far away.” SomeOne I know gave everything to me, when He gave “all” to me. How will I respond to a Love like tHis? Through transformed attitudes and actions. I want to live and to love as He lived and loved. This is my “new” heart. – What’s in it for me? lol! – More love. More desire to please Him. To hear Him say (even today!)- “well done”- thou good and faithful servant, or even better yet!- “This is my son in whom I am well pleased..”
Friends! – We are far more than servants. For we also are stewards, and sons, and saints!, for we, who are His, this very day, have a Father who is (always) faithful!
Hi Skip,
Welcome home from Israel and thanks for all the beautiful pictures.
And thank you for this powerful teaching on “zekhut” and the reminder to look inward to our hearts when we give, so that we may know our true motive.
Have a joyous Lag B’omer.
Hi Skip
We are truly blessed that you are willing to share your journey with us! Thank you and congratulations with your birthday – may you walk in Shalom – greetings from all the South African readers.
Skip,
Many blessings of the King on your birthday!
I just wrote a long reply to have the new computer program say it could not “go” without name, mail, etc. and lost it. After my computer was friend in a electrical storm about two months or so ago, the old one just popped up on its own.—Will not rewrite as am trying to make work on a quilt as a gift, much time and discipline required!— So thanks Skip for this good introspecitve check on our good deeds. The world is sure pushing them now in great efforts! But truly not usually in the fashion of what God asks of us.– BRIAN, HAVE NOT BEEN ON LINE FOR AWHILE, SO GLAD TO SEE YOUR NAME AND KNOW YOU ARE STILL ALIVE AND WRITING! DID remember to pray for your health—may our HeavenlyFather continue to give that to you. Ed and I continue to be thankful for the gift of life at our ages, and ask for the health to do and be the servants He wants us to be, old age makes all things more difficult: 79 and 83 years old, But even with natural declines, and dealing with people that do not have any compassion for older ones and their limitations, we are still thankful to be so blessed daily in so many ways. We still remember that old Hymn, “COUNT YOUR MANY BLESSINGS, NAME THEM ONE BY ONE, AND SEE WHAT GOD HAS DONE!”–and as I write this, I hear the rain coming down –and am counting that ! Recall we live in the draught stricken area of Central TX, and what a blessing to hear the raindrops! WOW.— APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU!. LaVaye Billings & Ed, too
Correction: I AM STANDING up, and did not see the : “computer was fried in an electrical storm—” certainly no friend—L.B.