What does it mean for God to be gracious?

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What does it mean for God to be gracious? This word has lost some of its potency in our modern world, but when God calls himself gracious in Exodus 34, it has profound implications for how he relates to humanity. 

The Hebrew word used in this passage is 'khanun', and it’s used throughout the Bible to mean show favour or generosity. The context for this passage makes God’s statement even more surprising. God calls himself gracious in the midst of the Israelites’ betrayal, making clear that his generous gifts are for even the most undeserving of people.


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