Lexical Summary eleos: Mercy, compassion, pity Original Word: ἔλεος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance tender mercy. Of uncertain affinity; compassion (human or divine, especially active) -- (+ tender) mercy. HELPS Word-studies 1656 éleos (translating OT 2617 /kataisxýnō, "covenant-loyalty, covenant-love" in the OT-LXX over 170 times) – properly, "mercy" as it is defined by loyalty to God's covenant. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition mercy, pity, compassion NASB Translation compassion (2), mercy (25). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1656: ἔλεος (1)ἔλεος (1), ἐλέου, ὁ, mercy: that of God toward sinners, Titus 3:5; ἔλεον λαμβάνειν, to receive i. e. experience, Hebrews 4:16; that of men: readiness to help those in trouble, Matthew 9:13 and Matthew 12:7 (from Hosea 6:6); Matthew 23:23. But in all these passages L T Tr WH have adopted the neuter form τό ἔλεος (which see), much more common in Hellenistic writings than the masculine ὁ ἔλεος, which is the only form in classic Greek (Sophocles (Lexicon, under the word) notes ἔλεος in Polybius 1, 88, 2; and Pape in Diodorus Siculus 3, 18 variant). The Greek manuscripts of the O. T. also frequently waver between the two forms. Cf. (WHs Appendix, p. 158); Winers Grammar, 66 (64); Buttmann, 22 (20). STRONGS NT 1656: ἔλεος (2)ἔλεος (2), ἐλέους, τό (a form more common in Hellenistic Greek than the classic ὁ ἔλεος, which see), "mercy; kindness or good will toward the miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to relieve them"; 1. of men toward men: Matthew 9:13; Matthew 12:7; Matthew 23:23 (in these three passages, accusatives to L T Tr WH); James 2:13; James 3:17; ποιεῖν ἔλεος, to exercise the virtue of mercy, show oneself merciful, James 2:13; with the addition of μετά τίνος (in imitation of the very common Hebrew phrase פּ עִם חֶסֶד עָשָׂה, Genesis 21:23; Genesis 24:12; Judges 1:24, etc.; cf. Thiersch, De Pentateuchi vers. Alex., p. 147; (Winer's Grammar, 33 (32); 376 (353))), to show, afford, mercy to one, Luke 10:37. 2. of God toward men; a. universally: Luke 1:50; in benedictions: Galatians 6:16; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; ((probably) Titus 1:4 R L); 2 John 1:3; Jude 1:2. ἐμεγάλυνε κύριος τό ἔλεος αὐτοῦ μετ' αὐτῆς, magnified his mercy toward her, i. e. showed distinguished mercy to her (after the Hebrew, see Genesis 19:19), Luke 1:58. b. especially the mercy and clemency of God in providing and offering to men salvation by Christ: Luke 1:54; Romans 15:9; Ephesians 2:4; (Titus 3:5 L T Tr WH; Hebrews 4:16 L T Tr WH); 1 Peter 1:3; σπλάγχνα ἐλέους (the genitive of quality (cf. Winers Grammar, 611 (568))), wherein mercy dwells, as we should say, the heart of mercy, Luke 1:78; ποιεῖν ἔλεος μετά τίνος (see 1 above), Luke 1:72; σκεύη ἐλέους, vessels (fitted for the reception) of mercy, i. e. men whom GOd has made fit to obtain salvation through Christ, Romans 9:23; τῷ ὑμετέρῳ ἐληι, by (in consequence of, moved by) the mercy shown you in your conversion to Christ, Romans 11:31 (cf. Winers Grammar, § 22, 7 (cf. § 61, 3 a.); Buttmann, 157 (137)). 3. the mercy of Christ, whereby at his return to judgment he will bless true Christians with eternal life: Jude 1:21; (2 Timothy 1:16, 18 (on the repetition of κύριος in 2 Timothy 1:18 cf. Genesis 19:24; 1 Samuel 3:21; 1 Samuel 15:22; 2 Chronicles 7:2; Genesis 1:27, etc. Winer's Grammar, § 22, 2); but Prof. Grimm understands κύριος here as referring to God; see κύριος, c. α.). (Cf. Trench, § xlvii.; and see ἐληω at the end.) Strong’s Greek 1656 (ἔλεος, eleos) speaks of God’s compassionate response toward human misery and of the believer’s corresponding attitude toward others. It is more than sentiment; it is love that moves to act and to relieve. Every one of its twenty-seven New Testament occurrences carries this note of active compassion, whether describing God’s saving initiative or the believer’s ethical obligation. Old Testament Background and Septuagint Bridge In the Septuagint, eleos most often translates Hebrew ḥesed (steadfast covenant love) and raḥamîm (tender compassion). Thus, when the New Testament writers employ ἔλεος they inherit centuries of revelation in which the Lord binds Himself to His people in loyal love and repeatedly bends toward them in pity despite their failings (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 136). The Magnificat echoes this stream: “His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation” (Luke 1:50). Divine Attribute Revealed in Christ Ephesians 2:4 gathers the theme into a single phrase: “God, who is rich in mercy.” The incarnation, teaching, miracles, cross, and resurrection of Jesus Christ all display that wealth. Matthew twice records Him citing Hosea 6:6, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13; 12:7), correcting a religion that offered ritual while ignoring human need. The Good Samaritan parable ends with the command, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37), showing that divine mercy must reproduce itself in human lives. Mercy and Salvation Titus 3:5 ties mercy to regeneration: “He saved us, not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy.” Romans amplifies the thought. God prepares “vessels of mercy” for glory (Romans 9:23); both Jew and Gentile finally “may receive mercy” (Romans 11:31); and the Gentiles glorify God “for His mercy” (Romans 15:9). 1 Peter celebrates the same grace: “By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3). Mercy in Apostolic Greetings and Benedictions Unlike the earlier Pauline letters that greet with “grace and peace,” the Pastoral Epistles add mercy: “Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord” (1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2). The inclusion underscores the pastoral concern for frail servants engaged in difficult ministry. Galatians 6:16 extends “peace and mercy” to all who walk by the rule of the new creation, while 2 John 1:3 and Jude 1:2 pray that mercy be multiplied to the fellowship. The Throne of Grace Hebrews 4:16 invites believers to draw near “so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Mercy here is not merely forensic; it is continual assistance from a sympathetic High Priest. The open throne sustains worship, perseverance, and restorative ministry within the church. Mercy and Judgment James issues searching warnings and promises. “Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13). Wisdom from above is “full of mercy” (James 3:17), contrasting heavenly character with earthly rivalry. God’s mercy does not nullify righteousness; it provides the means by which righteousness is satisfied and sin’s misery relieved. Eschatological Mercy The believer’s hope rests finally on mercy: “keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life” (Jude 1:21). Paul prays that Onesiphorus “find mercy from the Lord on that day” (2 Timothy 1:18). Mercy will crown the faithful at the consummation, completing what grace began in time. Ethical and Pastoral Implications 1. Worship: True worship values mercy above ritualism, aligning with God’s heart (Matthew 23:23). Historical and Liturgical Legacy Early Christian worship adopted the cry, “Kyrie, eleison—Lord, have mercy,” which remains a staple in many liturgies. The phrase encapsulates both confession of need and confidence in God’s compassionate readiness to forgive and heal. Key New Testament Occurrences Matthew 9:13; Matthew 12:7; Matthew 23:23 Luke 1:50, 1:54, 1:58, 1:72, 1:78; Luke 10:37 Romans 9:23; Romans 11:31; Romans 15:9 2 Timothy 1:2, 1:16, 1:18 Jude 1:2, 1:21 Summary Ἔλεος is God’s compassionate resolve to address human misery, culminating in the saving work of Christ and perpetuated through the Spirit-empowered mercy of His people. It anchors the believer’s past forgiveness, present confidence, and future hope, while shaping every sphere of Christian ministry. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 9:13 N-ANSGRK: τί ἐστιν Ἔλεος θέλω καὶ NAS: I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,' KJV: I will have mercy, and INT: what is Mercy I desire and Matthew 12:7 N-ANS Matthew 23:23 N-ANS Luke 1:50 N-NMS Luke 1:54 N-GNS Luke 1:58 N-ANS Luke 1:72 N-ANS Luke 1:78 N-GNS Luke 10:37 N-ANS Romans 9:23 N-GNS Romans 11:31 N-DNS Romans 15:9 N-GNS Galatians 6:16 N-NMS Ephesians 2:4 N-DNS 1 Timothy 1:2 N-NMS 2 Timothy 1:2 N-NMS 2 Timothy 1:16 N-ANS 2 Timothy 1:18 N-ANS Titus 3:5 N-ANS Hebrews 4:16 N-ANS James 2:13 N-ANS James 2:13 N-ANS James 3:17 N-GNS 1 Peter 1:3 N-ANS 2 John 1:3 N-NMS Strong's Greek 1656 |
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