Lexical Summary oiktiró: To have compassion, to show mercy, to pity Original Word: οἰκτίρω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance have compassion on. Also (in certain tenses) prolonged oiktereo oyk-ter-eh'-o from oiktos (pity); to exercise pity -- have compassion on. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3627 oikteírō properly, to respond with deep sensitivity (compassion, sympathy). This term is only used of the Lord in the NT (both time in Ro 9:15). See 3628 (oiktirmos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom oiktos (pity) Definition to pity, to have compassion on NASB Translation have compassion (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3627: οἰκτείρωοἰκτείρω; future (as if from οἰκτειρέω, a form which does not exist) as in the Sept. οἰκτειρήσω, for the earlier οἰκτείρω, see Lob. ad Phryn., p. 741; (Veitch, under the word; Winers Grammar, 88 (84); Buttmann, 64 (56)); (from οἶκτος pity, and this from the interjection οἱ, "Oh!); to pity, have compassion on": τινα, Romans 9:15 (from Exodus 33:19. Homer, Tragg., Aristophanes, Xenophon, Plato, Demosthenes, Lucian, Plutarch, Aelian; the Sept. for חָנַן and רָחַם). (Synonym: see ἐληω, at the end.) Topical Lexicon Root and Conceptual Background The verb represented by Strong’s Greek 3627 conveys the idea of heartfelt compassion that moves one to action. It springs from an emotional response to the misery of another and, in Scripture, is directed exclusively to God’s own disposition toward people. Unlike the more frequently used 1653 (eleeó), which accents benevolent favor, 3627 stresses the inward stirring of pity that precedes merciful intervention. Septuagint Foundations and Exodus 33:19 The Septuagint employs this verb (and its cognates) to render Hebrew terms such as רָחַם (racham, “show compassion”) in passages describing Yahweh’s covenant love. Pivotal is Exodus 33:19, where the LORD promises Moses, “I will cause all My goodness to pass before you… and I will show compassion on whom I will show compassion” (adapted from). Here divine pity is not a sentimental impulse but a sovereign act grounded in God’s character and covenant fidelity. Paul later reaches back to this scene to frame his teaching on election. Pauline Usage in Romans 9:15 Romans 9:15 contains the only New Testament appearances of 3627—once in the future (“I will have compassion”) and once in the present subjunctive (“I have compassion”). Paul cites Exodus 33:19 to defend God’s freedom in dispensing mercy: Romans 9:15: “For He says to Moses: ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’” The apostle’s argument unfolds from this citation: salvation rests not on human desire or effort but on God who shows mercy (Romans 9:16). The verb therefore anchors the doctrine that divine compassion is neither earned nor arbitrary but flows from God’s purposeful will. Theological Significance: Divine Sovereignty and Mercy 1. Sovereign Freedom – God’s compassion is self-determined; no external claim can obligate Him (Job 41:11; Isaiah 40:13-14). Relation to Other New Testament Terms for Mercy • 3627 (oikteirō): inner stirring of pity—used of God alone. The rarity of 3627 heightens its impact: while believers are exhorted to express mercy (Luke 6:36), this particular word reserves ultimate, decisive compassion for the LORD. Historical Interpretation in the Church • Early Fathers such as Augustine cited Romans 9:15 to articulate doctrines of grace against Pelagian notions of human-initiated salvation. Practical and Pastoral Applications 1. Assurance – Believers rest in a salvation rooted in God’s compassion, not personal merit. Worship and Devotional Implications Hymns of praise often echo Exodus 33:19 and Romans 9:15, celebrating the depth of God’s compassion. Liturgical prayers invoke the Lord’s pity for forgiveness and healing, aligning corporate worship with the biblical pattern of pleading for mercy before proclaiming grace. Mission and Social Concern Because divine compassion encompasses Jew and Gentile alike, it propels the Church toward cross-cultural evangelism and holistic care. Awareness that God alone initiates salvation fuels confidence in preaching while inspiring works of charity that mirror His heart for the suffering. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 3627 encapsulates a profound biblical truth: the LORD’s sovereign, covenantal pity initiates and sustains redemption. Though occurring only twice in the New Testament, its placement in Romans 9:15 spotlights the foundation of gospel hope—God’s free and purposeful compassion toward the undeserving. Forms and Transliterations οικτείρει οικτειρήσαι οικτειρήσει οικτειρήσεις οικτειρήση οικτειρήσης οικτείρησόν οικτειρήσουσι οικτειρήσουσιν οικτειρησω οικτειρήσω οἰκτειρήσω οικτειρω οικτειρώ οικτείρω οἰκτείρω οικτείρων οἰκτιρήσω οἰκτίρω ωκτείρησας ωκτείρησε ωκτείρησεν oiktireso oiktirēsō oiktirḗso oiktirḗsō oiktiro oiktirō oiktíro oiktírōLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 9:15 V-FIA-1SGRK: ἐλεῶ καὶ οἰκτιρήσω ὃν ἂν NAS: I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION KJV: and I will have compassion on whom INT: I show mercy and I will feel compassion on whom anyhow Romans 9:15 V-PSA-1S Strong's Greek 3627 |
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