Lexical Summary oiktirmos: Compassion, mercy, pity Original Word: οἰκτιρμός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mercy. From oikteiro; pity -- mercy. see GREEK oikteiro HELPS Word-studies 3628 oiktirmós – properly, compassion (pity), i.e. deep feeling about someone's difficulty or misfortune (TDNT, 1:159). 3628 /oiktirmós ("visceral compassions") is used of the deep feelings God has for all of us, and powerfully shows and shares in those following Him. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom oiktiró Definition compassion, pity NASB Translation compassion (2), mercies (2), mercy (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3628: οἰκτιρμόςοἰκτιρμός, οἰκτιρμοῦ, ὁ (οἰκτείρω), the Sept. for רַחֲמִים) (the viscera, which were thought to be the seat of compassion (see σπλάγχνον, b.)), compassion, pity, mercy: σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ (Rec. οἰκτίρμων), bowels in which compassion resides, a heart of compassion, Colossians 3:12; in the Scriptures mostly plural (conformably to the Hebrew רַחֲמִים), emotions, longings, manifestations of pity (English compassions) (cf. Fritzsche, Ep. ad Romans, iii., pp. 5ff; (Winers Grammar, 176 (166); Buttmann, 77 (61))), τοῦ Θεοῦ, Romans 12:1; Hebrews 10:28; ὁ πατήρ τῶν οἰκτίρμων (genitive of quality (cf. Buttmann, § 132, 10; Winer's Grammar, 237 (222))), the father of mercies i. e. most merciful, 2 Corinthians 1:3; joined with σπλάγχνα, Philippians 2:1. (Pindar, Pythagoras 1, 164.) (Synonym: see ἐληω, at the end.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope In the New Testament this word denotes the deep feeling of pity that moves one to relieve another’s misery. It is more than sentiment; it is an inward disposition that motivates concrete, self-giving action. Occurrences in the New Testament Canon 1. Romans 12:1 – Paul appeals “by the compassions of God” to urge believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices. Rooted in the Character of God Old Testament revelation repeatedly portrays the LORD as “full of compassion” (for example, Psalm 103:13; Lamentations 3:22). The Septuagint often uses this same term to translate Hebrew words for tender mercies, creating a seamless conceptual bridge into the New Testament. When Paul calls God “the Father of compassion” (2 Corinthians 1:3), he draws on that covenant portrait: compassion is not an occasional impulse but an attribute intrinsic to God’s nature. Christ as the Embodiment of Divine Compassion The Gospels portray Jesus “moved with compassion” toward lepers, widows, and crowds “like sheep without a shepherd.” His miracles, teachings, and atoning death display God’s mercy in action. Every New Testament occurrence of this word stands under that example. Romans 12:1 argues that believers can yield themselves wholly to God only when they have first grasped the magnitude of divine mercy revealed in Christ. Worship Motivated by Mercy (Romans 12:1) “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s compassion, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual service of worship”. Here compassion is the spring that propels worshipful obedience. The believer’s entire life becomes a liturgy offered back to the God who first pitied and saved. Pastoral Comfort and Mutual Consolation (2 Corinthians 1:3–7) Paul links God’s compassion with comfort in affliction: “so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” Ministry is therefore derivative—drawing upon God’s inexhaustible mercy, pastors and fellow-believers mediate that same mercy to the afflicted. Community Unity and Humility (Philippians 2:1–4) Paul appeals to “affection and compassion” to foster unity. Compassion softens hearts, disarms rivalry, and undergirds the mind of Christ that regards others as more important than oneself. Without it, doctrinal orthodoxy may become harsh; with it, truth is adorned by love. Ethical Clothing for the Elect (Colossians 3:12) “Therefore, as the chosen of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion…” Tenderheartedness is the first garment in the wardrobe of the new creation man. The directive assumes a corporate setting: compassion must be visible, habitual, and perceptible within the Christian congregation. Severity Highlighted by the Absence of Compassion (Hebrews 10:28–29) “Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without compassion on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severe will the punishment be for the one who has trampled the Son of God…” The writer employs the negative side of the term to underscore the terrible consequence of apostasy. Mercy spurned heightens judgment; thus divine compassion never nullifies divine justice but magnifies it. Historical and Intertestamental Background Jewish writings between the Testaments use this term to describe God’s saving acts toward Israel in exile and restoration. By the first century the synagogue liturgy praised God as “abounding in compassion,” a phrase echoed in apostolic doxologies. Early Christian writers such as Clement of Rome and Polycarp likewise exhort believers to imitate the compassion of God, showing continuity with New Testament usage. Theological Significance • Covenant Faithfulness: Compassion flows from God’s loyal love toward His people. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Pastoral care that merely offers advice without heartfelt pity misrepresents the Father of compassion. Summary Strong’s Greek 3628 portrays the tender mercies of God that initiate salvation, sustain the afflicted, and shape communal and personal ethics. Flowing from the heart of the Father, embodied in the Son, and applied by the Spirit, compassion becomes both the ground and the goal of Christian life and ministry. Forms and Transliterations οικτιρμοι οικτιρμοί οἰκτιρμοί οικτιρμοίς οικτιρμόν οικτιρμου οικτιρμού οἰκτιρμοῦ οικτιρμούς οικτιρμώ οικτιρμων οικτιρμών οἰκτιρμῶν oiktirmoi oiktirmoí oiktirmon oiktirmôn oiktirmōn oiktirmō̂n oiktirmou oiktirmoûLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 12:1 N-GMPGRK: διὰ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν τοῦ θεοῦ NAS: you, brethren, by the mercies of God, KJV: by the mercies of God, INT: by the compassions of God 2 Corinthians 1:3 N-GMP Philippians 2:1 N-NMP Colossians 3:12 N-GMS Hebrews 10:28 N-GMP Strong's Greek 3628 |
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