Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: Mercy, in the biblical context, refers to the compassionate treatment of those in distress, especially when it is within one's power to punish or harm. The term is derived from the Latin "misericordia," which means "pity" or "compassion," and is closely related to the Hebrew word "chesed" and the Greek word "eleos," both of which convey a sense of loving-kindness, steadfast love, and compassion. Old Testament Context: In the Old Testament, mercy is a fundamental attribute of God, often associated with His covenantal love for Israel. God's mercy is depicted as enduring and abundant, as seen in Exodus 34:6, where God proclaims Himself as "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." The Psalms frequently celebrate God's mercy, with Psalm 136 repeatedly affirming, "His loving devotion endures forever." Mercy is also a key aspect of the relationship between God and His people. In Micah 6:8, the prophet summarizes what God requires of His people: "to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." This highlights the expectation that God's people should reflect His merciful nature in their interactions with others. New Testament Context: In the New Testament, mercy continues to be a central theme, particularly in the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5:7, state, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." This reflects the reciprocal nature of mercy in the Christian life, where those who show mercy to others will receive mercy from God. Jesus' parables often illustrate the importance of mercy, such as the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), which emphasizes showing compassion to those in need, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries. Similarly, the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) warns against withholding mercy from others when one has received it abundantly from God. The Apostle Paul also emphasizes mercy in his epistles. In Romans 12:1, he urges believers, "by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God." This appeal is grounded in the understanding of God's mercy as a motivating force for Christian living. Theological Significance: Mercy is integral to the character of God and the message of the Gospel. It is through God's mercy that humanity is offered salvation, as expressed in Titus 3:5: "He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." Mercy is also a hallmark of Christian ethics, calling believers to emulate God's compassion in their relationships with others. James 2:13 warns, "For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." This underscores the transformative power of mercy in overcoming sin and fostering reconciliation. Practical Application: Christians are called to be agents of mercy in a world often characterized by judgment and retribution. This involves forgiving others, helping those in need, and advocating for justice tempered with compassion. The practice of mercy is a tangible expression of faith and a reflection of God's own merciful nature. In summary, mercy is a profound and multifaceted concept in the Bible, encompassing God's character, the redemptive work of Christ, and the ethical conduct expected of believers. It is both a divine gift and a human responsibility, central to the life of faith and the mission of the Church. ATS Bible Dictionary MercyThe divine goodness exercised towards the wretched and the guilty, in harmony with truth and justice, Psalm 85:10. The plan by which God is enabled to show saving mercy to men, for Christ's sake, is the most consummate work of infinite wisdom and love. The soul that has truly experienced the mercy of God will be merciful like him, Luke 6:36, compassionate to the wretched, Psalm 41:1,2, and forgiving towards all, Matthew 5:7 18:33. Easton's Bible Dictionary Compassion for the miserable. Its object is misery. By the atoning sacrifice of Christ a way is open for the exercise of mercy towards the sons of men, in harmony with the demands of truth and righteousness (Genesis 19:19; Exodus 20:6; 34:6, 7; Psalm 85:10; 86:15, 16). In Christ mercy and truth meet together. Mercy is also a Christian grace (Matthew 5:7; 18:33-35). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Forbearance to inflict harm under circumstances of provocation, when one has the power to inflict it; compassionate treatment of an offender or adversary; clemency.2. (n.) Compassionate treatment of the unfortunate and helpless; sometimes, favor, beneficence. 3. (n.) Disposition to exercise compassion or favor; pity; compassion; willingness to spare or to help. 4. (n.) A blessing regarded as a manifestation of compassion or favor. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MERCY; MERCIFULmur'-si, mur'-si-fool (checedh, racham, chanan; eleos, eleeo, oiktirmos): "Mercy" is a distinctive Bible word characterizing God as revealed to men. Greek 1653. eleeo -- to have pity or mercy on, to show mercy ... to have pity or mercy on, to show mercy. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: eleeo Phonetic Spelling: (el-eh-eh'-o) Short Definition: I pity, have mercy on ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1653.htm - 8k 1656. eleos -- mercy, pity, compassion 448. anileos -- without mercy. 415a. aneleemon -- without mercy 1654. eleemosune -- mercy, pity, spec. alms 415. aneleemon -- without mercy 3628. oiktirmos -- compassion, pity 2433. hilaskomai -- to be propitious, make propitiation for 3629. oiktirmon -- merciful 2435. hilasterion -- propitiatory Strong's Hebrew 2551. chemlah -- compassion, mercy... 2550, 2551. chemlah. 2552 . compassion, mercy. Transliteration: chemlah Phonetic Spelling: (khem-law') Short Definition: compassion. ... /hebrew/2551.htm - 6k 1136. Ben-chesed -- "son of mercy," one of Solomon's leaders 7355. racham -- to love, have compassion 2604. chanan -- to show favor 3727. kapporeth -- propitiatory 7356. racham -- compassion 2617. checed -- goodness, kindness 7359. rechem -- compassion 8467. techinnah -- favor, supplication for favor 2603. chanan -- to show favor, be gracious Library The Mercy of God Whether Mercy is a virtue? Depth of Mercy! Whether Mercy is the Greatest of the virtues? The Divine Mercy "I Beheld the Property of Mercy, and I Beheld the Property of ... Prayer --The Forerunner of Mercy On Justice and Mercy Mercy, Omnipotence, and Justice The Blessing of Mercy, Thesaurus Mercy (467 Occurrences)... By the atoning sacrifice of Christ a way is open for the exercise of mercy towards the sons of men, in harmony with the demands of truth and righteousness ... /m/mercy.htm - 43k Mercy-seat (23 Occurrences) Mercy's (2 Occurrences) Ark-cover (21 Occurrences) Propitiation (4 Occurrences) Cherubs (52 Occurrences) Endureth (63 Occurrences) Mercyseat (1 Occurrence) Merciful (53 Occurrences) Shown (131 Occurrences) Resources What is the definition of mercy? | GotQuestions.orgHow do God's mercy and justice work together in salvation? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4)? | GotQuestions.org Mercy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Mercy (467 Occurrences)Matthew 5:7 Matthew 9:13 Matthew 9:27 Matthew 12:7 Matthew 15:22 Matthew 17:15 Matthew 18:33 Matthew 20:30 Matthew 20:31 Matthew 23:23 Mark 5:19 Mark 10:47 Mark 10:48 Luke 1:50 Luke 1:54 Luke 1:58 Luke 1:72 Luke 1:78 Luke 10:37 Luke 13:32 Luke 16:24 Luke 17:13 Luke 18:13 Luke 18:38 Luke 18:39 Luke 19:44 John 9:3 Acts 4:30 Acts 9:36 Acts 24:4 Romans 1:31 Romans 3:25 Romans 9:15 Romans 9:16 Romans 9:18 Romans 9:23 Romans 11:21 Romans 11:22 Romans 11:30 Romans 11:31 Romans 11:32 Romans 12:1 Romans 12:8 Romans 15:9 1 Corinthians 7:25 2 Corinthians 4:1 Galatians 6:16 Ephesians 2:4 Ephesians 2:7 Philippians 2:27 Colossians 3:12 1 Timothy 1:2 1 Timothy 1:13 1 Timothy 1:16 2 Timothy 1:2 2 Timothy 1:16 2 Timothy 1:18 Titus 1:4 Titus 3:4 Titus 3:5 Hebrews 2:17 Hebrews 4:16 Hebrews 8:12 Hebrews 9:5 Hebrews 10:28 James 2:13 James 3:17 James 5:11 1 Peter 1:3 1 Peter 2:10 1 Peter 3:20 2 Peter 2:5 2 Peter 3:9 2 John 1:3 Jude 1:2 Jude 1:21 Jude 1:22 Jude 1:23 Genesis 18:24 Genesis 18:26 Genesis 18:31 Genesis 18:32 Genesis 19:16 Genesis 19:19 Genesis 24:12 Genesis 24:27 Genesis 33:5 Genesis 39:21 Genesis 43:14 Genesis 48:11 Exodus 15:13 Exodus 20:6 Exodus 22:27 Exodus 25:17 Exodus 25:18 Exodus 25:19 Exodus 25:20 Exodus 25:21 Exodus 25:22 Exodus 26:34 Subtopics Mercy: After the Example of God Mercy: Beneficial to Those Who Exercise Mercy: Characteristic of Saints Mercy: Denunciations Against Those Devoid of Mercy: General Scriptures Concerning Mercy: should be Shown with Cheerfulness Mercy: should be Shown: To Animals Mercy: should be Shown: To Backsliders Mercy: should be Shown: To Our Brethren Mercy: should be Shown: To the Poor Mercy: should be Shown: To Those That are in Distress Mercy: The Israelites to the Man of Beth-El Mercy: The Prison Keeper, to Joseph Mercy: To be Engraved on the Heart Mercy: Upholds the Throne of Kings The Mercy of God is his Delight The Mercy of God is Part of his Character The Mercy of God: A Ground of Hope The Mercy of God: A Ground of Trust The Mercy of God: Epaphroditus The Mercy of God: Filling the Earth The Mercy of God: High As Heaven The Mercy of God: Manifested in Long-Suffering The Mercy of God: Manifested in Salvation The Mercy of God: Manifested in the Sending of Christ The Mercy of God: Manifested with Everlasting Kindness The Mercy of God: Manifested: To his People The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Repentant Sinners The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Returning Backsliders The Mercy of God: Manifested: To the Afflicted The Mercy of God: Manifested: To the Fatherless The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Them That Fear Him The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Whom he Will The Mercy of God: New Every Morning The Mercy of God: Over all his Works The Mercy of God: should be Magnified The Mercy of God: should be Pleaded in Prayer The Mercy of God: should be Rejoiced In The Mercy of God: should be Sought for Others The Mercy of God: should be Sought for Ourselves The Mercy of God: Typified: Mercy Seat Related Terms |