### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐλεέω (eleéō), transliterated as *eleéō*, is derived directly from the noun ἔλεος (eleos), meaning "mercy" or "compassion." As a verb, *eleéō* signifies the active demonstration of compassion, pity, or mercy, often involving a concrete act of relief or assistance towards someone in need or distress. It is not merely a feeling of sympathy but an outward expression of that feeling through word or deed. The base definition highlights its application specifically "by divine grace," underscoring its profound theological significance. The semantic range includes "to have compassion," "to pity," "to have mercy," "to obtain mercy," "to receive mercy," and "to show mercy." This indicates that the verb can describe both the act of extending mercy and the experience of receiving it, often implying a context where one is powerless or deserving of judgment, yet receives unmerited favor or relief.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐλεέω (eleéō) appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and Pauline Epistles, reflecting its centrality to the Christian understanding of God's character and human responsibility. In the Gospels, it often describes Jesus' compassionate response to those suffering or marginalized. For instance, blind men cry out, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" ([[Matthew 9:27]], [[Matthew 15:22]], [[Matthew 20:30-31]]), seeking healing and restoration. The Canaanite woman similarly implores Jesus, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon" ([[Matthew 15:22]]). These pleas are not merely for pity but for active intervention and deliverance.
In parables, *eleéō* illuminates ethical principles. The master in the parable of the unforgiving servant "had mercy" (ἐλεήθη) on his servant and forgave his debt ([[Matthew 18:27]]), setting a standard for reciprocal mercy among believers. Similarly, the Samaritan in the parable of the Good Samaritan "had compassion" (ἐσπλαγχνίσθη, a related term, but the context reflects the action of mercy) and acted to help the injured man ([[Luke 10:33]]).
Paul uses *eleéō* extensively to describe God's sovereign mercy in salvation. In Romans, he emphasizes that God "has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills" ([[Romans 9:18]]), underscoring that salvation is not based on human effort but on God's unmerited favor. Paul himself acknowledges that he "received mercy" (ἠλεήθην) to be entrusted with the ministry ([[1 Timothy 1:13]], [[1 Timothy 1:16]]), highlighting the graciousness of his calling despite his past persecution of the church. The passive form often underscores the recipient's unworthiness and God's unmerited favor.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἐλεέω (eleéō) is enriched by its relationship to several other key Greek terms:
* **ἔλεος (eleos) `{{G1656}}`**: The noun form, meaning "mercy" or "compassion." This is the direct root of *eleéō*, and understanding the noun's rich theological meaning is crucial for grasping the verb's full import.
* **οἰκτιρμός (oiktirmos) `{{G3628}}`**: Often translated as "compassion" or "pity," particularly emphasizing tender mercies, often associated with God's deep emotional response to human suffering. While similar in meaning, *eleéō* tends to focus more on the active demonstration of mercy.
* **σπλαγχνίζομαι (splagchnizomai) `{{G4697}}`**: To be moved with compassion, literally "to have one's bowels yearn." This verb emphasizes the deep, visceral emotional response that often precedes an act of mercy, as seen in Jesus' ministry ([[Matthew 14:14]], [[Mark 1:41]]).
* **χάρις (charis) `{{G5485}}`**: "Grace," unmerited favor. While distinct, mercy is often a specific manifestation of God's grace. Grace provides what is undeserved, while mercy withholds what is deserved (punishment) or alleviates suffering. God's mercy is an outflow of His grace.
* **δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē) `{{G1343}}`**: "Righteousness" or "justice." In biblical thought, God's mercy does not negate His justice but rather works in conjunction with it, particularly in the work of Christ, where divine justice is satisfied and mercy is extended to sinners.
### Theological Significance
The concept of *eleéō* is foundational to biblical theology, revealing core truths about God's character and His relationship with humanity.
1. **Divine Attribute:** Mercy is a preeminent attribute of God. He is consistently portrayed as "rich in mercy" ([[Ephesians 2:4]]) and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. His mercy is not a weakness but a powerful expression of His love and goodness, extending even to those who are undeserving or rebellious.
2. **Basis of Salvation:** God's mercy is the ultimate ground for human salvation. Humanity, by nature, is spiritually dead and deserving of judgment, yet God, "because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved" ([[Ephesians 2:4-5]]). It is "not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, he saved us" ([[Titus 3:5]]).
3. **Christ's Ministry and Example:** Jesus Christ perfectly embodies and demonstrates divine mercy throughout His earthly ministry. His healings, exorcisms, teachings, and ultimately His sacrifice on the cross are supreme acts of mercy, revealing God's compassionate heart towards a fallen world. His call to "go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice'" ([[Matthew 9:13]], [[Matthew 12:7]]) emphasizes the priority of compassionate action over mere ritual.
4. **Human Responsibility:** Believers are called to reflect God's mercy in their own lives. Jesus teaches, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy" ([[Matthew 5:7]]). This command to "be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" ([[Luke 6:36]]) implies active compassion, forgiveness, and practical aid to those in need, mirroring God's character and demonstrating true discipleship. Mercy triumphs over judgment ([[James 2:13]]).
### Summary
The verb ἐλεέω (eleéō) signifies the active demonstration of compassion, pity, or mercy, moving beyond mere feeling to concrete action, whether by word or deed. Rooted in the noun ἔλεος (eleos), it is a central concept in the New Testament, frequently describing God's sovereign and unmerited favor towards humanity, particularly in salvation. Jesus Christ's earthly ministry is a profound manifestation of this divine mercy. Furthermore, *eleéō* serves as a profound ethical imperative for believers, who are called to embody and extend mercy to others, reflecting the very character of God who first showed mercy to them. It underscores that true faith is not only about receiving divine compassion but also actively living it out in the world.
TRV