### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ἐλεέω (eleéō)**, represented by `{{G1653}}`, is a verb meaning **to compassionate**, either by word or deed, and is especially used in the context of divine grace. Its common translations include having compassion or pity, and obtaining, receiving, or showing mercy. It appears **33 times** in **28 unique verses**, establishing it as a key term for understanding the dynamic between God's grace and human need.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, `{{G1653}}` is frequently used in cries of desperation for divine intervention. Blind men, lepers, and parents of afflicted children appeal to Jesus as the "Son of David," pleading with him to **have mercy** on them ([[Matthew 9:27]], [[Matthew 15:22]], [[Luke 17:13]]). The word also defines the sovereign nature of God's grace, as Paul explains that mercy is not earned by human will or effort but is given by God to whom He chooses [[Romans 9:16]]. Paul himself testifies to having **obtained mercy**, which transformed him from a persecutor into an apostle and a pattern for future believers ([[1 Timothy 1:13]], [[1 Timothy 1:16]]). Furthermore, it is presented as a virtuous action for believers to perform, as in "he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness" [[Romans 12:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words illuminate the meaning of showing and receiving compassion:
* `{{G1655}}` **eleḗmōn** (merciful): This adjective describes one who is actively compassionate. Its direct connection to `{{G1653}}` is seen in the Beatitudes, where the **merciful** are blessed because they will "obtain mercy" [[Matthew 5:7]].
* `{{G1656}}` **éleos** (mercy): As the noun form, this term refers to the quality of compassion itself. It is central to salvation, as believers are saved "according to his **mercy**" [[Titus 3:5]], and it is a core attribute of God, who is "rich in **mercy**" [[Ephesians 2:4]].
* `{{G3107}}` **makários** (blessed): Meaning supremely blest or fortunate, this word describes the state of those who embody divine principles. It is used to introduce the promise that those who show mercy will, in turn, receive it [[Matthew 5:7]].
* `{{G3627}}` **oikteírō** (have compassion on): This verb, meaning to exercise pity, appears alongside `{{G1653}}` in a key theological statement about God's sovereignty: "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will **have compassion** on whom I will **have compassion**" [[Romans 9:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1653}}` is profound, touching upon core doctrines of grace, salvation, and Christian living.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The act of showing mercy is presented as a sovereign choice of God, independent of human worthiness. God has mercy "on whom he will have mercy" [[Romans 9:18]], and this is the foundation of His plan to "have mercy upon all" [[Romans 11:32]].
* **Foundation for Salvation:** Receiving mercy is the basis for a relationship with God. Paul repeatedly frames his own conversion and apostleship as a result of having "obtained mercy" ([[1 Corinthians 7:25]], [[1 Timothy 1:13]]). This concept is extended to all believers, who were once "not a people" but have now "obtained mercy" [[1 Peter 2:10]].
* **A Call to Action:** Mercy is not only a divine gift to be received but also a command for believers to practice. It is a spiritual gift to be exercised with cheerfulness [[Romans 12:8]], a required action toward others [[Jude 1:22]], and the standard by which believers themselves are judged, as seen in the parable of the unforgiving servant [[Matthew 18:33]].
### Summary
In summary, **`{{G1653}}` eleéō** is a dynamic verb that captures a foundational element of the Christian faith. It represents the desperate human plea for divine help, the sovereign and gracious character of God who bestows mercy, and the ethical imperative for believers to extend that same compassion to others. The word bridges the gap between God's divine action and the human response, illustrating that the mercy one receives from God is the very mercy one is called to show.
TRV