from ἔλεος; compassionateness, i.e. (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction:--alms(-deeds).
Transliteration:eleēmosýnē
Pronunciation:el-eh-ay-mos-oo'-nay
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἐλεημοσύνη (eleēmosýnē), Strong's `{{G1654}}`, is derived from ἔλεος (eleos), meaning "mercy" or "pity" (`{{G1656}}`). While ἔλεος denotes the inward feeling of compassion, ἐλεημοσύνη signifies the *outward expression* or *tangible act* of that compassion. Its semantic range primarily covers "compassionateness" as an abstract quality, but more concretely, it refers to "beneficence," "acts of charity," or "alms-deeds," particularly directed towards the poor and needy. It is not merely a benevolent feeling but a practical demonstration of kindness and generosity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἐλεημοσύνη appears frequently in the New Testament, often in contexts that define true piety and righteous living.
* **[[Matthew 6:1-4]]**: This foundational passage warns against practicing ἐλεημοσύνη (translated "alms" or "righteousness" in some manuscripts) for public acclaim. Jesus emphasizes the motive, instructing believers to give secretly, so that only God, who sees in secret, will reward them. This highlights the heart's posture in giving.
* **[[Luke 11:41]]**: Jesus challenges the Pharisees, stating, "But give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you." This suggests that genuine inner purity should manifest in outward acts of generosity, making one truly clean.
* **[[Luke 12:33]]**: The command to "Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not." Here, ἐλεημοσύνη is linked to detachment from worldly possessions and securing eternal treasure.
* **[[Acts 3:2-3, 10]]**: The lame man at the Beautiful Gate asks Peter and John for ἐλεημοσύνη. While he sought financial aid, Peter's response of healing demonstrates God's greater provision and power, transcending the immediate request for alms.
* **[[Acts 9:36]]**: Tabitha (Dorcas) is described as being "full of good works and almsdeeds which she did." Her life was characterized by practical acts of charity, demonstrating how ἐλεημοσύνη was a hallmark of a devout believer.
* **[[Acts 10:2, 4, 31]]**: Cornelius, a devout centurion, is noted for his piety and his "many almsdeeds to the people." His ἐλεημοσύνη "went up for a memorial before God," indicating divine recognition and approval of his charitable acts.
* **[[Acts 24:17]]**: Paul mentions bringing "alms to my nation," likely referring to the collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem, demonstrating the early church's practice of mutual aid and support.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of ἐλεημοσύνη is enriched by its relationship to other biblical terms:
* **ἔλεος (eleos) `{{G1656}}`**: As its root, ἔλεος (mercy, pity) is the inward disposition that prompts ἐλεημοσύνη (the outward act of mercy).
* **δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē) `{{G1343}}`**: "Righteousness." In some ancient manuscripts of [[Matthew 6:1]] (e.g., Codex Sinaiticus), δικαιοσύνη is used instead of ἐλεημοσύνη. This reflects the strong Jewish theological connection between righteousness and charitable giving (צְדָקָה [tzedakah] `{{H6666}}` in Hebrew, which means both "righteousness" and "charity"). For the Jews, almsgiving was not merely charity but a duty of justice and a fundamental aspect of living righteously before God.
* **ἀγαπάω (agapaō) `{{G25}}` / ἀγάπη (agapē) `{{G26}}`**: "Love." While ἐλεημοσύνη is a specific act, it flows from the broader principle of love for God and neighbor. It is a tangible manifestation of divine love dwelling within the believer.
* **φιλανθρωπία (philanthrōpia) `{{G5363}}`**: "Love of mankind," "benevolence." This term is broader, encompassing general human kindness, while ἐλεημοσύνη specifically emphasizes giving to the needy and poor.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐλεημοσύνη is profound and multifaceted:
* **Expression of True Piety**: It distinguishes genuine faith from mere outward religious observance. True devotion to God is demonstrated not only through worship but also through practical care for fellow human beings, especially the vulnerable.
* **Divine Recognition and Reward**: Passages concerning Cornelius and Tabitha illustrate that acts of ἐλεημοσύνη are seen and remembered by God, ascending as a "memorial" before Him. While salvation is by grace through faith, such acts are acknowledged and associated with heavenly reward.
* **Righteousness and Justice**: Rooted in the Old Testament concept of צְדָקָה `{{H6666}}`, ἐλεημοσύνη is understood not as optional benevolence but as an act of justice and righteousness, fulfilling God's commands to care for the poor, the widow, and the orphan. It reflects God's own merciful and just character.
* **Contrast with Hypocrisy**: Jesus' teaching in [[Matthew 6:1-4]] sharply contrasts genuine ἐλεημοσύνη with hypocritical displays. The emphasis is on the purity of motive: giving should be done secretly, for God's glory, not for human praise.
* **Stewardship of Resources**: It underscores the biblical principle of stewardship, where material possessions are seen as resources entrusted by God, to be used not merely for personal gain but for God's purposes, including the alleviation of suffering and meeting the needs of the less fortunate.
* **Fruit of Conversion and Faith**: The lives of early believers like Tabitha and Cornelius demonstrate that ἐλεημοσύνη is a natural outflow of a transformed heart and genuine faith, evidence of God's Spirit at work.
### Summary
ἐλεημοσύνη (eleēmosýnē), Strong's `{{G1654}}`, is a pivotal New Testament term that moves beyond the feeling of "mercy" (`{{G1656}}` ἔλεος) to denote the concrete *act* of compassion, specifically "almsgiving" or "beneficence" towards the poor. Key passages like [[Matthew 6:1-4]], [[Luke 12:33]], and the accounts of Tabitha and Cornelius in Acts highlight its significance as a practical demonstration of faith and a core component of true piety. Often linked with δικαιοσύνη (`{{G1343}}` "righteousness") in the Jewish understanding, ἐλεημοσύνη is presented not as optional charity but as a commanded act of justice and love. Theologically, it signifies an expression of genuine devotion that God recognizes and blesses, contrasting sharply with hypocritical displays. It underscores the biblical emphasis on caring for the vulnerable as an essential aspect of true worship and discipleship, reflecting the merciful character of God Himself.
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