### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G1655 (ἐλεήμων, *eleḗmōn*) is an adjective derived from the verb G1653 (ἐλεέω, *eleeō*), which means "to have mercy," "to pity," or "to show compassion." Consequently, eleḗmōn describes someone who is inherently "merciful," "compassionate," or "full of pity." It denotes a settled disposition or character trait, rather than merely a fleeting emotion. The term emphasizes an active inclination to alleviate the distress of others, implying a practical, benevolent response to suffering or need. It is not just about feeling sorry for someone, but about being disposed to act kindly towards them.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While G1655 appears infrequently in the New Testament, its occurrences are highly significant, primarily describing divine attributes and ethical imperatives:
* **[[Matthew 5:7]]**: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." This beatitude from the Sermon on the Mount presents mercy as a foundational virtue for those in the Kingdom of God. To be eleḗmōn means to embody a compassionate character that actively extends kindness and forgiveness to others. The promise attached to this beatitude underscores a divine principle of reciprocity: those who show mercy will themselves receive mercy from God. This highlights that human mercy is both a reflection of God's character and a prerequisite for experiencing His full compassion.
* **[[Hebrews 2:17]]**: "Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people." Here, eleḗmōn is used to describe Jesus Christ in His role as High Priest. His mercy is presented as an essential qualification for His priestly function. Having fully identified with humanity through His incarnation, Jesus is uniquely able to sympathize with human weaknesses and temptations, making Him a compassionate and effective mediator who truly understands and responds to the human condition.
* **[[James 3:17]]**: "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." In this verse, eleḗmōn is listed as a defining characteristic of "wisdom from above." This indicates that true, divine wisdom is not merely intellectual or theoretical but is profoundly ethical and practical. It manifests itself in active compassion and benevolence, producing tangible "good fruits" that benefit others. This contrasts sharply with earthly wisdom, which James describes as "unspiritual, demonic" and characterized by "jealousy and selfish ambition" ([[James 3:15-16]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
* **G1653 (ἐλεέω, *eleeō*):** The verb from which eleḗmōn is derived, meaning "to show mercy" or "to have pity." eleḗmōn describes the one who *acts* with this quality.
* **G1656 (ἔλεος, *eleos*):** The noun form, meaning "mercy" or "compassion" itself. This refers to the quality or act of mercy.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** In the Septuagint (LXX), eleḗmōn often translates the Hebrew `{{H7355}}` (רַחוּם, *raḥum*), which means "compassionate" or "merciful," frequently used to describe God's tender pity (e.g., [[Exodus 34:6]], [[Psalm 103:8]]). Another significant Hebrew term is `{{H2623}}` (חֶסֶד, *ḥesed*), often translated as "steadfast love," "loyal love," or "covenant faithfulness," which frequently encompasses the idea of active compassion and mercy within the context of a relationship. While broader, ḥesed shares the active, benevolent nature of eleḗmōn.
* **Grace (G5485, χάρις, *charis*):** While distinct, mercy and grace are closely related divine attributes. Mercy (ἔλεος) typically refers to God's compassion towards those in misery or distress, while grace (χάρις) refers to His unmerited favor towards the undeserving. The eleḗmōn God acts out of both.
### Theological Significance
The concept of eleḗmōn holds profound theological significance:
* **Divine Attribute:** God is preeminently eleḗmōn. His mercy is not a fleeting sentiment but an intrinsic aspect of His character, foundational to His interactions with humanity, particularly in His redemptive plan. The call for believers to be merciful is an invitation to participate in and reflect this divine attribute.
* **Christological Core:** Jesus Christ perfectly embodies divine mercy. As the "merciful and faithful high priest" ([[Hebrews 2:17]]), He is the ultimate expression of God's compassion, uniquely qualified to mediate between God and humanity due to His shared experience of human weakness. His entire earthly ministry, from His healing miracles to His atoning sacrifice, is a testament to His profound eleḗmōn character.
* **Ethical Imperative for Believers:** For followers of Christ, being eleḗmōn is not optional but a necessary fruit of genuine faith and divine wisdom ([[James 3:17]]). It is a practical demonstration of love for one's neighbor and a tangible reflection of the mercy received from God. The Beatitude in [[Matthew 5:7]] establishes a spiritual principle: those who extend mercy will themselves experience God's mercy, emphasizing that a merciful disposition is a prerequisite for fully experiencing the blessings of God's Kingdom.
* **Relationship with Justice:** Biblical mercy, as conveyed by eleḗmōn, is not antithetical to justice but often complements it. It represents God's willingness to extend compassion and forgiveness even when strict justice might demand condemnation, thus revealing His character as both just and the justifier.
### Summary
The Greek word G1655 (ἐλεήμων, *eleḗmōn*) describes a person or being characterized by active compassion and pity, consistently demonstrating mercy. Derived from the verb G1653 (ἐλεέω, *eleeō*), it signifies not merely a feeling but a settled disposition that leads to merciful action. In the New Testament, it profoundly describes God's inherent character and, crucially, the nature of Jesus Christ as the "merciful and faithful high priest" ([[Hebrews 2:17]]). Furthermore, eleḗmōn functions as a vital ethical imperative for believers, who are called to embody this quality as a reflection of divine wisdom ([[James 3:17]]) and a condition for receiving God's own mercy ([[Matthew 5:7]]). It highlights a fundamental aspect of the divine-human relationship, where God's active compassion is both the source and the model for human conduct.
TRV