from εὖ and σπλάγχνον; well compassioned, i.e. sympathetic:--pitiful, tender-hearted.
Transliteration:eúsplanchnos
Pronunciation:yoo'-splangkh-nos
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word εὔσπλαγχνος (eúsplanchnos, `{{G2155}}`) is a compound adjective formed from εὖ (eu), meaning "well" or "good," and σπλάγχνον (splagchnon, `{{G4698}}`), referring to the "inward parts" or "bowels." In ancient thought, the bowels were considered the seat of deep emotions, especially compassion, pity, and tender affection. Therefore, literally, εὔσπλαγχνος means "having good inward parts" or "well-boweled." Figuratively, this translates into a profound emotional state of being "well-compassioned," "tender-hearted," "sympathetic," or "full of pity." It denotes a deep, visceral empathy—not merely an intellectual understanding, but a felt resonance with another's state, particularly their suffering or need. This inward disposition naturally leads to outward acts of kindness and mercy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εὔσπλαγχνος appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in Pauline and Petrine epistles, emphasizing its significance for Christian conduct:
* **Ephesians 4:32:** "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
* Here, εὔσπλαγχνος (tenderhearted) is presented as an essential virtue for believers, listed alongside "kind" (`{{G5543}}`, chrēstos) and "forgiving" (`{{G5483}}`, charizomai). The context is an exhortation to ethical living within the Christian community, contrasting with negative behaviors like bitterness, wrath, and slander mentioned in the preceding verses. The command to be εὔσπλαγχνος is grounded in God's own character and actions; believers are to mirror the divine compassion and forgiveness they have received through Christ. It calls for an active, heartfelt empathy towards fellow believers, fostering unity and peace.
* **1 Peter 3:8:** "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing."
* In this passage, εὔσπλαγχνος (pitiful) again appears within a list of virtues that promote harmonious Christian community and guide behavior, especially in the face of suffering or opposition. It is coupled with "having compassion one of another" (`{{G4835}}`, sympatheis) and precedes "courteous" (`{{G5389}}`, philophron). Peter emphasizes unity (ὁμόφρων, homophrōn, of one mind) and brotherly love (φιλάδελφος, philadelphos), with εὔσπλαγχνος contributing to this by urging a deep, emotional responsiveness to others' needs and struggles. This tenderheartedness is presented as a prerequisite for overcoming evil with blessing, reflecting Christ's example of suffering for righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of εὔσπλαγχνος is illuminated by its relationship to several other Greek and Hebrew terms:
* **σπλάγχνον (splagchnon, `{{G4698}}`):** The root word itself, often translated as "bowels," "affections," or "compassion." It frequently describes deep feelings of pity or mercy, often attributed to God or Christ (e.g., [[Luke 1:78]], [[Philippians 1:8]], [[Colossians 3:12]]). εὔσπλαγχνος is the adjectival form, describing one who possesses such "good" or "well-developed" inner affections.
* **οἰκτιρμός (oiktirmos, `{{G3628}}`):** "Compassion," "pity," "mercy." This noun frequently describes God's profound mercy (e.g., [[Romans 12:1]], [[2 Corinthians 1:3]]). It is conceptually very close to the "pity" aspect of εὔσπλαγχνος.
* **συμπαθής (sympathēs, `{{G4835}}`):** "Sympathetic," "feeling with." Used in [[1 Peter 3:8]] alongside εὔσπλαγχνος, it highlights the shared experience of feeling another's emotions. While συμπαθής emphasizes shared feeling, εὔσπλαγχνος emphasizes the tender, compassionate *nature* that arises from such feeling.
* **χρηστός (chrēstos, `{{G5543}}`):** "Kind," "good," "useful." Used in [[Ephesians 4:32]] with εὔσπλαγχνος. Kindness is often the outward expression of a tender heart.
* **φιλάδελφος (philadelphos, `{{G5361}}`):** "Loving the brethren." Used in [[1 Peter 3:8]], emphasizing brotherly love as the essential context for εὔσπλαγχνος.
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word רחמים (rachamim, from רחם, racham, `{{H7355}}`, "womb") conveys a similar visceral, tender mercy. This term is frequently used to describe God's deep compassion and pity for His people (e.g., [[Psalm 103:13]]).
### Theological Significance
The concept of εὔσπλαγχνος carries profound theological weight:
* **Imitation of God's Character:** The command to be εὔσπλαγχνος is fundamentally rooted in God's own nature. As seen in [[Ephesians 4:32]], believers are called to be tenderhearted "even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." This implies that Christian compassion is not merely a human sentiment but a divine attribute reflected in redeemed humanity. God's boundless mercy and forgiveness serve as the ultimate model for all human interactions.
* **Foundation for Christian Ethics:** This word underscores the internal disposition that is prerequisite for genuine Christian living. It is not sufficient merely to perform good deeds; one must possess a heart that genuinely feels for others. This internal state of tenderheartedness drives authentic acts of kindness, forgiveness, and mutual support, forming the bedrock of New Testament ethics.
* **Unity and Community:** In both its occurrences, εὔσπλαγχνος is presented within contexts that promote unity, harmony, and mutual edification within the Christian community. A tender heart prevents bitterness, strife, and retaliation, fostering an environment of grace, understanding, and reconciliation. It is an indispensable quality for living out the "one another" commands that permeate the New Testament.
* **Gracious Response to Suffering:** Particularly in [[1 Peter 3:8]], εὔσπλαγχνος is part of a cluster of virtues that enable believers to respond to suffering, opposition, and persecution with grace rather than malice. A tender heart allows believers to bless those who persecute them, reflecting Christ's own example of suffering for righteousness.
* **Holistic Transformation:** The New Testament teaches that salvation involves not only a change in status but also a profound transformation of character. εὔσπλαγχνος points to this deep change, where the "old self," often characterized by hardness of heart, is replaced by a new, Spirit-empowered capacity for deep, Christ-like compassion and empathy.
### Summary
εὔσπλαγχνος (eúsplanchnos, `{{G2155}}`) describes a person who is "well-compassioned," "tender-hearted," or "sympathetic," possessing deep, visceral pity and affection. Derived from εὖ (well) and σπλάγχνον (inward parts/bowels), it signifies a profound emotional responsiveness to others, particularly their suffering or need. This rare but potent term appears in [[Ephesians 4:32]] and [[1 Peter 3:8]], where it is consistently presented as a vital virtue for believers. In Ephesians, it is linked to kindness and forgiveness, mirroring God's own merciful character. In 1 Peter, it is part of a series of virtues promoting unity, brotherly love, and a gracious response to adversity. Theologically, εὔσπλαγχνος highlights the call to imitate God's compassion, serves as a foundational internal disposition for Christian ethics, fosters unity within the believing community, and empowers believers to respond to suffering with grace. It points to a holistic transformation where a hardened heart is replaced by a Spirit-wrought tenderness, enabling genuine love and empathy for others.
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