from (pity); to exercise pity:--have compassion on.
Transliteration:oikteírō
Pronunciation:oyk-ter-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb οἰκτείρω (G3627), transliterated as *oikteírō*, carries the fundamental meaning of "to exercise pity," "to have compassion on," or "to show mercy." Its root is associated with the concept of pity, implying an internal emotional response to the suffering or distress of another, which often leads to an outward act of kindness or relief. Unlike some terms that might denote a more general benevolence, οἰκτείρω specifically points to a feeling of deep sympathy that moves one to action. It is closely related to the noun οἰκτιρμός `{{G3628}}`, meaning "compassion" or "mercy," and the adjective οἰκτίρμων `{{G3629}}`, meaning "compassionate" or "merciful."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb οἰκτείρω (G3627) appears only once in the New Testament, in a profoundly significant theological context:
* **[[Romans 9:15]]**: "For he says to Moses, 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.'" (λέγει γὰρ Μωϋσῇ, Ἐλεήσω ὃν ἂν ἐλεῶ, καὶ οἰκτειρήσω ὃν ἂν οἰκτείρω.)
* This verse is a direct quotation from the Septuagint (LXX) translation of [[Exodus 33:19]]. In this passage, God is declaring His sovereign prerogative to choose whom He will bless with His presence and mercy. The parallel use of ἐλεέω `{{G1653}}` ("to have mercy") and οἰκτείρω emphasizes the depth and absolute freedom of God's compassion. The context in Romans 9 is Paul's extended argument concerning God's sovereign election and His dealings with Israel and the Gentiles. Here, οἰκτείρω underscores that God's compassion is not earned or merited by human will or effort, but flows solely from His divine nature and sovereign decision. It highlights the unconstrained nature of God's pity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of οἰκτείρω (G3627) is rich and interconnected with other terms expressing divine and human compassion:
* **Derivatives:**
* οἰκτιρμός `{{G3628}}` (noun): "compassion, pity, mercy." Used in passages like [[Romans 12:1]] ("by the mercies of God") and [[Hebrews 10:28]] ("without mercy").
* οἰκτίρμων `{{G3629}}` (adjective): "compassionate, merciful." Found in [[James 5:11]] describing the Lord as "very pitiful, and of tender mercy."
* **Synonyms/Near Synonyms:**
* ἔλεος `{{G1656}}` (noun) and ἐλεέω `{{G1653}}` (verb): These terms for "mercy" are often used interchangeably or in parallel with οἰκτείρω and its derivatives, as seen in [[Romans 9:15]]. While ἔλεος may denote active help given to one in need, οἰκτείρω tends to emphasize the deep feeling of pity that prompts such help. However, in biblical usage, their meanings frequently overlap.
* σπλαγχνίζομαι `{{G4697}}`: This verb, meaning "to feel compassion from the bowels," denotes a deep, visceral, and often overwhelming feeling of pity. While οἰκτείρω conveys profound compassion, σπλαγχνίζομαι often suggests an even more intense, gut-level emotional response, frequently used to describe Jesus' compassion for the suffering.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of οἰκτείρω (G3627) in the New Testament, within the context of God's declaration in [[Romans 9:15]], imbues it with profound theological significance:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Unmerited Grace:** The primary theological insight derived from οἰκτείρω is its emphatic declaration of God's absolute sovereignty in extending compassion. His pity is not contingent upon human merit, action, or desire, but is an outflow of His own free will and divine nature. This underscores the concept of unmerited grace, where God's mercy is a gift, not a reward.
* **A Core Attribute of God:** The use of οἰκτείρω in conjunction with ἐλεέω to describe God's character in [[Exodus 33:19]] (quoted in [[Romans 9:15]]) highlights that deep, sovereign compassion is an intrinsic and foundational attribute of the Almighty. It reveals a God who is moved by pity, not constrained by human expectations or deservingness.
* **Foundation for Human Compassion:** While οἰκτείρω primarily describes God's character, its derivative forms (e.g., οἰκτίρμων `{{G3629}}` in [[James 5:11]]) call believers to reflect this divine attribute. The New Testament implicitly teaches that as recipients of God's boundless compassion, believers are called to extend similar pity and mercy to others, albeit imperfectly.
### Summary
The Greek verb οἰκτείρω (G3627) signifies the exercise of deep pity or compassion. Its singular but highly significant appearance in the New Testament in [[Romans 9:15]], quoting [[Exodus 33:19]], serves to emphasize God's absolute and unmerited sovereignty in extending His compassion. Closely related to ἔλεος `{{G1656}}` and its derivatives, οἰκτείρω contributes to the rich biblical tapestry of divine mercy, revealing a God whose pity is freely given and not constrained by human merit. It is a powerful descriptor of a core divine attribute, upon which all true mercy is founded.
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