### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **oiktirmós**, represented by `{{G3628}}`, is a term for **pity** or **mercy**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. The word points to a deep compassion that originates from God and is meant to be reflected in the lives of believers as a core characteristic.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3628}}` is directly attributed to God, who is called the **"Father of mercies"** and the **"God of all comfort"** [[2 Corinthians 1:3]]. This divine mercy serves as the basis for the believer's devotion, as they are beseeched by the **"mercies of God"** to **present** their **bodies** as a **living sacrifice** [[Romans 12:1]]. Believers are also commanded to embody this trait, being told to **"Put on"**... **"bowels of mercies"** as the **elect of God** [[Colossians 3:12]]. Conversely, the severity of judgment is shown when one who **despised** the **law** of **Moses** **died** without **mercy** [[Hebrews 10:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of pity and compassion:
* `{{G4698}}` **splánchnon** (an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy): This word signifies a deep, internal feeling of compassion and is used directly alongside `{{G3628}}` in the exhortation to have **"bowels and mercies"** [[Philippians 2:1]].
* `{{G3962}}` **patḗr** (a "father"): This establishes the source of all true mercy. God is explicitly identified as the **"Father of mercies,"** indicating that this attribute is fundamental to His nature [[2 Corinthians 1:3]].
* `{{G3874}}` **paráklēsis** (imploration, hortation, solace): This term for **comfort** is closely linked with mercy. In the same passage where God is the **"Father of mercies,"** He is also the **"God of all comfort"** [[2 Corinthians 1:3]], showing the active, consoling nature of His pity.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3628}}` is demonstrated in its application to both God and believers.
* **Source in God's Character:** The word identifies mercy as an essential attribute of God, who is introduced as the **"Father of mercies"** and the source of **"all comfort"** [[2 Corinthians 1:3]].
* **Motivation for Worship:** God's **mercies** are the direct motivation for a believer's act of worship. Believers are urged to **present** their **bodies** as a **living sacrifice** in response to this divine pity [[Romans 12:1]].
* **A Mandated Virtue:** Mercy is not merely a divine attribute but a quality believers are commanded to **"put on"**. It is part of a collection of virtues, including **kindness**, **humbleness of mind**, and **longsuffering**, that should characterize the **elect of God** [[Colossians 3:12]].
* **Contrast with Judgment:** The absence of **mercy** signifies the finality of judgment under the **law** of **Moses**. Those who **despised** it **died** without this pity, showing its critical importance [[Hebrews 10:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3628}}` represents a foundational biblical concept. It is not a passive feeling of pity but an active attribute of God's character. This divine **mercy** serves as the primary motivator for a believer’s consecrated life and is an essential virtue that Christians are called to actively demonstrate in their relationships with others.
TRV