### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun οἰκτιρμός (G3628, *oiktirmós*) is derived from the verb οἰκτείρω (G3627, *oikteírō*), meaning "to feel pity" or "to have compassion." At its core, οἰκτιρμός denotes a deep, inward feeling of compassion or pity, often described as "tender mercies" or "bowels of compassion." It signifies a profound empathy that is not merely sympathetic but moves one to action or relief for the suffering of another. Unlike ἔλεος (G1656, *éleos*), which can sometimes emphasize the outward act of mercy, οἰκτιρμός more strongly conveys the internal, visceral feeling of pity and sorrow that precedes the merciful act. It often carries the nuance of a compassionate yearning or a heartfelt sorrow over another's plight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term οἰκτιρμός appears several times in the New Testament, predominantly in the plural form, "tender mercies." Its usage consistently highlights the character of God and the expected conduct of believers.
In [[Romans 12:1]], Paul appeals to believers "by the mercies of God" (διὰ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν τοῦ θεοῦ) to present their bodies as living sacrifices. Here, God's abundant compassion serves as the foundational motivation for Christian ethical living and worship. It underscores that our response to God is not out of duty alone, but out of gratitude for His profound pity and mercy.
[[2 Corinthians 1:3]] describes God as the "Father of mercies and God of all comfort" (ὁ πατὴρ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν καὶ θεὸς πάσης παρακλήσεως). This attribution emphasizes God's inherent nature as one whose very being is characterized by deep compassion, the source from which all comfort flows.
In [[Philippians 2:1]], Paul includes "tenderness and mercies" (σπλάγχνα καὶ οἰκτιρμοὶ) as a basis for unity and humility within the Christian community. This suggests that genuine compassion, flowing from a Christ-like heart, is essential for fostering harmony among believers.
[[Colossians 3:12]] exhorts believers to "put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts" (ἐνδύσασθε οὖν ὡς ἐκλεκτοὶ τοῦ θεοῦ ἅγιοι καὶ ἠγαπημένοι σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ). The phrase "σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ" literally means "bowels of compassion," emphasizing a deep, visceral, and heartfelt pity. This is a direct call to embody God's character in practical living.
[[Hebrews 10:28]] presents a stark contrast, stating that "Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses" (ἀποθανεῖται χωρὶς οἰκτιρμῶν). The absence of οἰκτιρμός here signifies the severe and unmitigated judgment for willful defiance against God's covenant, highlighting the gravity of rejecting divine compassion.
Finally, [[James 5:11]] affirms that "the Lord is full of compassion and mercy" (πολύσπλαγχνός ἐστιν ὁ κύριος καὶ οἰκτίρμων). This echoes the Old Testament portrayal of God's character, reinforcing His steadfast and abundant pity towards His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The noun οἰκτιρμός (G3628) is closely related to its verbal root, οἰκτείρω (G3627), "to feel pity," and the adjective οἰκτίρμων (G3629), "compassionate" or "merciful," which is also used to describe God.
It shares significant semantic overlap with ἔλεος (G1656, *éleos*), "mercy" or "pity." While both terms denote compassion, οἰκτιρμός often emphasizes the deep, internal feeling, whereas ἔλεος can more broadly refer to the outward act of showing mercy or the state of being merciful. However, in many contexts, they are used interchangeably or complementarily, reflecting the inseparable nature of inward compassion and outward merciful action.
In the Septuagint, οἰκτιρμός frequently translates the Hebrew term רַחֲמִים (rachamim, `{{H7356}}`), which literally refers to "bowels" or "womb," and by extension, to deep, visceral, often maternal compassion. This strong connection to rachamim underscores the profound, heartfelt, and often tender nature of the mercy conveyed by οἰκτιρμός. Another related Hebrew concept is חֶסֶד (chesed, `{{H2617}}`), "steadfast love" or "loyal love," which often encompasses God's compassionate faithfulness to His covenant.
Concepts associated with οἰκτιρμός include pity, compassion, empathy, tenderness, divine love, grace, and comfort.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of οἰκτιρμός is profound, primarily revealing the very character of God and providing a blueprint for Christian living.
Firstly, οἰκτιρμός is an essential attribute of God. He is consistently portrayed as the "Father of mercies" ([[2 Corinthians 1:3]]) and "full of compassion and mercy" ([[James 5:11]]). This emphasizes that God's actions towards humanity, particularly in salvation, are not based on human merit but flow from His inherent, abundant, and tender pity for His creation. His mercies are manifold and unending, forming the very foundation of His covenant relationship with His people.
Secondly, God's mercies serve as the ultimate motivation for Christian obedience and devotion. As seen in [[Romans 12:1]], Paul's appeal for believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices is grounded in the overwhelming mercies of God. This establishes that true worship and ethical living are a grateful response to divine compassion, rather than a legalistic striving.
Thirdly, believers are called to embody this divine attribute. The exhortation in [[Colossians 3:12]] to "put on... compassionate hearts" demonstrates that οἰκτιρμός is not merely a characteristic of God but a virtue that must be cultivated and expressed by those who bear His name. This involves a deep, heartfelt empathy that leads to acts of kindness, humility, and patience within the community and towards the world. The presence of οἰκτιρμός among believers fosters unity and mutual encouragement ([[Philippians 2:1]]).
Finally, the absence of οἰκτιρμός can signify divine judgment or a hardened human heart. The dire consequences for those who reject God's law "without mercy" ([[Hebrews 10:28]]) underscore the severity of spurning divine compassion and highlight that mercy is a gift, not an entitlement, for those who willfully turn away.
### Summary
The Greek word οἰκτιρμός (G3628) signifies a deep, visceral, and tender compassion or pity that moves one to action. It is a powerful term that primarily describes the inherent character of God, who is portrayed as the "Father of mercies" and "full of compassion." God's abundant and unfailing οἰκτιρμός serves as the foundational motivation for Christian living, calling believers to respond with gratitude and to offer themselves in worship. Furthermore, οἰκτιρμός is a virtue that believers are explicitly commanded to "put on," reflecting God's compassionate nature in their relationships and actions. This profound, heartfelt mercy, often linked to the Hebrew concept of rachamim (`{{H7356}}`), is central to understanding both God's benevolent disposition towards humanity and the ethical demands placed upon His people.
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