### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma οἰκτίρμων (oiktírmōn, `{{G3629}}`) is an adjective derived from the verb οἰκτείρω (oikteírō, "to have pity," "to feel compassion"). Its core meaning is "compassionate," "merciful," or "full of tender mercy." The term conveys a deep, visceral sense of pity or sorrow evoked by the distress or suffering of another, leading to an active disposition of mercy. It emphasizes the internal feeling and disposition of compassion that precedes and motivates merciful action, distinguishing it slightly from terms that focus solely on the act itself. It denotes a profound and tender sympathy, often with an implication of a willingness to alleviate suffering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term οἰκτίρμων (oiktírmōn) appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, predominantly in contexts that describe the character of God or call believers to emulate divine attributes.
1. **[[Luke 6:36]]**: "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful."
* In the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus exhorts His disciples to embody the very character of God. The command to be "merciful" (οἰκτίρμων) is a direct call to internalize and manifest God's own compassionate disposition. This mercy extends beyond those who are deserving to encompass enemies and the ungrateful, reflecting the boundless nature of divine compassion. It is a fundamental ethical demand rooted in God's nature.
2. **[[Romans 12:1]]**: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
* While the specific word here is the noun οἰκτιρμῶν (oiktirmōn, `{{G3628}}`), the plural form of "mercies" from the same root, its inclusion is crucial. Paul grounds his ethical exhortation for Christian living in the profound "mercies of God." These are not merely acts of forgiveness, but the deep, tender compassions and pity that God has continuously shown towards humanity, supremely in Christ. This divine compassion serves as the ultimate motivation for a life consecrated to God.
3. **[[James 5:11]]**: "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy."
* This passage offers a profound theological statement about God's character. The phrase "very pitiful, and of tender mercy" translates πολύσπλαγχνος καὶ οἰκτίρμων. The term πολύσπλαγχνος (polysplanchnos, `{{G4184}}`) literally means "having great bowels," indicating deep, visceral compassion. Coupled with οἰκτίρμων, it emphasizes the Lord's profound and tender emotional response to suffering. This provides immense comfort to believers undergoing trials, assuring them that God is not indifferent but deeply moved by their plight and will ultimately act with grace and vindication.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **οἰκτείρω (oikteírō, `{{G3627}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to have pity," "to feel compassion." This is the action from which the adjective οἰκτίρμων derives its sense of compassionate disposition.
* **οἰκτιρμός (oiktirmos, `{{G3628}}`):** The noun form, meaning "pity," "compassion," or "mercy." It refers to the state or act of showing compassion, often in a plural form to denote the manifold expressions of God's mercy, as seen in [[Romans 12:1]].
* **ἔλεος (eleos, `{{G1656}}`):** Often translated "mercy." While closely related, ἔλεος typically refers to the active manifestation of compassion, especially in relieving distress or pardoning an offense. Οἰκτίρμων, by contrast, highlights the internal, tender disposition that *prompts* such acts. One might distinguish them by saying οἰκτίρμων describes the compassionate *heart*, while ἔλεος describes the merciful *hand*.
* **σπλάγχνα (splagchna, `{{G4698}}`):** Literally "bowels" or "inward parts," used metaphorically to denote the seat of deep emotions, thus "compassion" or "pity." Its connection to οἰκτίρμων is evident in [[James 5:11]], where πολύσπλαγχνος ("very compassionate") is paired with οἰκτίρμων, reinforcing the profound, visceral nature of God's mercy.
* **חסד (chesed, `{{H2617}}`):** The rich Hebrew term often translated as "steadfast love," "lovingkindness," or "mercy" in the Old Testament. While broader, encompassing loyalty and covenant faithfulness, חסד shares with οἰκτίρμων the emphasis on active, compassionate care stemming from a deep disposition, particularly of God towards His people.
### Theological Significance
The term οἰκτίρμων is profoundly significant in articulating the character of God and the nature of Christian discipleship.
1. **Divine Attribute:** Οἰκτίρμων is a core attribute of God, revealing Him as a being of deep, tender compassion, not merely a distant or stoic deity. This inherent mercifulness is the wellspring of His actions towards humanity, particularly in salvation. It underscores that God's mercy is rooted in His very being and is not merely a reactive response.
2. **Foundation for Redemption:** The "mercies of God" (οἰκτιρμῶν) serve as the theological bedrock for the entire redemptive plan. It is God's profound pity for humanity's lost state that moved Him to initiate salvation through Christ, demonstrating His boundless grace.
3. **Ethical Imperative for Believers:** The call to be "merciful, as your Father also is merciful" ([[Luke 6:36]]) establishes a high ethical standard for believers. It demands more than just refraining from harm; it requires cultivating an active, tender compassion that mirrors God's own, extending grace and forgiveness even to those who are undeserving, thereby reflecting God's character in the world.
4. **Source of Comfort and Hope:** The declaration that "the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy" ([[James 5:11]]) offers immense comfort and assurance to those enduring suffering and trials. It reminds believers that their struggles are not overlooked by an indifferent God but are met with profound, sympathetic compassion, providing hope in divine intervention and ultimate justice.
### Summary
Οἰκτίρμων (G3629) defines a deep, tender, and active disposition of compassion or mercy. It emphasizes the profound internal feeling of pity that moves one to act mercifully. In the New Testament, this term is primarily used to describe God's inherent character as "merciful" or "of tender mercy" ([[Luke 6:36]], [[James 5:11]]), highlighting His compassionate nature as the ultimate basis for His dealings with humanity and the foundation for redemption. Furthermore, believers are exhorted to embody this divine attribute, extending similar compassion to others ([[Luke 6:36]]). This word powerfully conveys the personal, emotional depth of God's mercy, assuring His people of His tender care and providing a compelling model for Christ-like living.
TRV