middle voice from σπλάγχνον; to have the bowels yearn, i.e. (figuratively) feel sympathy, to pity:--have (be moved with) compassion.
Transliteration:splanchnízomai
Pronunciation:splangkh-nid'-zom-ahee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb σπλαγχνίζομαι (splanchnízomai, `{{G4697}}`) is derived from the noun σπλάγχνον (splagchnon, `{{G4698}}`), which literally refers to the "bowels" or "inward parts" of the body (e.g., heart, liver, intestines). In ancient thought, these organs were considered the seat of deep emotions, particularly strong affections, pity, and compassion.
Therefore, σπλαγχνίζομαι literally means "to have one's bowels yearn" or "to be moved in one's inward parts." This physical sensation is then extended figuratively to denote a profound, visceral emotional response of deep sympathy, pity, or compassion. It signifies an intense, almost involuntary, internal feeling of empathy for another's suffering or need. The middle voice of the verb further emphasizes that this action originates from within the subject and profoundly affects the subject itself, highlighting the depth and sincerity of the emotion. Its primary semantic range is "to be moved with compassion," "to feel pity," or "to have deep sympathy," conveying a powerful internal drive to alleviate distress.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb σπλαγχνίζομαι appears frequently in the Synoptic Gospels, almost exclusively in contexts where Jesus or God is depicted as being moved by profound compassion. It is a key term for understanding the empathetic and active nature of divine and Christological love.
* **Jesus' Compassion for Crowds:**
* [[Matthew 9:36]]: Jesus sees the crowds as "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd," and is "moved with compassion" (ἐσπλαγχνίσθη). This deep feeling directly motivates His instruction to pray for more laborers for the harvest.
* [[Matthew 14:14]] and [[Mark 6:34]]: Upon seeing large crowds, Jesus is "moved with compassion" for them, leading Him to heal their sick and teach them extensively. This compassion precedes and prompts the miraculous feeding of the five thousand.
* [[Matthew 15:32]] and [[Mark 8:2]]: Jesus is again "moved with compassion" for the crowd because they have been with Him for three days without food, leading to the feeding of the four thousand. These instances highlight Jesus' holistic concern for both the spiritual and physical needs of the people.
* **Jesus' Compassion for Individuals:**
* [[Matthew 20:34]]: Jesus is "moved with compassion" for two blind men, touching their eyes and restoring their sight.
* [[Mark 1:41]]: Jesus is "moved with compassion" for a leper, stretching out His hand to touch and cleanse him, demonstrating a willingness to transcend social and ritual barriers out of love.
* [[Luke 7:13]]: When Jesus encounters the grieving widow of Nain whose only son has died, He is "moved with compassion" for her, subsequently raising her son from the dead. This is a powerful display of divine empathy in the face of profound human sorrow.
* **Parabolic Usage to Illustrate Divine and Human Compassion:**
* [[Matthew 18:27]]: In the parable of the unmerciful servant, the master is "moved with compassion" for his servant and forgives his immense debt. This illustrates the boundless mercy of God and sets the standard for human forgiveness.
* [[Luke 10:33]]: In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan, upon seeing the injured man, is "moved with compassion." This deep feeling compels him to costly and sacrificial action to care for the man, contrasting sharply with the indifference of the religious leaders.
* [[Luke 15:20]]: In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father, seeing his son "while he was still a long way off," is "moved with compassion" and runs to embrace him. This vividly portrays God's eager and overflowing compassion for repentant sinners.
In every biblical occurrence, σπλαγχνίζομαι describes an active, powerful, and transformative compassion that invariably leads to concrete action—healing, teaching, feeding, forgiving, restoring, or saving. It is never a passive feeling but a profound internal state that compels benevolent intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **σπλάγχνον (splagchnon, `{{G4698}}`):** The root noun, referring to the "inward parts" or "bowels." Understanding the physical origin of the term helps to grasp the depth and visceral nature of the emotion it describes.
* **ἔλεος (eleos, `{{G1656}}`):** Often translated as "mercy" or "pity." While ἔλεος can describe an act of kindness or a disposition of mercy, σπλαγχνίζομαι emphasizes the *visceral feeling* that often drives such acts. σπλαγχνίζομαι frequently precedes or accompanies acts of ἔλεος.
* **οἰκτιρμός (oiktirmos, `{{G3628}}`):** "Compassion," "pity," or "mercy." This term, often used in the plural (οἰκτιρμοί), frequently describes God's tender mercies (e.g., [[Romans 12:1]], [[2 Corinthians 1:3]]). σπλαγχνίζομαι shares a strong semantic overlap with οἰκτιρμός, both conveying deep, sympathetic concern.
* **ἀγαπάω (agapaō, `{{G25}}`):** "To love." While distinct, σπλαγχνίζομαι can be understood as a specific manifestation of *agape* love, particularly when confronted with suffering or need. It is love expressed through profound empathy and a desire to alleviate distress.
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** In the Septuagint (LXX), the concept of deep compassion is often conveyed by forms of the Hebrew root רחם (racham, `{{H7355}}`). This root also relates to the "womb" and signifies a deep, parental, or visceral affection and pity. This Hebrew background enriches the understanding of σπλαγχνίζομαι in the New Testament, linking it to the Old Testament portrayal of God's covenantal mercy and tender concern for His people.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of σπλαγχνίζομαι in the Gospels, particularly in relation to Jesus, reveals profound theological truths about the nature of God and His Messiah.
* **God's Visceral Compassion:** The term highlights that God's compassion is not a detached, intellectual concept but a deep, internal, and active yearning. It is a fundamental aspect of His character, supremely demonstrated in Jesus Christ. This "bowel-level" compassion underscores the personal and intimate nature of God's care for humanity, indicating that He is truly moved by human suffering.
* **Jesus as the Embodiment of Divine Compassion:** Jesus' repeated actions of being "moved with compassion" (healing, feeding, teaching, raising the dead) are not merely acts of power but direct manifestations of His divine empathy. He perfectly embodies the Father's heart of mercy towards a suffering world. His compassion is portrayed as the very driving force behind His ministry of redemption and restoration.
* **Motivation for Divine Action:** σπλαγχνίζομαι is consistently presented as the catalyst for divine intervention. It is the deep feeling that compels God and Jesus to act decisively to alleviate suffering, forgive sin, and restore brokenness. This shows that God's grace is not begrudging but flows from an abundance of heartfelt concern and a profound desire for humanity's well-being.
* **Call to Discipleship:** The parables where human characters are "moved with compassion" (e.g., the unmerciful servant, the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son's father) serve as powerful models for Christian discipleship. Believers are called to emulate this divine attribute, allowing their hearts to be moved by the needs of others, leading to acts of mercy, forgiveness, and sacrificial service. True compassion, like God's, is always active and transformative.
* **Hope and Assurance:** For those who are suffering, the portrayal of God and Jesus as being σπλαγχνίζομαι offers immense hope and assurance. It means that God is not indifferent to human pain but is deeply affected by it and actively engaged in bringing relief, healing, and ultimate restoration.
### Summary
σπλαγχνίζομαι (splanchnízomai, `{{G4697}}`) is a powerful Greek verb meaning "to be moved with deep, visceral compassion" or "to have one's bowels yearn." Derived from the word for "inward parts," it signifies an intense, heartfelt empathy that goes beyond mere pity, compelling the one experiencing it to act. In the New Testament, it predominantly describes Jesus' profound emotional response to human suffering and need, leading Him to heal, teach, feed, and forgive. It is also used in parables to illustrate God's boundless mercy and to set a standard for human compassion, as seen in the Good Samaritan and the father of the Prodigal Son. Theologically, σπλαγχνίζομαι reveals the active, personal, and transformative nature of God's love and mercy, emphasizing that His grace flows from a deep, internal yearning to alleviate suffering and bring about restoration. It serves as a profound call for believers to embody this same divine attribute in their interactions with the world.
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