A BRIEF WORD STUDY OF COMPASSION IN THE NEW TESTAMENT (1)

Victor M. Eskew

 

            The Bible is composed of many words.  These words were revealed to us by the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 2:13).  Each one of these words has meaning.  It is important for us to know the meaning of the words if we are going to apply them correctly.  In this article, we want to look at the word “compassion” as it is used in the New Testament.  The English word is found twenty-one (21) times in the New Covenant.  The first time it is found in in Matthew 19:36.  The last time is it used is in Jude 22.

            There are seven (7) different Greek words that are translated “compassion” in the New Testament.  Let’s examine the definition of each one of them.

 

splagchnizomai

 

Matthew 9:36 – But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

 

Other verses using this same Greek word: 

Matthew 14:14; 15:32; 18:27; 20:34; Mark 1:41; 6:; 8:2; 9:22; Luke 7:13; 10:33; 15:20

 

Strong (4697):           

to have the bowels yearn, that is, (figuratively) feel sympathy, to pity

Thayer:                      

to be moved as to one’s bowls, hence to be moved with compassion, for the bowels were thought to be the seat of love and pity

 

The word is translated in the New Testament as:

“have compassion”

“be moved with compassion”

 

eleeo

 

Matthew 18:33 – Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?

 

Other verses using this same Greek word:

Mark 5:19; Jude 22

 

Strong (1653):                       

to compassionate (by word or deed, specifically by divine grace)

Thayer:                      

to have mercy on, to help one afflicted or seeking aid, to help the afflicted, to bring help to the wretched

 

The word is translated in the New Testament as:

“have compassion”

“have mercy on”

 

oikteiro

 

Romans 9:15 – For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy,  and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

 

Strong (3627):           

pity, to exercise pity

Thayer                                   

to pity, have compassion on

 

The word is translated in the New Testament as:

“have compassion on”

 

“To be continued”