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ἐλεημοσύνη

eleēmosýnē

G1654 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ἐλεημ- to show mercy, to display compassion

Definition

An act or offering of mercy, typically expressed through charitable giving to those in need; more broadly, the practice of mercy or compassion shown in concrete support, especially to the poor. In different contexts, can refer to charitable acts themselves or the material gifts provided.

Semantic Range

compassionate action, charitable giving, almsgiving, merciful beneficence, act or gift of mercy, concrete expression of mercy through support for the poor

Root / Etymology

From ἔλεος ('mercy, compassion') with the nominalizing suffix -σύνη indicating a quality or practice; thus, 'the practice or quality of mercy/compassion.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The term ἐλεημοσύνη first appears in post-classical Greek, with rare instances in Hellenistic papyri, but becomes prominent in Jewish Greek literature (such as the Septuagint and intertestamental texts) and the New Testament. In the Greek language environment of the Second Temple period, it acquires a technical sense of material charity given out of compassion, especially to the needy, widows, orphans, or the community poor. In these contexts, it is closely aligned with the concept of righteousness (δικαιοσύνη), reflecting the significance of almsgiving in Judean and early Jesus-movement ethical teaching. Though often rendered 'alms' in English translations, the term suggests both the act and the attitude of merciful generosity, not only the object given. In rabbinic and contemporaneous Judean literature, ἐλεημοσύνη is one among several terms for material charity, and always possesses an ethical and religious dimension, distinguishing it from more general terms for 'gift' or 'donation.' In Christian writings, the term continues to emphasize the spiritual value of compassion manifested materially. The English tradition 'alms(-deeds)' captures the charitable aspect but often narrows the original connotation of merciful action and intention.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἔλεος; compassionateness, i.e. (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction:--alms(-deeds).

Root Family

ἐλεημοσύνη (eleēmosynē) — mercy, compassionate action, charitable giving, beneficent support

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G1654-04 ἐλεημοσύνην eleemosunen N ACC F SG alms act of mercy 7
G1654-02 ἐλεημοσύνας eleemosunas N ACC F PL alms acts of mercy 2
G1654-01 ἐλεημοσύναι eleemosunai N NOM F PL alms acts of mercy 2
G1654-05 ἐλεημοσυνῶν eleemosunon N GEN F PL of charity of acts of mercy 1
G1654-03 ἐλεημοσύνη eleemosune N NOM F SG act of mercy 1

Occurrences in Scripture

13 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G1654-04 Matthew 6:2 ἐλεημοσύνην eleemosunen N ACC F SG act of mercy
G1654-04 Matthew 6:3 ἐλεημοσύνην eleemosunen N ACC F SG act of mercy
G1654-03 Matthew 6:4 ἐλεημοσύνη eleemosune N NOM F SG act of mercy
G1654-04 Luke 11:41 ἐλεημοσύνην eleemosunen N ACC F SG as alms act of mercy
G1654-04 Luke 12:33 ἐλεημοσύνην eleemosunen N ACC F SG alms act of mercy
G1654-04 Acts 3:2 ἐλεημοσύνην eleemosunen N ACC F SG alms act of mercy
G1654-04 Acts 3:3 ἐλεημοσύνην eleemosunen N ACC F SG alms act of mercy
G1654-04 Acts 3:10 ἐλεημοσύνην eleemosunen N ACC F SG alms act of mercy
G1654-05 Acts 9:36 ἐλεημοσυνῶν eleemosunon N GEN F PL of charity of acts of mercy
G1654-02 Acts 10:2 ἐλεημοσύνας eleemosunas N ACC F PL alms acts of mercy
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