ἐλεήμων
eleḗmōn
G1655 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Displaying mercy or compassion; showing active kindness or pity toward those in need or in distress. The term most often describes someone who is disposed to act with kindness and to alleviate the misfortune or suffering of others. In specific contexts, it denotes the active expression of mercy, not merely a passive feeling.
Semantic Range
compassionate, merciful (one who acts mercifully), kindly disposed, expressing mercy toward others, showing active compassion
Root / Etymology
From ἐλεέω (to show mercy, have compassion), which is derived from the noun ἔλεος (mercy, compassion).
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἐλεήμων appears both in classical and Hellenistic Greek, as well as in the Septuagint and the New Testament. In the Septuagint, it is often used to describe the compassionate qualities of God, especially in reference to His dealings with Israelites, and also as a virtue expected of individuals (see Psalm 111[112]:4; Proverbs 11:17). In the New Testament, it is found in contexts such as the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:7), denoting those who actively practice mercy towards others. While traditional English translations render ἐλεήμων as 'merciful,' the term emphasizes tangible, active expressions of mercy or kindness beyond mere emotive pity. There is some overlap with related adjectives such as οἰκτίρμων (pitying, compassionate), but ἐλεήμων tends to stress compassionate deeds rather than just feelings. The use of ἐλεήμων in Greek-speaking Jewish texts often aligns God's attribute of mercy with a model for human conduct, sometimes paralleling the Hebrew חָנוּן (ḥannûn, gracious) and רַחוּם (raḥûm, compassionate). Unlike later theological words centered on forgiveness, ἐλεήμων strongly retains its sense of merciful action.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐλεέω; compassionate (actively):--merciful.
Root Family
ἐλεήμων (eleēmōn) — to show mercy, to have compassion, to be kind
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1655-02 |
ἐλεήμονες | eleemones | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
merciful ones | 1 | |
G1655-01 |
ἐλεήμων | eleemon | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
merciful one | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1655-02 |
Matthew 5:7 | ἐλεήμονες | eleemones | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
merciful ones | |
G1655-01 |
Hebrews 2:17 | ἐλεήμων | eleemon | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
merciful one |