οἰκτιρμός
oiktirmós
G3628 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An emotion or attitude of deep compassion, pity, or mercy toward another, often manifest in acts of kindness or forgiveness; the disposition to be moved by another's suffering. In extended contexts, refers to acts or attitudes of mercifulness, clemency, or emotional sympathy, whether divine or human.
Semantic Range
pity, compassion, mercifulness, emotional sympathy, merciful disposition, acts of mercy, clemency
Root / Etymology
From the verb οἰκτείρω (to pity, to feel compassion, to show mercy). Related to the noun οἶκτος (pity, compassion), with a suffix -μός forming an abstract noun. Ultimately of uncertain Indo-European origin, but related forms are attested in classical Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
οἰκτιρμός is attested primarily in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, with sparse occurrence in earlier periods. In the Septuagint, it frequently translates Hebrew רַחֲמִים (raḥamim; compassion, mercy), indicating affective compassion or mercy, whether human or divine in source. In the New Testament, the term appears in contexts that emphasize a heartfelt disposition toward mercy and compassionate action, often in the plural (οἰκτιρμοί), signifying manifold acts or qualities of mercy. English translations often render it as 'mercy' or 'compassion', though the word has a richer affective connotation; it refers not only to acts but also to the emotional ground or disposition that motivates such acts. Contrasted with δικαιοσύνη (justice), which emphasizes law or obligation, οἰκτιρμός centers on voluntary, empathetic kindness or leniency. The related noun οἶκτος and verb οἰκτείρω have a similar semantic range in classical Greek, but οἰκτιρμός became more commonly used in religious and ethical discourse in the Hellenistic period. The term does not have a specific technical or theological definition restricted to the New Testament, but its consistent association with deep emotional movement sets it apart from more general terms for kindness or benevolence.
Translation Consistency
οἰκτιρμός primarily denotes an inner disposition of pity or merciful feeling. "Compassion" is the most natural, widely understood English noun that captures emotional sympathy and mercifulness (while still allowing translators to render related idioms as "mercy," "pity," or "mercifulness" when context requires). It best fits the typical usage across contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from οἰκτείρω; pity:--mercy.
Root Family
οἰκτιρμός (oiktirmós) — pity, compassion, mercifulness, emotional sympathy
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3628-02 |
οἰκτιρμῶν | oiktirmon | N GEN M PL |
mercies | compassionate | compassionate acts | 3 |
G3628-03 |
οἰκτιρμοῦ | oiktirmou | N GEN M SG |
of compassion | of compassion | of compassion | 1 |
G3628-01 |
οἰκτιρμοί | oiktirmoi | N NOM M PL |
mercies | compassions | compassions | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3628-02 |
Romans 12:1 | οἰκτιρμῶν | oiktirmon | N GEN M PL |
mercies | compassionate | mercies |
G3628-02 |
2 Corinthians 1:3 | οἰκτιρμῶν | oiktirmon | N GEN M PL |
mercies | compassionate | is compassionate |
G3628-01 |
Philippians 2:1 | οἰκτιρμοί | oiktirmoi | N NOM M PL |
mercies | compassions | compassions |
G3628-03 |
Colossians 3:12 | οἰκτιρμοῦ | oiktirmou | N GEN M SG |
of compassion | of compassion | of compassion |
G3628-02 |
Hebrews 10:28 | οἰκτιρμῶν | oiktirmon | N GEN M PL |
mercy | compassionate | compassionate acts |