Greek Word Study | 3628: mercy (oiktirmos)


The Complete Word Study Dictionary says, “To have compassion on.  Pity, compassion, mercy, but referring to a feeling that is not as strong as eleos (1656), mercy.  Oiktirmos is the pity or compassion one shows for the sufferings of others.”

The MacArthur Study Bible (Col 3:12) says, “It is a Hebraism that connotes the internal organs of the human body as used figuratively to describe the seat of the emotions.”

The Reformation Study Bible (Lk 6:36) defines it as “self-sacrificial love for enemies.”  

Mercy in the context of Lk 6:27-36 is loving, doing good to, blessing, praying for, and being generous not just those who are nice to you, but to enemies.

The Pulpit Commentary (2 Cor 1:3) says, “Mercy implies something more than mere benevolence; it is a modification of goodness; it implies sorrow and suffering. God is good to all, but he is merciful to the afflicted—he compassionates and comforts them.”

The Pulpit Commentary (2 Cor 1:3-7) says, “Physical and spiritual blessings – all alike are mercies from the Father.”

The Biblical Illustrator (2 Cor 1:3) says, “Mercy is the compassion and relief which is administered to those who are in misery.”

Merriam-Webster defines "mercy": 

  1. compassion or forbearance (see FORBEARANCE sense 1) shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power
  2. a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion
  3. compassionate treatment of those in distress

Merriam-Webster defines "compassion" as sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it

Merriam-Webster defines "forbearance" as "a refraining from the enforcement of something (such as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due."

Merriam-Webster defines "pity" as "sympathetic sorrow for one suffering, distressed, or unhappy."

Jesus felt compassion (oiktirmos) for the crowds because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.  Mt 9:36

Believers are commanded to be merciful (oiktirmos) as our Father also is merciful.  Lk 6:36

God is called “the Father of mercies.” 2 Cor 1:3

Believers are commanded to put on compassion (oiktirmos).  Col 3:12


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