ἐλεήμων

full of pity, merciful

Definition

The adjective ἐλεήμων describes someone who is 'merciful,' 'compassionate,' or 'full of pity.' It characterizes a person who actively shows kindness and relief to those in distress or need. In the New Testament, it is used both to describe a core attribute of God and a corresponding virtue for believers. For instance, in Matthew 5:7, it describes the character of those who receive mercy, while in Hebrews 2:17, it is a title for Jesus Christ in his role as a merciful high priest.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, but in two significant theological contexts. In Matthew 5:7, it is used in Jesus' Beatitudes ('Blessed are the merciful...'), describing an essential quality of those in God's kingdom. In Hebrews 2:17, it is applied directly to Jesus, stating he had to become 'merciful and faithful' as a high priest to make atonement for sins. Both uses connect divine mercy with human ethical response.

Etymology

Derived from the noun ἔλεος (eleos, G1656), meaning 'mercy,' 'pity,' or 'compassion.' The suffix -μων indicates being characterized by or full of that quality. Thus, ἐλεήμων literally means 'full of mercy.' It is related to the verb ἐλεέω (eleeō, G1653), 'to have mercy on' or 'to show compassion.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically rich as it bridges God's nature and Christian ethics. In Matthew 5:7, it is a condition for receiving divine mercy, linking human action to God's response. In Hebrews 2:17, it is central to Christology, describing Jesus' essential character in his priestly work of atonement. Understanding this Greek term highlights that biblical mercy is not just a feeling but an active, compassionate disposition rooted in God's own character.

In the Greco-Roman world, mercy (eleos) was sometimes viewed as a potentially weak or irrational emotion, not always a supreme virtue. In the Jewish and Christian context, however, mercy was a fundamental, covenant-based attribute of God (as seen in the Hebrew חֶסֶד, hesed) and a commanded response. Jesus' teaching in Matthew elevates it as a core kingdom ethic, contrasting with some cultural perceptions of power and justice.

ἔλεος (eleos, G1656) — The noun for 'mercy' or 'compassion,' the quality itself. οἰκτίρμων (oiktirmōn, G3629) — Also meaning 'merciful' or 'compassionate,' with a stronger connotation of pity or deep feeling, used in James 5:11.

Word Details

Scripture References