Lectionary Calendar

Wednesday, February 5th, 2025
the Fourth Week after Epiphany

Attention!

Tired of seeing ads while studying? Now you can enjoy an "Ads Free" version of the site for as little as 10¢ a day and support a great cause!
Click here to learn more!

Bible Lexicons

Berry's Synonyms of the New TestamentBerry's NT Synonyms

Mercy, Compassion

ἔλεος, οἰκτιρμός.

Both words denote sympathy, fellow-feeling with misery, mercy, compassion. ἔλεος, however, manifests itself chiefly in acts rather than words, while οἰκτιρμός is used rather of the inward feeling of compassion which abides in the heart. A criminal might ask for ἔλεος, mercy, from his judge; but hopeless suffering may be the object of οἰκτιρμός, compassion.