Brief Overview of σπλαγχνίζομαι (Strong’s G4697: splagchnizomai)

Strong’s G4697: A deeply emotional verb derived from σπλάγχνα (bowels/intestines), meaning to be moved with compassion from one’s innermost being. In NT usage, it predominantly describes divine compassion, especially Jesus’ emotional responses to human suffering, representing visceral, action-oriented mercy.

U- Unveiling the Word

σπλαγχνίζομαι represents one of the most emotionally charged words in the New Testament, literally meaning “to be moved in one’s bowels.” In ancient understanding, the bowels were considered the seat of deep emotions and love. This verb captures a compassion so profound it creates a physical sensation – a gut-wrenching response to others’ suffering. When applied to Jesus, it reveals His deeply human and divine nature, showing how He physically felt people’s pain. The early church recognized this word as uniquely characterizing divine compassion, distinguishing it from mere human pity. Today, it challenges believers to move beyond superficial sympathy to embodied, action-oriented compassion that reflects the Messiah’s heart.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σπλαγχνίζομαι, splagchnizomai, splangkh-NEE-zoh-my
• Detailed pronunciation: sp (as in speak) + langkh (as in anchor) + nee (as in knee) + zoh (as in zone) + my (as in my)
• Part of Speech: Verb (Deponent)

Etymology:

• σπλάγχνα (splagchna) – base noun meaning “bowels/inward parts”
• -ιζω (-izō) – verbal suffix indicating causative or intensive action
• Deponent form (-ομαι) – middle/passive ending used with active meaning

D – Defining Meanings

• To be moved with compassion in one’s inward parts
• To feel deep sympathy leading to action
• To show mercy from one’s core being

For compound words:
The base noun σπλάγχνα provides the concrete image of physical organs, while the -ιζω suffix transforms it into action. The middle/passive form suggests personal involvement in the emotional experience.

Translation Options:

• “To be moved with compassion” – captures both emotional and physical aspects
• “To feel visceral compassion” – emphasizes the physical sensation
• “To be gut-wrenchingly moved” – maintains metaphorical connection to organs

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐλεέω (eleeō) [el-eh-EH-oh] – showing mercy without necessarily emotional involvement – See G1653
• οἰκτίρω (oiktirō) [oyk-TEE-roh] – to pity or show compassion – See G3627
• συμπαθέω (sympatheō) [soom-path-EH-oh] – to sympathize with – See G4834

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Future
• Voice: Deponent (Middle/Passive form with Active meaning)
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Generally perfective in Aorist, ongoing in Present

Example morphological changes:

• Present: σπλαγχνίζομαι (I am moved with compassion)
• Aorist: ἐσπλαγχνίσθην (I was moved with compassion)
• Future: σπλαγχνισθήσομαι (I will be moved with compassion)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes this word’s unique usage in depicting divine compassion, particularly in Jesus’ ministry. Thayer’s highlights its development from physical organs to emotional significance. LSJ traces its classical usage in Greek medicine. Vine’s notes its distinction from mere pity. Strong’s emphasizes the visceral nature of the emotion. LEH connects it to Hebrew emotional vocabulary. Moulton and Milligan document its rare usage outside biblical literature, suggesting its special theological significance.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 9:36: “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion [σπλαγχνίζομαι] for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”

Additional References:
Mark 1:41, Luke 7:13, Matthew 14:14, Matthew 15:32, Matthew 18:27, Matthew 20:34

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σπλαγχνίζομαι represents divine compassion in action. It shows us a Messiah who doesn’t merely observe human suffering from a distance but feels it in His very being. This word proclaims the good news that our God isn’t distant or unmoved, but One who enters into our pain with visceral, action-producing compassion. It challenges us to embody this same deep, moving compassion in our witness to the world.

D – Did You Know?

• σπλαγχνίζομαι appears only in the Gospels and always in reference to either Jesus or characters in His parables
• Ancient Greek medical texts used related words to describe physical reactions to emotional states
• The word’s root (σπλάγχνα) was used in Greek sacrifice terminology, connecting it to sacred contexts

Strong’s G4697: A deeply emotional verb derived from σπλάγχνα (bowels/intestines), meaning to be moved with compassion from one’s innermost being. In NT usage, it predominantly describes divine compassion, especially Jesus’ emotional responses to human suffering, representing visceral, action-oriented mercy.

Part of speech: Deponent Verb

Tags: compassion, mercy, emotions, Jesus, divine-attributes, heart, feelings, action, ministry-of-Jesus, healing, miracles, parables, gospel-narratives, New-Testament-Greek, biblical-Greek​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​