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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words like οἰκτίρω (oiktírō) is critical in Biblical studies for deepening our grasp of key concepts in the New Testament, especially concerning God’s character and His relationship with humanity. Oiktírō, found in Romans 9:15, reflects the rich language of compassion and mercy, pivotal to interpreting passages where God is portrayed as responding to human suffering. This word also opens a window into the cultural significance of mercy in ancient Greek thought and its application in New Testament theology.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: οἰκτίρω (oiktírō), pronounced oyk-TEE-roh.

Etymology: The root of οἰκτίρω is traced to οἶκτος (oiktos), which means “pity” or “compassion.” This root emphasizes an emotional response of deep sympathy or mercy, particularly in situations of human suffering or need. It has connections to the broader Greek concept of feeling compassion for someone’s misfortune.

Part of Speech: Verb. Oiktírō is a verb, indicating action—specifically, the act of feeling or expressing compassion. It is commonly used to describe emotional responses that lead to merciful actions.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Show Compassion: The primary meaning of oiktírō is to feel pity or compassion toward someone. This sense captures both emotional sympathy and the desire to act in a merciful way. It is often used in contexts where mercy is requested or granted.

2. To Pity: Another central meaning of the word involves a deep, heartfelt pity. This usage emphasizes a sorrowful recognition of another’s misfortune or suffering.

3. To Have Mercy: In its broader biblical usage, oiktírō is synonymous with mercy. It describes God’s merciful actions toward individuals, underscoring the theological importance of divine grace.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἐλεέω (eleeō) [pronunciation: el-eh-EH-oh]: This word also means “to have mercy” or “to show kindness.” It is similar to oiktírō but carries a broader range of kindness and benevolence beyond just feeling pity.

2. σπλαγχνίζομαι (splagchnízomai) [pronunciation: splankh-NIDZ-oh-my]: This term translates as “to have compassion,” often evoking a visceral, deep-seated feeling of mercy. It reflects a more emotional response than oiktírō.

3. χάρις (cháris) [pronunciation: KHA-rees]: Meaning “grace” or “favor,” this word overlaps with oiktírō in the sense that both involve unmerited kindness or compassion shown to others.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

• Tense, Voice, Mood: Oiktírō appears in the present tense in Romans 9:15, indicating an ongoing or habitual action of showing mercy or compassion. It can also appear in the active voice, where the subject is the one performing the action of mercy. In terms of mood, it can be found in the indicative mood when stating a fact or condition.

• Person and Number: The verb oiktírō can be conjugated in different persons and numbers. In Romans 9:15, it is used in the first person singular: “I will have mercy” (eleēsō), indicating a direct declaration from God regarding His own actions.

• Aspect: The present aspect in oiktírō reflects ongoing mercy, highlighting that compassion is not a one-time event but a continuous characteristic of God.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word oiktírō carries profound theological implications in its New Testament usage. It is primarily used to describe God’s attitude toward humanity, emphasizing His deep compassion and willingness to show mercy. In Romans 9:15, the verb underscores God’s sovereign choice to show mercy as He wills. This divine compassion is not based on human merit but on God’s own gracious will.

In classical Greek, oiktírō similarly denotes an emotional response of pity, particularly toward those suffering misfortune. However, in the New Testament context, it takes on a more theologically rich dimension as it is used to reflect God’s divine mercy and grace.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Romans 9:15: “For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy [οἰκτίρω] on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’”

2. Matthew 5:7 (conceptual parallel): “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy,” where the concept of divine mercy (oiktírō) is closely related to human expressions of compassion.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English text with the Greek word in parentheses

Homer Iliad “Pity him, for he is your brother” (oiktírō).

Plato Phaedrus “The gods took pity on the mortals” (oiktírō).

Sophocles Oedipus Rex “Have mercy on your children” (oiktírō).

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb oiktírō reveals the profound depth of God’s mercy and compassion as expressed in the New Testament. Used to describe both human and divine responses to suffering, oiktírō emphasizes that mercy is not only a feeling but also an action. In the context of Romans 9:15, it highlights the sovereignty of God in extending mercy to whomever He chooses, underscoring His grace and compassion.

Did You Know?

1. Oiktírō is closely related to the concept of grace, highlighting how mercy is often unearned and freely given.

2. The word is used sparingly in the New Testament, making its appearances particularly weighty in understanding God’s character.

3. In classical Greek literature, oiktírō was used to describe both human and divine responses of pity toward suffering individuals, reflecting the shared cultural value of mercy.