G3629

Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding key Greek words like οἰκτίρμων (oiktírmōn) deepens our grasp of essential theological concepts. This word, appearing in Luke 6:36, plays a significant role in revealing the character of God and His expectations for human behavior. Jesus commands His followers to “be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (oiktírmōn), underscoring that divine compassion is not only an attribute of God but also a model for human conduct. Studying this term enriches our understanding of New Testament teachings on mercy, kindness, and the relational nature of God’s covenant with His people.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: οἰκτίρμων (oiktírmōn), pronounced oyk-TEER-mohn.

Etymology: Oiktírmōn is derived from the root οἰκτίρω (oiktírō), meaning “to have compassion” or “to pity.” It is closely related to οἶκτος (oiktos), which refers to “pity” or “compassion.” This word’s formation emphasizes the act and quality of being merciful or compassionate, aligning with the biblical depiction of God’s merciful nature.

Part of Speech: Adjective. Oiktírmōn functions as a descriptive term, portraying a person, and especially God, as characterized by mercy and compassion.

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Defining Meanings

1. Merciful: Oiktírmōn describes someone who demonstrates mercy, particularly in response to human suffering. This meaning aligns with the call in Luke 6:36 for believers to imitate God’s mercy in their relationships with others.

2. Compassionate: The word emphasizes an emotional response to the suffering or need of others, rooted in empathy and concern. This compassion leads to action, often involving acts of kindness or forgiveness.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἔλεος (éleos) [pronunciation: EH-leh-os]: Refers more broadly to mercy or compassion, often associated with acts of kindness or benevolence. While éleos can apply to both divine and human mercy, oiktírmōn focuses more on the internal disposition of pity or compassion.

2. χάρις (cháris) [pronunciation: KHA-rees]: Refers to grace or favor. While related to mercy, cháris highlights the unmerited nature of favor, whereas oiktírmōn emphasizes compassionate mercy in response to suffering.

3. σπλάγχνα (splágchna) [pronunciation: SPLANKH-nah]: This word refers to the inward parts or “bowels” but metaphorically represents deep emotions, particularly those of compassion and love. It differs from oiktírmōn in its focus on the physical seat of emotions.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns/Adjectives:

• Case, Number, Gender: Oiktírmōn is an adjective and, like most Greek adjectives, it agrees in case, number, and gender with the noun it modifies. In Luke 6:36, it is used in the nominative singular masculine to describe God as “merciful” (oiktírmōn).

• Declension: Oiktírmōn belongs to the third declension of Greek adjectives. In the nominative singular, it appears as οἰκτίρμων, while in the genitive singular, it changes to οἰκτίρμονος.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicons consistently highlight oiktírmōn as an adjective denoting merciful or compassionate behavior. In the New Testament, it is particularly used to describe God’s merciful nature. In Luke 6:36, Jesus invites His followers to model their lives after God’s mercy, emphasizing the importance of extending compassion in interpersonal relationships. Classical and Hellenistic Greek texts often use the word to describe not only divine mercy but also human empathy in various situations. The theological implication of oiktírmōn in the New Testament is that mercy is a fundamental characteristic of God, and by extension, it should be a defining trait of believers.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 6:36: “Be merciful [οἰκτίρμονες], just as your Father is merciful.”

2. James 5:11: “The Lord is full of compassion [πολύσπλαγχνος] and merciful [οἰκτίρμων].”

3. 1 Peter 3:8: “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart [σπλάγχνα] and a humble mind.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

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

Plato Republic “The merciful [οἰκτίρμων] ruler must show compassion.”

Philo On Abraham “God is merciful [οἰκτίρμων] to His people.”

Homer Iliad “The gods, in their mercy [οἰκτίρμων], spared the city.”

Noteworthy Summary

Oiktírmōn is a key word in understanding the New Testament’s teachings on mercy. It highlights the compassionate nature of God, as seen in Luke 6:36, where believers are called to imitate divine mercy. In both classical and biblical usage, the term underscores the importance of mercy not only as a feeling but as an action. God’s merciful character serves as the foundation for Christian ethics, calling believers to extend the same compassion they receive from God.

Did You Know?

1. Oiktírmōn is closely related to oiktirmós (G3628), which refers to mercies, indicating that both terms emphasize God’s compassionate disposition.

2. In ancient Greek literature, oiktírmōn was often used to describe the gods’ response to human suffering, highlighting their role as merciful beings.

3. Luke 6:36 is the only occurrence of oiktírmōn in the Gospels, emphasizing the importance of this attribute in the life of a disciple.