Brief Overview of πολύσπλαγχνος (Strong’s G4184: polusplagchnos)

Strong’s G4184: A compound adjective combining polus (much, many) and splagchnon (bowels, heart, tender mercies), meaning very compassionate or full of tender mercy. Used in early Christian literature to describe God’s abundant mercy and the character qualities expected of believers.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πολύσπλαγχνος represents a profound theological concept in New Testament Greek, combining the idea of abundance (polus) with deep, visceral compassion (splagchnon). This compound word literally describes someone whose “internal organs” are moved with great compassion, reflecting the ancient understanding that emotions resided in the bowels. In Jewish and early Christian contexts, this word powerfully conveyed God’s character and the expected response of believers to others’ suffering. The early church particularly emphasized this quality as essential to Christian leadership and community life.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πολύσπλαγχνος, polusplagchnos, pŏ-lü-splängkh-nŏs
• Detailed pronunciation: paw-LOO-splank-nos (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• πολύς (polus) – prefix meaning “much, many, great”
• σπλάγχνον (splagchnon) – root noun meaning “bowels, internal organs, heart, tender mercies”
• -ος (-os) – adjectival suffix indicating masculine nominative singular

D – Defining Meanings

• Extremely compassionate
• Full of tender mercy
• Having great pity or sympathy

For compound words:
The prefix πολύς intensifies the base meaning of σπλάγχνον, creating the sense of abundant or overflowing compassion. The adjectival suffix -ος makes it descriptive of a person or being who possesses this quality.

Translation Options:

• “Very compassionate” – captures the intensification but misses emotional depth
• “Full of tender mercy” – better conveys the visceral aspect
• “Abundantly merciful” – emphasizes the quantitative aspect of polus

E – Exploring Similar Words

• οἰκτίρμων (oiktirmōn, oyk-TEER-mone) – merciful, but focuses on the expression of pity – See G3629
• εὔσπλαγχνος (eusplagchnos, yoo-SPLANK-nos) – tenderhearted, but less intense – See G2155
• ἐλεήμων (eleēmōn, el-eh-AY-mone) – merciful, emphasizing active compassion – See G1655

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Masculine/Feminine/Neuter forms available
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 2nd declension adjective

Example morphological changes:

• Masculine Nominative Singular: πολύσπλαγχνος
• Feminine Nominative Singular: πολύσπλαγχνη
• Neuter Nominative Singular: πολύσπλαγχνον

Cross-references:

• Related verb: σπλαγχνίζομαι (to be moved with compassion)
• Related noun: σπλάγχνον (bowels, tender mercies)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines πολύσπλαγχνος as “very compassionate, extremely merciful,” while Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to Hebrew rahamim. LSJ notes its rare classical usage, contrasting with its significance in Biblical and patristic literature. Vine’s connects it to God’s character as revealed in Christ. Strong’s emphasizes the visceral aspect of the compassion described. LEH links it to Septuagint usage of related terms, while Moulton and Milligan note its prevalence in early Christian papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
James 5:11: “Behold, we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is very compassionate [πολύσπλαγχνος] and merciful.”

Additional References:
Due to its rare usage, πολύσπλαγχνος appears only in James 5:11 in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πολύσπλαγχνος beautifully captures the overwhelming compassion of God toward His creation. This compound word emphasizes both the quantity and quality of divine mercy, pointing to Christ as the ultimate expression of God’s tender care for humanity. It proclaims the good news that our God isn’t distantly merciful but abundantly compassionate, moving Him to action through Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word’s root σπλάγχνον was used in ancient sacrificial contexts, referring to organs offered to gods.
2. Early Christian letters often used πολύσπλαγχνος in greetings to characterize ideal Christian leadership.
3. The concept influenced early Christian art, where Christ was often depicted with his hand over his “splanchna” (bowels) to show compassion.

Strong’s G4184: A compound adjective combining polus (much, many) and splagchnon (bowels, heart, tender mercies), meaning very compassionate or full of tender mercy. Used in early Christian literature to describe God’s abundant mercy and the character qualities expected of believers.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: compassion, mercy, divine attributes, compound words, character of God, James, early church, Christian virtues, biblical Greek, emotional language​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​