Brief Overview of σπλάγχνον (Strong’s G4698: splagchnon)

Strong’s G4698: Literally meaning “inward parts” or “bowels,” this noun evolved from describing physical organs to representing the seat of emotions, particularly tender mercy and compassion. In biblical usage, it often depicts the deepest feelings of divine mercy and the most profound human affections.

U- Unveiling the Word

σπλάγχνον represents a fascinating journey from anatomical terminology to profound spiritual significance. Originally referring to the internal organs (particularly the heart, liver, lungs, and intestines), it evolved to represent the seat of the deepest emotions in both Greek and Jewish thought. In the New Testament, it takes on special theological significance, expressing both divine compassion and the profound depth of Christian love. The early church fathers often used this term to describe the incarnational nature of God’s love – how the eternal Word took on human flesh and human emotions. Today, it reminds us that genuine Christian love isn’t merely intellectual but involves our whole being, including our emotional and physical responses to others’ needs.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σπλάγχνον, splagchnon, SPLANGKH-non
• Detailed pronunciation: sp (as in speak) + langkh (as in anchor) + non (as in none)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root word σπλάγχνον (splagchnon) – basic meaning “internal organs”
• Possibly related to Proto-Indo-European *splg̑ʰ- meaning “spleen”
• No prefixes or suffixes in base form

D – Defining Meanings

• Physical internal organs, especially heart, liver, lungs, and bowels
• Seat of emotions, particularly compassion and love
• Deep feelings or tender mercies
• Center of deepest emotions

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a root word

Translation Options:

• “Heart” – captures emotional significance while maintaining bodily reference
• “Tender mercies” – emphasizes emotional/spiritual meaning
• “Inward affection” – balances physical and emotional aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καρδία (kardia) [kar-DEE-ah] – heart, as seat of emotions – See G2588
• σπλαγχνίζομαι (splagchnizomai) [splangkh-NEE-zoh-my] – verbal form, to be moved with compassion – See G4697
• νεφρός (nephros) [nef-ROS] – kidneys, figuratively seat of emotions – See G3510

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative singular: σπλάγχνον (the bowels/compassion)
• Genitive singular: σπλάγχνου (of the bowels/compassion)
• Dative plural: σπλάγχνοις (in/with the bowels/compassion)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s development from physical to metaphorical meaning. Thayer’s notes its frequent use in expressions of deep feeling. LSJ traces its anatomical usage in medical texts. Vine’s highlights its connection to Hebrew racham. Strong’s emphasizes its evolution to emotional significance. LEH connects it to Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan document its widespread metaphorical use in Koine Greek.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 1:78: “Through the tender mercy [σπλάγχνον] of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us.”

Additional References:
Acts 1:18, 2 Corinthians 6:12, 2 Corinthians 7:15, Philippians 1:8, Philippians 2:1, Colossians 3:12, Philemon 1:7

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σπλάγχνον reveals the profound truth that God’s love isn’t distant or abstract but deeply felt and personally expressed. It proclaims the good news that in the Messiah, God experiences genuine emotional connection with His people. This word teaches us that authentic Christian love involves our whole being – emotion, will, and action – reflecting the deep, visceral love of our Savior.

D – Did You Know?

• Ancient Greek sacrificial practices involved examining the σπλάγχνα for divine omens
• The word appears in medical texts describing organ transplantation procedures
• Early church fathers used it to explain how God could experience genuine emotions in the incarnation

Strong’s G4698: Literally meaning “inward parts” or “bowels,” this noun evolved from describing physical organs to representing the seat of emotions, particularly tender mercy and compassion. In biblical usage, it often depicts the deepest feelings of divine mercy and the most profound human affections.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: emotions, compassion, mercy, love, heart, feelings, internal-organs, divine-love, incarnation, tender-mercy, affection, biblical-anthropology, Greek-culture, medical-terms, metaphorical-language​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​