Brief Overview of ἔλεος (Strong’s G1656: éleos)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is a cornerstone of Biblical studies, as it allows readers to uncover the deeper meanings and nuances embedded in the New Testament. The Greek word ἔλεος (éleos) is particularly significant because it embodies the concept of mercy, a central theme in Christian theology. Mercy, as expressed through ἔλεος, reflects God’s compassion towards humanity and the expected response of believers towards one another. Additionally, ἔλεος is deeply rooted in ancient Greek culture, where it was not only a religious virtue but also a social and ethical principle that shaped interactions and moral decisions.

Key Information:

Greek Word:

• ἔλεος (éleos) [EH-leh-os]

Etymology:

• Related to the verb ἐλεέω (eleéō), which means “to show mercy” or “to have compassion.” The word ἔλεος is a noun form that captures the state or quality of mercy.

Part of Speech:

• Noun (Neuter, second declension)

The F.O.G Word Choice:

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Primary Meanings:

• Mercy, compassion, particularly in the sense of showing kindness or leniency towards those in distress.
• Pity, especially as it relates to a divine or human response to suffering or misfortune.

Similar Words:

• οἰκτιρμός (oiktirmós) [oyk-teer-MOS]: This noun also means “compassion” or “pity,” but it often carries a connotation of deep, emotional empathy. While ἔλεος focuses on mercy as an action or state, οἰκτιρμός emphasizes the internal emotional response that leads to acts of mercy.
• ἀγάπη (agápē) [ah-GAH-peh]: Meaning “love,” this word is often associated with selfless, unconditional love, which can include acts of mercy. However, ἀγάπη is broader in scope, encompassing all forms of love, while ἔλεος specifically refers to mercy as an expression of compassion.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἔλεος is a neuter noun of the second declension, used frequently in the New Testament to describe both God’s merciful nature and the mercy that believers are expected to extend to others. Table: Declension of ἔλεος (éleos) Case Singular Plural Nominative ἔλεος ἔλεα Genitive ἐλέους ἐλέων Dative ἐλέει ἐλέεσι(ν) Accusative ἔλεος ἔλεα Vocative ἔλεος ἔλεα

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG describes ἔλεος as a noun signifying “mercy” or “compassion,” particularly in the context of divine favor or human kindness. The lexicon emphasizes its use in describing the merciful actions of God and the ethical imperative for believers to mirror this mercy in their relationships.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon defines ἔλεος as “mercy” or “compassion,” with an emphasis on the emotional aspect of pity that leads to acts of kindness. It highlights the word’s use in the New Testament to describe both divine mercy and the mercy expected of Christians.

Vines:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses ἔλεος in the context of Christian ethics, noting its role in expressing the love of God through acts of mercy. It is particularly associated with the idea of showing kindness to those in need, reflecting God’s mercy towards humanity.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon outlines the classical usage of ἔλεος, where it was often used to describe the pity or compassion shown by gods or humans in response to suffering. In secular Greek literature, ἔλεος was considered a noble virtue, often linked to justice and moral integrity.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines ἔλεος as “compassion” or “mercy,” particularly in contexts where it is used to describe God’s compassionate nature or the merciful actions expected of believers.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 9:13 – “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy (ἔλεος), and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
• Luke 1:50 – “And his mercy (ἔλεος) is for those who fear him from generation to generation.”
• Ephesians 2:4 – “But God, being rich in mercy (ἐλέει), because of the great love with which he loved us.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἔλεος (G1656: éleos):

The Greek word ἔλεος, meaning “mercy” or “compassion,” is a foundational term in the New Testament and classical Greek literature. In the Bible, ἔλεος is used to describe both the merciful nature of God and the compassion that believers are called to extend to others. Understanding this word enriches our appreciation of the ethical teachings in the New Testament, where mercy is presented as a central virtue. Its classical usage also highlights the importance of ἔλεος as a moral principle in ancient Greek society, where it was valued as a key component of justice and ethical behavior.

Did You Know?

The word ἔλεος is the root of the modern English word “eleemosynary,” which pertains to charitable acts or donations. This connection underscores the lasting impact of the concept of mercy, as embodied by ἔλεος, on Western thought and language, particularly in the context of charity and social responsibility.