Mercy (Eleos)
ἔλεος (eleos)
Compassionate kindness — withholding deserved punishment and extending help to the miserable.
Eleos is the Greek word for mercy, meaning compassion and kindness toward those in misery. God's mercy withholds the punishment we deserve and extends the help we do not deserve — it is grace meeting suffering.
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us." — Ephesians 2:4 (KJV)
Key Verses
Ephesians 2:4
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us.”Read in context
Titus 3:5
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G1656 — Mercy (Eleos) (ἔλεος (eleos))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ἔλεος (eleos) appears.
Open Strong's G1656Etymology and Original Meaning
Eleos means 'mercy,' 'compassion,' or 'pity' — the response of a generous heart to someone in misery. In the Septuagint, it often translates the Hebrew chesed (covenant lovingkindness), absorbing some of that word's depth. Eleos is not cold pity from a distance but warm compassion that moves toward the suffering to help. It is the feeling of heart-wrenching kindness that drives action.
Rich in Mercy
Paul describes God as 'rich in mercy' (Ephesians 2:4) — mercy is not scarce in God but abundant. He is not reluctant to show mercy but eager. His mercy motivated salvation: 'Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us' (Titus 3:5). Salvation begins in God's mercy — His compassionate response to human misery and helplessness.
Mercy in Jesus' Ministry
The blind, the lame, the leprous, and the demon-possessed all cried, 'Have mercy on us!' (Matthew 9:27; 20:30). Jesus 'was moved with compassion' repeatedly — mercy was not just His teaching but His instinct. He healed because He pitied. He fed because He cared. He wept because He felt. The incarnation itself is God's supreme act of mercy — entering human misery to relieve it from within.
Being Merciful
Jesus commands, 'Be ye merciful, as your Father also is merciful' (Luke 6:36). Receiving God's mercy creates an obligation to extend it: 'Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy' (Matthew 5:7). James warns, 'He shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy' (James 2:13). Mercy received must become mercy given — compassion flowing through believers to a suffering world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mercy mean in the Bible?
Mercy (eleos) is compassionate kindness toward those in misery — withholding deserved punishment and extending undeserved help. God is 'rich in mercy' (Ephesians 2:4), and His mercy motivated our salvation.
What is the difference between grace and mercy?
Mercy withholds what we deserve (punishment). Grace gives what we don't deserve (blessing). Both flow from God's love — mercy addresses our misery; grace addresses our need. Together they form the full picture of God's generosity.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Mercy (Eleos)"?
Ephesians 2:4 — "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us" (KJV). It also appears in Luke 6:36, Titus 3:5.
Why does the Greek word behind "Mercy (Eleos)" matter?
Eleos means 'mercy,' 'compassion,' or 'pity' — the response of a generous heart to someone in misery. English uses one word, "Mercy (Eleos)", where the Greek ἔλεος (eleos) carries the fuller sense: compassionate kindness — withholding deserved punishment and extending help to the miserable.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Mercy (Eleos) (ἔλεος (eleos))
Compassionate kindness — withholding deserved punishment and extending help to the miserable.
Strong's G1656 — Mercy (Eleos)
ἔλεος (eleos) • Compassionate kindness — withholding deserved punishment and extending help to the miserable.
Mercy (ἔλεος (Eleos) / חֶסֶד (Chesed))
God's compassionate withholding of deserved punishment
Luke 6:36 Commentary
In-depth study • Mercy & Character
Blessed Are the Merciful
The fifth Beatitude teaches that those who show compassion and forgiveness to ot
Biblical Meaning of a Rainbow in a Dream (KJV)
God's covenant, mercy, and unbroken promise.
Where to go next
Studied the meaning of Mercy (Eleos)? Continue with these word-study and Scripture pages.
- Bible word meanings A–ZHebrew and Greek words explained in plain English.Continue
- Go deeper with word studiesStrong's numbers, usage and every KJV occurrence.Continue
- Bible questions answered from ScriptureStraight KJV answers to common questions.Continue
- Read the KJV Bible online freeFull text, chapter by chapter.Continue