σπλαγχνίζω
splagchnizō
to pity
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word σπλαγχνίζω (splagchnizō) is a verb that means "to pity." It is used 12 times in the Bible to convey a sense of compassion and empathy towards others. The word is rooted in the idea of the intestines or entrails, which were believed to be the seat of emotions and feelings. To "pity" someone, then, is to have a deep emotional response to their suffering or misfortune. The usage of σπλαγχνίζω in the Bible reveals a range of contexts in which pity is expressed. It is used to describe the emotional response of individuals, such as Jesus, who is said to have "pity" on the crowds (Matthew 9:36, Mark 6:34). It is also used to describe the response of God, who is said to "pity" his people (Isaiah 63:9). The word is not limited to describing a passive or detached emotion, but rather a active and engaged response to the needs of others. The significance of σπλαγχνίζω lies in its emphasis on the importance of empathy and compassion in human relationships. It highlights the need for us to be aware of the suffering and struggles of others, and to respond with kindness and understanding. In a world where suffering and injustice are all too common, the word σπλαγχνίζω reminds us of the value of pity and compassion in building stronger,
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
12 total occurrences across the text
Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them, and healed their sick.
Matthew 9:36But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 15:32Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat. I don’t want to send them away fasting, or they might faint on the way.”
Matthew 18:27The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
Matthew 20:34Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received their sight, and they followed him.
Mark 1:41Being moved with compassion, he stretched out his hand, and touched him, and said to him, “I want to. Be made clean.”
Mark 6:34Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.
Mark 8:2“I have compassion on the multitude, because they have stayed with me now three days, and have nothing to eat.
Mark 9:22Often it has cast him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.”
Luke 7:13When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, “Don’t cry.”
Luke 10:33But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion,
Luke 15:20“He arose, and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.