Greek word · Strong's G1656

ἔλεος

éleos · noun · “mercy”

In a sentence

Eleos means mercy — God’s kindness toward the undeserving, and the kindness he asks his people to show in turn. It is one of the great words of the gospel.

Eleos is mercy — kindness shown to those who could not claim it. The New Testament rings with it: God is “rich in mercy,” saved us “according to his great mercy,” calls us to be merciful as our Father is merciful.

Eleos meets people where they are weakest and lifts them. Jesus’ healings and the parable of the Good Samaritan both showcase it. Receiving mercy and giving it are two sides of the same gospel.

Strong's reference

Definition: compassion (human or divine, especially active)

KJV usage: (+ tender) mercy

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Ephesians 2:4 “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,” Titus 3:5 “He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.