UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: merciful, compassionate

Semantic entry: 88.81

Semantic domains: Moral and Ethical Qualities and Related Behavior

Subdomains: Mercy, Merciless

Definition: (derivative of οἰκτίρω ‘to have mercy,’ 88.80: οἰκτιρμός / 88.80: οἰκτίρω) pertaining to showing mercy or compassion

Notes: In a number of languages expressions involving showing mercy or being merciful are expressed in highly idiomatic ways, for example, ‘to show one’s heart toward,’ ‘to feel in one’s stomach for,’ ‘to have one’s heart go out toward,’ or ‘to treat as a loving child.’