ἀνελεήμων (aneleēmōn)
aneleēmōn
merciless
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective aneleēmōn describes a state of being without mercy or compassion. It is formed by combining the negative prefix an-, meaning "not," with eleēmōn, which relates to pity or mercy. This construction creates a stark term for someone who lacks any sense of humane feeling toward others.
In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Romans 1:31. Paul uses it to characterize the moral decay of those who reject God, listing it alongside other vices like insolence and arrogance. The term captures a hard-heartedness that refuses to acknowledge the suffering or needs of fellow human beings.
Its rarity in Scripture emphasizes its severity. By placing this specific trait among the list of sinful behaviors, the text highlights how a lack of mercy is not just a minor flaw but a significant moral failure. The word serves as a sharp contrast to the compassionate nature expected of believers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aneleēmōn paints a picture of a heart that has grown cold to the pain of others. It describes a person who simply does not feel pity or compassion, leaving them unable to respond to suffering with kindness. In Romans 1:31, Paul lists this trait as part of a broader moral decline, showing how a lack of mercy disconnects us from our shared humanity.
For your faith journey, this word serves as a gentle warning against hardening your heart. It reminds us that mercy is not just a nice idea but a core requirement for living in step with God’s character. When we choose to show compassion, even when it is difficult, we reflect the love that has been shown to us.
May you find strength in knowing that you are not alone in this struggle. God’s grace covers our failures and empowers us to extend the same mercy we so desperately need. Let this truth encourage you to look for opportunities to show kindness today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- unmerciful,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνελεήμονας,1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 1:31
without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful;
This verse places 'unmerciful' alongside other serious moral failures, highlighting how a lack of compassion is a significant indicator of spiritual decay.