ἐλεέω (eleeō)
eleeō
to have mercy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 29 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb eleeō means to show mercy or pity, specifically by acting to help those who are afflicted or in need. It is not merely a feeling of sympathy but an active response to distress, often involving tangible aid. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in the Gospels when people approach Jesus for healing, such as the blind men calling out for mercy in Matthew 20:30-31, or the centurion’s servant being healed in Luke 7:2.
Its root is the noun eleos, meaning mercy or pity. The sources note that in the Septuagint, it often translates the Hebrew chanan, emphasizing gracious favor, and racham, which carries a sense of deep, visceral compassion. This distinction highlights that biblical mercy is grounded in God’s character rather than human obligation. Paul uses this active sense when he urges believers to serve with cheerfulness if their gift is showing mercy (Romans 12:8).
Interestingly, the word also appears in the passive voice, meaning to receive or obtain mercy, as seen in Romans 11:31 where Paul describes those who were disobedient now receiving mercy through the disobedience of others. This dual usage shows that mercy is both something given freely by God and something received by those in need, forming a central theme in Christian theology.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word eleeō describes more than a fleeting feeling of sympathy; it is an active response to someone’s distress. When people in the Gospels cried out, “Have mercy on us,” they were asking for tangible help, not just emotional comfort. Jesus consistently responded to these pleas with healing and restoration, showing that divine mercy moves from the heart into concrete action.
This same spirit invites us to serve others with cheerfulness, as Paul noted in Romans 12:8. Mercy is not a burden but a gift we share freely. When we face our own struggles, we can rest in the truth that God’s compassion is not limited by our failures or timing. His mercy reaches into our deepest needs, offering hope and relief.
Ultimately, this word reminds us that we are all recipients of grace. We do not earn it through effort but receive it as a gift. This understanding frees us to extend the same kindness to others, creating a cycle of compassion that reflects God’s character in our daily lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 29 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do have mercy on11×
- showing mercy2×
- I was shown mercy,2×
- will receive mercy.1×
- were shown mercy1×
- we received mercy,1×
- to have pitied1×
- received mercy,1×
- received mercy1×
- pitied?1×
- may have mercy shown [them].1×
- having received mercy.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐλέησόν7×
- ἐλέησον4×
- ἠλεήθην,2×
- ἐλεᾶτε2×
- ἠλέησέν1×
- ἠλέησεν1×
- ἠλέησα;¶1×
- ἠλεήθητε1×
- ἠλεήθημεν,1×
- ἠλεημένος1×
- ἠλεημένοι,1×
- ἐλεῶντος1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 9:27
As Jesus passed by from there, two blind men followed him, calling out and saying, “Have mercy on us, son of David!”
This verse shows blind men recognizing Jesus’ authority and actively seeking His intervention for their physical need.
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Romans 12:8
or he who exhorts, to his exhorting; he who gives, let him do it with generosity; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Paul instructs believers to exercise the gift of mercy with cheerfulness, highlighting it as a joyful service rather than a duty.
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Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Jesus links the practice of showing mercy to others with the promise of receiving mercy from God in return.
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Romans 11:32
For God has bound all to disobedience, that he might have mercy on all.
Paul explains that God’s ultimate purpose is to extend mercy to all, binding everyone in disobedience so He can show compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does eleeō mean in the New Testament?
How is eleeō different from other words for love?
Why do people in the Gospels call Jesus ‘Son of David’ when asking for mercy?
Does this word appear in Paul’s letters?
Every Occurrence (29 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 7 verses
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Matthew 9:27As Jesus passed by from there, two blind men followed him, calling out and saying, “Have mercy on us, son of David!”
Matthew 15:22Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders and cried, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My…
Matthew 17:15“Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic and suffers grievously; for he often falls into the fire, and often…
Matthew 18:33Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?’
Matthew 20:30Behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on…
Matthew 20:31The multitude rebuked them, telling them that they should be quiet, but they cried out even more, “Lord, have mercy on…