οἰκτείρω (oikteirō)
oikteirō
to have compassion
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb oikteirō expresses a deep, visceral sense of pity or compassion toward someone in distress. Derived from the noun oiktos, meaning "pity," it describes an emotional response that moves one to act on behalf of another’s suffering. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Romans 9:15, where Paul quotes God’s declaration to Moses.
While similar to the more common verb eleēō (often translated "have mercy"), oikteirō carries a slightly stronger connotation of heartfelt sympathy rooted in the recognition of human vulnerability. Its rare usage highlights how divine compassion is not merely an abstract attribute but a personal, empathetic engagement with those who are broken or needy.
This single occurrence underscores the theological weight of God’s mercy as both compassionate and sovereign — He chooses to pity whom He wills, not out of obligation, but from His own free grace. The word reminds readers that divine compassion is active, intentional, and deeply relational.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oikteirō describes a deep, visceral pity that moves a person to act. It is not just a feeling of sadness for someone else’s trouble, but a heart response that seeks to help. In Romans 9:15, Paul uses this term to show how God relates to us. He does not offer compassion because He has to, but because He chooses to. This reveals a God who is personally engaged with our suffering.
For your faith, this means you are never ignored in your pain. Divine compassion is active and intentional. When you feel broken or needy, you can trust that God sees you with genuine sympathy. His mercy is not an abstract idea; it is a personal commitment to care for those who are vulnerable. This assurance brings peace to the weary soul.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- I will have compassion on1×
- I may have compassion.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- οἰκτίρω.1×
- οἰκτιρήσω1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 9:15
For he said to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”
This verse uses oikteirō to show that God's compassion is a sovereign choice, not an obligation forced upon Him by human merit.