"to be moved with pity or compassion, Mt. 9:36; 14:14; 20:34; Lk. 7:13; to be compassionate, Mt. 18:27"
Definition and meaning
to be moved with pity or compassion, Mt. 9:36; 14:14; 20:34; Lk. 7:13; to be compassionate, Mt. 18:27
In the original Greek the word is written: σπλαγχνίζομαι
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of splanchnizomai (G4697) across the King James Bible.
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.
Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:
And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
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Common questions
Strong's G4697 (splanchnizomai) is a Greek word that means: to be moved with pity or compassion, Mt. 9:36; 14:14; 20:34; Lk. 7:13; to be compassionate, Mt. 18:27 It appears 12 times in the King James Bible.
The word splanchnizomai (G4697) appears 12 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4697 is splanchnizomai, a Greek word defined as: to be moved with pity or compassion, Mt. 9:36; 14:14; 20:34; Lk. 7:13; to be compassionate, Mt. 18:27. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
splanchnizomai is a Greek word found in the New Testament.