STRONGS NT 1656: ἔλεος (2)ἔλεος (2), ἐλέους, τό (a form more common in Hellenistic Greek than the classic ὁ ἔλεος, which see), "mercy; kindness or good will toward the miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to relieve them";

1. of men toward men: Matthew 9:13; Matthew 12:7; Matthew 23:23 (in these three passages, accusatives to L T Tr WH); James 2:13; James 3:17; ποιεῖν ἔλεος, to exercise the virtue of mercy, show oneself merciful, James 2:13; with the addition of μετά τίνος (in imitation of the very common Hebrew phrase פּ עִם חֶסֶד עָשָׂה, Genesis 21:23; Genesis 24:12; Judges 1:24, etc.; cf. Thiersch, De Pentateuchi vers. Alex., p. 147; (Winer's Grammar, 33 (32); 376 (353))), to show, afford, mercy to one, Luke 10:37.

2. of God toward men;

a. universally: Luke 1:50; in benedictions: Galatians 6:16; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; ((probably) Titus 1:4 R L); 2 John 1:3; Jude 1:2. ἐμεγάλυνε κύριος τό ἔλεος αὐτοῦ μετ' αὐτῆς, magnified his mercy toward her, i. e. showed distinguished mercy to her (after the Hebrew, see Genesis 19:19), Luke 1:58.

b. especially the mercy and clemency of God in providing and offering to men salvation by Christ: Luke 1:54; Romans 15:9; Ephesians 2:4; (Titus 3:5 L T Tr WH; Hebrews 4:16 L T Tr WH); 1 Peter 1:3; σπλάγχνα ἐλέους (the genitive of quality (cf. Winers Grammar, 611 (568))), wherein mercy dwells, as we should say, the heart of mercy, Luke 1:78; ποιεῖν ἔλεος μετά τίνος (see 1 above), Luke 1:72; σκεύη ἐλέους, vessels (fitted for the reception) of mercy, i. e. men whom GOd has made fit to obtain salvation through Christ, Romans 9:23; τῷ ὑμετέρῳ ἐληι, by (in consequence of, moved by) the mercy shown you in your conversion to Christ, Romans 11:31 (cf. Winers Grammar, § 22, 7 (cf. § 61, 3 a.); Buttmann, 157 (137)).

3. the mercy of Christ, whereby at his return to judgment he will bless true Christians with eternal life: Jude 1:21; (2 Timothy 1:16, 18 (on the repetition of κύριος in 2 Timothy 1:18 cf. Genesis 19:24; 1 Samuel 3:21; 1 Samuel 15:22; 2 Chronicles 7:2; Genesis 1:27, etc. Winer's Grammar, § 22, 2); but Prof. Grimm understands κύριος here as referring to God; see κύριος, c. α.). (Cf. Trench, § xlvii.; and see ἐληω at the end.)

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • חֶסֶד (chesed) • Strong's Hebrew 2617: Often translated as "lovingkindness," "mercy," or "steadfast love," this term reflects a covenantal loyalty and compassion.
• רַחֲמִים (rachamim) • Strong's Hebrew 7356: Translated as "compassion" or "mercy," it conveys a deep, tender affection and pity.

The concept of ἔλεος in the New Testament is deeply rooted in these Hebrew terms, reflecting a continuity of God's merciful character throughout the biblical narrative.

Usage: The word ἔλεος is used in the New Testament to describe the mercy of God towards humanity, as well as the mercy that individuals are encouraged to show towards one another. It appears in contexts emphasizing forgiveness, compassion, and the alleviation of suffering.

Context: The concept of ἔλεος is central to the New Testament's portrayal of God's character and His expectations for human conduct. In the Gospels, Jesus frequently emphasizes the importance of mercy, both in His teachings and through His actions. For instance, in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates mercy as an active, compassionate response to those in need, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries.

The Apostle Paul often speaks of God's mercy as a foundational aspect of salvation. In Ephesians 2:4-5, he writes, "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses." Here, ἔλεος is linked with God's love and grace, underscoring the unmerited favor bestowed upon believers.

The Epistle of James also highlights the practical outworking of mercy in the life of a believer. James 2:13 states, "For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." This passage underscores the reciprocal nature of mercy, suggesting that those who have received God's mercy are called to extend it to others.

In the Beatitudes, Jesus pronounces a blessing on the merciful: "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7). This beatitude encapsulates the biblical principle that mercy is both a divine attribute and a human responsibility.