Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 7349: רַחוּם (rachum) • Often translated as "compassionate" or "merciful," this term is used to describe God's nature in the Hebrew Bible.
• Strong's Hebrew 7355: רָחַם (racham) • A verb meaning "to have compassion" or "to show mercy," frequently used in the context of God's merciful actions towards His people.

In summary, οἰκτίρμων is a profound term that encapsulates the essence of divine mercy and the ethical imperative for believers to mirror this attribute in their lives. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of compassion in the Christian faith.

Usage: The term οἰκτίρμων is used in the New Testament to describe the character of God and the expected behavior of believers. It emphasizes the importance of mercy and compassion as central virtues in the Christian life.

Context: • The word οἰκτίρμων appears in the New Testament in contexts that highlight the merciful nature of God and the call for believers to emulate this divine attribute. In Luke 6:36, Jesus instructs His followers, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." This verse underscores the expectation that Christians should reflect God's compassion in their interactions with others.
• The concept of mercy in the biblical sense goes beyond mere feelings of sympathy; it involves active steps to relieve suffering and demonstrate kindness. The use of οἰκτίρμων in the New Testament aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's covenantal love and faithfulness, which is often expressed through acts of mercy and compassion.
• In the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, οἰκτίρμων is used to translate Hebrew terms that describe God's compassionate nature, further reinforcing the continuity of this attribute across both Testaments.
• Theologically, the attribute of being οἰκτίρμων is integral to understanding the character of God as revealed in Scripture. It is a call for believers to embody the same compassion in their daily lives, serving as a testament to their faith and a reflection of God's love to the world.