Mercy
Category
God's Nature & Attributes
Biblical Definition
God's compassionate disposition to pity and help the miserable and guilty, especially in withholding deserved judgment and providing saving help.
Origin(s)
Hebrew: חֶסֶד / רַחֲמִים; Greek: ἔλεος
Transliteration
ḥesed; raḥămîm; eleos
Literal meaning
steadfast love, covenant mercy; compassion; mercy
Key Scripture(s)
Exodus 34:6-7; Psalm 103:8-13; Lamentations 3:22-23; Luke 1:50; Ephesians 2:4-5; Titus 3:5
Theological Significance
Mercy displays God's compassion toward those who cannot help themselves. Scripture joins mercy with covenant faithfulness and shows it reaching its fullest historical expression in Christ's saving work.
Common Misunderstanding(s)
Mercy is not indulgence that ignores holiness or justice. In Scripture God's mercy is wise, holy, and often exercised through the atoning work of Christ.
Practical Application
God's mercy gives hope to repentant sinners and trains believers to show compassionate, patient, practical mercy toward others.