- there are 70 faces to 
Post by alon on Mar 1, 2016 4:02:33 GMT -8
MERCY
In English this word becomes more passive and thus loses some of its’ meaning. For example:
Luke 18:38 (KJV) And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.
G1653 ἐλεέω eleeō el-eh-eh'-o From G1656; to compassionate (by word or deed, specifically by divine grace): - have compassion (pity on), have (obtain, receive, shew) mercy (on). However Vines further describes this type of mercy as assuming need on the recipients part and adequate resources on the one showing it. In other words, mercy even as a noun requires action and sacrifice.
Typically we understand the term mercy to have more connotations of pity. In fact, the Greek for pity is sometimes translated as mercy:
2 Corinthians 1:3 (KJV) Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
G3628 οἰκτιρμός oiktirmos oyk-tir-mos' From G3627; pity: - mercy.
Mercy also carries connotations of feelings, however these are poorly defined:
Philippians 2:1 (KJV) If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Vines οἰκτιρμός oiktirmos feelings, kindness, goodwill, afections; the heart
As usual though, if we go to the Hebrew we get a much more vivid picture of what this word means. Since Christian translators are trained to start with the New Testament and make the Old match up with what they think that says, they tend to translate “to show mercy.” In Hebrew, it is always stated “to give” or “giving mercy.” Shewing mercy is emotionally based, while giving mercy is a choice and a commitment to action. That is not to say strong emotions cannot drive that choice- far from it, as we’ll see. However as always in the Hebrew mindset actions speak far louder than mere emotions. Understanding the Hebrew root of the term would have cleared up translators understanding of both Hebrew and Greek source documents.
Isaiah 54:7-8 (KJV) For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.
Genesis 43:14 (KJV) And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.
Vines רחם râcham compassion, mercy, love
Men have no problem understanding this as a noun; however my guess is only a mother can understand how this truly can be understood as a verb. It is an active, all consuming kind of emotion- one that gives to the fullest extent. In fact, the base of the word rachav is rechem, spelled exactly the same:
H7358 רחם rechem rekh'-em From H7355; the womb (compare H7356): - matrix, womb.
It is in the womb that the strongest bond between two people is formed. Rachem is the imperative tense in Hebrew, commanding or requesting something of another. It expresses an obligation to act, and indeed a mother will (almost) always act in the best interest of or to protect her child. It is a biological imperative; the way she is made and the bond she has formed from conception.
This is the depth of God’s mercy to us.
Jer 31:20 (KJV) Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.
And it is what He expects of us.
Matthew 5:7 (KJV) Blessed are the merciful [those who give mercy]: for they shall obtain mercy.
Dan (still working on this concept) C
