εὔσπλαγχνος
eúsplanchnos
G2155 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Possessing deep compassion or tender-heartedness; having a strong feeling of kindness and sympathy, particularly toward the suffering or needs of others. The term emphasizes an emotional responsiveness that originates from one's innermost being. Contextually, it points to generous concern, mercy, or pity, especially in interpersonal relationships.
Semantic Range
tender-hearted, compassionate, full of deep empathy, merciful, displaying heartfelt kindness or pity, emotionally responsive to suffering
Root / Etymology
From εὖ ('well, good') and σπλάγχνον ('inward parts, entrails,' metonymically regarded as the seat of emotion or affection). Thus, εὔσπλαγχνος describes one who is 'well-disposed in the inward parts,' i.e., deeply compassionate or tender-hearted. No evidence of loan or derivation from non-Greek sources.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in Koine Greek, most notably in Christian literature (e.g., Colossians 3:12, 1 Peter 3:8). The term builds on a Greco-Roman cultural association of the viscera (σπλάγχνα) as the center of deep feelings, notably compassion, affection, and pity. εὔσπλαγχνος is rare in earlier Greek but acquires positive moral value in Hellenistic and especially early Christian contexts, where the capacity for inward compassion is seen as a virtue to be cultivated in community life. In the New Testament, it often denotes the sort of affective empathy or merciful disposition expected of community members. Standard English translations such as 'pitiful,' 'tender-hearted,' or 'compassionate' capture the main sense, but do not always convey the rich imagery of emotional depth implied in the original Greek. The root association with visceral emotion also contrasts μετριοπαθής ('moderate in feeling') and indicates a more intense emotional involvement than φιλάνθρωπος ('loving humanity').
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὖ and σπλάγχνον; well compassioned, i.e. sympathetic:--pitiful, tender-hearted.
Root Family
εὔσπλαγχνος (eusplanchnos) — inward parts, feelings, compassion
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2155-01 |
εὔσπλαγχνοι | eusplagchnoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
kindhearted | tender-hearted ones | tender-hearted ones | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2155-01 |
Ephesians 4:32 | εὔσπλαγχνοι | eusplagchnoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
tenderhearted | tender-hearted ones | tender-hearted ones |
G2155-01 |
1 Peter 3:8 | εὔσπλαγχνοι | eusplagchnoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
kindhearted | tender-hearted ones | tender-hearted ones |