There’s a huge difference between define Mercy and what is Mercy! Mercy is a powerful and recurring theme throughout the Bible, deeply intertwined with God’s character, His dealings with humanity, and how He expects us to interact with one another. The term “mercy” is often used interchangeably with compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, but its biblical meaning goes beyond mere emotion to reveal the depth of God’s love for His creation.

Biblical Definition and Description of Mercy

In the Bible, mercy is a core attribute of God. It reflects His willingness to show compassion or forgiveness to those who deserve judgment. It goes beyond and above justice, as mercy does not give people what they deserve (punishment), but instead, grants grace. Scripture constantly shows how God is merciful to His people, extending His kindness despite their sin, iniquity, transgression and rebellion.

One of the most famous verses that depict mercy is found in Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

This passage demonstrates the continuous and consistency, renewing nature of God’s mercy, showing that it is an ever-present reality for His people.

Origin of Mercy

The concept of mercy finds its roots in the very character and nature of God. Even before the creation of humanity, God’s nature was merciful. His interactions with the world, especially after sin entered, reveal mercy as an extension of His love. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s mercy is shown toward His covenant people, Israel, despite their many failings. This origin is foundational to understanding God as not only just but also compassionate.

Etymology of Mercy

The English word “mercy” is derived from the Latin word merces or mercedis, meaning “price paid” or “wages.” Over time, it evolved to describe the act of showing kindness or compassion to someone who has wronged you. This meaning is deeply embedded in Christian theology, where Christ paid the ultimate “price” for humanity’s sin, enabling us to receive God’s mercy instead of judgment.

Hebrew Word for Mercy: חֶסֶד (Chesed)

The Hebrew word most commonly associated with mercy is CHESED. This term is incredibly rich and multifaceted, often translated as “loving-kindness,” “steadfast love,” or “covenantal loyalty. CHESED appears over 250 times in the Old Testament, reflecting God’s loyal love to His people. It is more than a fleeting feeling of compassion; it denotes a covenantal commitment, an enduring, faithful love that is expressed through merciful actions.

In Psalm 103:8, CHESED is demonstrated in God’s relationship with His people: “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love (chesed).”

God’s CHESED is not dependent on human action but on His unwavering character, on His prerogative. It highlights the fact that His mercy is part of His promise to love and sustain His people, even when they falter.

Greek Word for Mercy: ἔλεος (Eleos)

In the New Testament, the Greek word ἔλεος (eleos) is used for mercy. It is similar to the Hebrew *chesed* but emphasizes more the compassion aspect of mercy. ELEOS refers to showing kindness or goodwill to someone who is afflicted or in need of forgiveness. It appears frequently in the New Testament, most notably in the Beatitudes, where Jesus says:
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 ESV).

With the above text , ELEOS reflects not only God’s mercy towards us but also the mercy we are called to extend toward others. This New Testament understanding of mercy calls for both action and attitude: a merciful heart that responds with kindness and forgiveness.

First Mention of Mercy in the Bible

The first explicit mention of mercy in the Bible is in Genesis 19:19, during the story of Lot’s escape from Sodom. Lot acknowledges God’s mercy in sparing his life: “Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast showed unto me in saving my life.”

This early instance of mercy is significant because it reflects God’s readiness to intervene and deliver from destruction, even when people are caught in situations of sin and rebellion.

The First Man to Enjoy God’s Mercy

Although Adam and Eve were the first humans to receive mercy, as they were spared immediate ‘death’ after sinning in Eden, many would argue that Noah is a prime example of the first to significantly enjoy God’s mercy. In Genesis 6:8, it says,
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”

The text shows, grace and mercy intertwine, as God showed Noah mercy by sparing him from the impending flood and using him to preserve humanity. Despite the widespread corruption in the world, God’s mercy toward Noah was extended based on His righteousness and willingness to obey.

Thus, mercy, in both the Hebrew and Greek contexts, encapsulates the compassionate, loyal, and steadfast love of God. It is central to His interaction with humanity, from the first moments of creation to the sacrifice of Christ, and continues to define how God relates to His people today. Understanding the etymology and biblical usage of mercy deepens our grasp of God’s character and His desire for us to mirror His merciful nature in our relationships. From Lot to Noah, and beyond, mercy is one of the greatest gifts humanity can experience, pointing to a God who delights not in judgment but in love and forgiveness…

Look forward to the second part