Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Compassion”
The biblical word “Compassion” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (racham (Hebrew), splagchnizomai (Greek)), where it meant “Deep mercy; sympathy with suffering; God's tender care toward the afflicted”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “A feeling of deep sympathy and concern for those who are suffering”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekracham (Hebrew), splagchnizomai (Greek)Deep mercy; sympathy with suffering; God's tender care toward the afflicted
Hebrew racham (H7355) = to have mercy; related to rechem (womb), implying tender care. Greek splagchnizomai (from splagchna, 'bowels/heart') = to be moved in one's inner being with pity.
Medieval Latin / Church
LatincompassioCo-suffering with another; the virtue of sympathizing with the poor and afflicted
Latin compassio (com- + pati, 'to suffer with') emphasized suffering alongside others. Central to medieval charity theology.
Modern English
EnglishcompassionA feeling of deep sympathy and concern for those who are suffering
From Old French compassion and Latin compassio. Entered English by 13c via religious literature, now denotes sympathetic concern generally.