Greek Word of the Week

Eleos-masculine noun meaning mercy but specifically active compassion. Unlike oiktirmos (3628)pity eleos is activated wheareas oiktirmos is simply a feeling toward someone. Eleos works in conjunction with charis (5485)grace to bring about salvation. Grace though initiates eleos bringing the individual to the knowledge that they need eleos, which then activates, taking away the consequences of sin thus allowing grace to continue to proceed with its process of bringing the individual into a right relationship with God through Christ. Eleos then is the work of the cross, God's mercy to give us what we do not deseverve to elevate the suffering caused by the impact of sin. In the Old Testament sacrifices covered the sins of Israel through the blood being placed upon the Mercy Seat. Through the blood of Christ we have a permanent condition of eleos versus a temporary fix.