mercy trip definition

7 Helpful Prayers for Traveling Mercies, Grace and Protection

by Ryan Hart | Updated on December 29, 2018 | Post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

In this post I’m going to share with you my favorite prayers for traveling mercies and protection.

These prayers have guided me safely to my destination on long journeys around the world and even on short road trips near my hometown. I hope they will give you protection on your travels as well.

Ready to learn a powerful traveling mercies prayer?

Let’s get started.

Traveling Mercies Prayer for a Long Journey (Psalm 121:7-8)

Lord, please provide me with traveling mercies and keep me safe from all evil on my journey. Watch over my life and preserve my soul. Be with me from the time I step out the front door and until I return. Both now and forevermore. Amen.

Prayer for Mercy from God While Traveling (Psalm 145:8-9)

Lord, you are so gracious and full of compassion. Please be with me if encounter misfortune on my journey. Thank you for being slow to anger and overflowing with mercy if I make a wrong turn along the way. You are good to all. Everything you do is full of grace. Amen.

Guardian Angel Prayer for Traveling

O almighty and merciful God, Who hast commissioned Thy angels to guide and protect us, command them to be our assiduous companions from our setting out until our return; to clothe us with their invisible protection; to keep us from all danger of collision, of fire, of explosion, of falls and bruises; and finally, having preserved us from all evil, and especially from sin, to guide us to our heavenly home. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer to Our Lady of the Highway

O Lady of the Highway, be with us on our journey, for all your ways are beautiful and all your paths are peace. O God, who with unspeakable providence does rule and govern the world, grant unto us, your servants, through the intercessions of our watchful mother, to be protected from all danger and brought safely to the end of our journey. Amen.

Simple Traveling Mercies Prayer

In the name of God I go on this journey. May God the Father be with me, God the Son protect me, and God the Holy Ghost be by my side. Amen.

Prayer to St. Christopher Patron Saint of Travelers

Dear Saint Christopher, protect me today in all my travels along the road’s way. Give your warning sign if danger is near so that I may stop while the path is clear. Be at my window and direct me through when the vision blurs from out of the blue. Carry me safely to my destined place, like you carried Christ in your close embrace. Amen.

Motorist's Prayer

Grant me O Lord a steady hand and watchful eye. That no one shall be hurt as I pass by. Thou gavest life, I pray no act of mine may take away or mar that gift of Thine. Shelter those, dear Lord, who bear me company, from the evils of fire and all calamity. Teach me to use my car for others need; Nor miss through love of undue speed the beauty of the world; that thus I may with joy and courtesy go on my way. St. Christopher, holy patron of travellers, protect me and lead me safely to my destiny. Amen.

Traveling Mercies Meaning

The term “traveling mercies” does not appear in the bible, but there are hundreds of examples of God showing mercy for others. Mercy is God’s compassion or concern for us even though it is within His power to punish or harm us.

A traveling mercies prayer is said for someone who is going on a trip or starting a big journey. In the 19th century, these prayers were commonly said for missionaires, preachers, and volunteers who were traveling on behalf of the church. During those times travel was dangerous and unpredictable.

Today, prayers for traveling mercies are said for anyone that is embarking on a journey, whether that be by plane, train, car, boat or even on foot.

While it is easier and faster to travel than it was in the 19th century, when this term became popular, there are still many dangers in foreign lands. We need God’s protection now more than ever and we ask for his mercy through prayer.

Now It's Your Turn

And now I want to hear from you.

What prayers do you say for traveling mercies?

Are you or someone you know going on a trip and need God to watch over them?

Either way let me know by leaving a comment below right now.

Ryan Hart is a certified relationship coach and writer. His mission is to help make connections between people better, stronger, more meaningful, and longer lasting using technology.

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13 Good Prayers for Traveling Mercies

“Traveling mercies” are prayers for safe and smooth travel. From a time in the late nineteenth century when travel was more dangerous, the Lord would provide “traveling mercies” to those heading out on missions for their safe passage. If you are embarking on a similar state of travel, here are some good prayers for traveling mercies.

Traveling Mercies Prayer Heavenly Father, thank you that you will never leave me or forsake me. Please give me traveling mercies on my journey. Your word says that you will never leave me or forsake me, you are always with me. Please help me to travel safely knowing that you will never leave my side. May I reach my destination in peace and security. May your Holy Spirit surround me, and those I love. May I rest in your calm embrace, let my heart be warmed by the sound of your voice. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

Safe Journey Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, thank you that you are my protector and provider. As I set off on this journey, I ask that you protect me from danger and provide for all my needs. You have promised that you will make all things work together for my good. Remind me that I am loved by you and that you are always working for me. May your love surround me, your Spirit guide me, your voice cheer me, your peace calm me, your shield protect me, your wisdom arm me, wherever you may lead me. In your mighty name, Amen.

Peaceful Trip Prayer King of Kings, Lord of Lords, thank you that you hear and answer my prayers. Hear my prayer today and grant me traveling mercies on this trip. The Bible says that I do not need to be anxious about anything, but in every situation, I should present my requests to God. Give me assurance that I have nothing to fear with you by my side. May your peace be in my heart, your grace be in my words, your love be in my hands and your joy be in my soul. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

Guide My Steps Prayer Faithful Father, thank you that you are my creator, you know me better than anyone else. You know exactly what I need for this journey. You have said that if I trust in you with all my heart and do not lean on my own understanding, submitting to you in all my ways, then you will make my paths straight. Guide my steps, Lord. May I find the comfort I desire in you and the strength I need in your name. May your presence be with me every hour of the day. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

Supply My Needs Prayer Mighty God, thank you that you are faithful to fulfill all your promises. You have promised that, even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. As I set out on this journey, I ask that you give me traveling mercies. Give me the strength to reach my destination. May your love be the passion in my heart. May your joy be my strength when times are hard. May your presence be my peace that overflows. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

Bless My Journey Prayer O Lord my God, thank you that you can satisfy my every desire and need. Please bless my journey today and keep me safe from harm. May I feel your presence with me. You have said that you are near to all who call on you, to all who call on you in truth. Hear my prayer and watch over me as I travel. May the peace of God reign in my life, the love of God surround me, the Spirit of God empower me and the joy of God uphold me. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

Travel Safely Prayer Lord, my Rock and Redeemer thank you that you have plans for me that are for my good and your glory. You know the journey I am taking and you know everything that happens to me. Your word says that when I call on you in prayer, you will listen to me. Hear my prayer and allow me to travel safely. Let me be filled with the peace and joy that comes from your spirit. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, and power and strength, be unto you my God, forever and ever. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

Peaceful Journey Prayer Creator God, thank you that you are my strength and my song, you fill my heart with joy. Help me to have a joyful and peaceful journey. You have promised that whoever follows you will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Please help me to walk in your light everywhere that I go. May you, the God of all grace, who has called me into eternal glory by Christ Jesus, make me holy, strong and filled with peace. To you be glory and honor, forever and ever. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

Protection Prayer Loving Father, thank you that you are the light of the world, guiding my steps on your path. As I set off on this journey, please guide my steps. You have said that in all things at all times, you will supply all that I need. Please give me the mercy and grace I need as I travel. Remind me that you are with me everywhere that I go. Deliver me from every evil work, and preserve me towards your heavenly kingdom. To you be glory, forever and ever. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

God’s Presence Prayer Heavenly Father, thank you that there is nowhere I can go that is beyond your presence. Please watch over me as I travel today. Your word says that, to those who ask, it will be given, to those who seek, it will be found and to those who knock, the door will be opened. Guide my steps. Let the majesty of the Father be the light that guides me, the compassion of the Son be the love that inspires me and the presence of the Spirit be the strength that empowers me. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

Prepare My Journey Prayer Everlasting Father, thank you that I am never alone, your presence calms the troubled sea of my life and speaks peace to my soul. Your word says that you will never leave me or forsake me, you are always with me. Bless me with traveling mercies as I set off on this journey. Let me be conscious of your presence with me. May God the Father prepare my journey, Jesus the Son guide my footsteps and the Holy Spirit watch over me, on every path that I follow. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

Safe Travels Prayer Compassionate Father, thank you that your word enlightens my eyes, purifies my soul and preserves me for eternal life. Please ensure my safety as I travel today. Your word says that when I pass through the waters, you will be with me, the rivers will not sweep over me, the fire will not burn me. Please help me to trust you. May the love of the Father, the tenderness of the Son, and the presence of the Spirit, gladden my heart and bring peace to my soul, today and for all days. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

Watch Over Me Prayer Heavenly Father, thank you that you make known your love and that your purposes will stand, your plans will not fail. Please give me traveling mercies on my journey. You have said that you are good to all. You have compassion for all you have made. Remind me that you are always watching over me and I am safe in your care. You are able to do far more abundantly than all that I ask or imagine, according to the power at work within me. To you be glory throughout all generations, forever and ever. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

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10 Powerful Traveling Mercies Prayers For Protection and Safety

Begin every journey with a prayer for traveling mercies, seeking the guidance, protection, and provision of Almighty God. Whether you're embarking on a road trip, boarding a plane, or simply leaving the comfort of your home, there is nothing more calming and reassuring than knowing that you are covered in prayer.

In this blog post, we will explore the significance of prayers for traveling mercies and how they can bring peace and assurance to your heart as you navigate the uncertainties of the world. Let us dive deep into the power of prayer and discover how it can make a difference in your travels.

10 Powerful Traveling Mercies Prayers

1. prayer for protection from any harm or danger while traveling.

Dear God, I come before You humbly, seeking Your divine protection over myself and my fellow travelers as we embark on this journey. I ask that You surround us with Your angels, guarding us from any harm or danger that may come our way. Please watch over us, guiding us safely to our destination, shielding us from accidents, and protecting us from any evil or calamity that may befall us.

Grant us Your peace and assurance, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. Give us discernment and wisdom to make right decisions and keep us away from any hazards or risks. Lord, we put our trust in You, believing that You are our ultimate protector and guardian. May Your loving hand be upon us as we travel, keeping us safe and secure. 

In Jesus Name I pray, amen.

2. Prayer for guidance and wisdom on the journey

Dear Lord, I am praying for Your guidance and wisdom. Lord, I find myself in unfamiliar places, facing new challenges and uncertainties. I pray that You would illuminate my path and direct my steps, for You alone have the perfect knowledge and understanding of all things. 

Grant me discernment to make wise choices and decisions, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit to navigate through these unfamiliar territories. Father, I surrender my will to Yours, knowing that Your plans for me are far greater than anything I could ever imagine. Help me to trust in Your unfailing love and rely on Your strength as I journey through these unknowns. 

In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

3. Prayer for provision of all your needs during the trip

Heavenly Father, I am asking Your provision for my needs as I embark on this journey. I humbly ask that You provide me with the necessary resources to sustain me during my travels, whether it be food to nourish my body, lodging to rest in, or transportation to reach my destination. 

You are the ultimate Provider, and I trust in Your abundant grace to meet my every need. Guide me along this journey, keep me safe from harm, and grant me the strength and wisdom to navigate any challenges that may come my way. 

I place my trust in You, knowing that You are faithful to provide for Your children. Amen.

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“Prayers for Travelling Mercies: Seeking Protection on Journeys”

Let’s talk about ” Prayers for Travelling Mercies “

Embarking on a journey, whether near or far, fills us with excitement and anticipation. Yet, amidst the thrill of exploration, it’s essential to acknowledge the uncertainties that come with traveling. This is where prayers for traveling mercies come into play.

These heartfelt petitions seek the protection and guidance of a higher power as we set out on our adventures. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of prayers for traveling mercies, exploring how they offer solace, comfort, and a sense of divine presence throughout our travels.

Join us as we discover the reassuring power of these prayers in ensuring safe and secure journeys.

Table of Contents

A Prayers for Travelling Mercies

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

Heavenly Guide,

As I embark on this journey, I come before You with a heart filled with hope and a humble request for traveling mercy.

May Your hand be upon the drivers, pilots, and captains, that they may navigate with skill and care. Grant us clear skies, smooth roads, and safe passages. Amidst the excitement of exploration, let Your calming presence be our companion.

As I journey, I am reminded of Your providence that spans beyond horizons. In moments of uncertainty, may I find solace in the knowledge that You are my refuge and my guardian. Lead me safely to my destination, and bring me back home with joyful tales to share.

In Your name, I pray for traveling mercy and divine protection.

Prayers for Travelling Grace and Mercies

Heavenly Father,

As I prepare to embark on this journey, I lift up my heart to You, seeking Your traveling grace and mercy.

Guide my steps, both near and far, and surround me with Your protective wings. May Your presence be my constant companion, offering peace amidst the uncertainties of travel.

Watch over the paths I tread, the roads I traverse, and the destinations I reach. Grant safe passages and clear skies, and guide the hands that operate vehicles and vessels. In moments of weariness, be my strength, and in times of solitude, be my company.

As I explore new horizons, remind me that Your love knows no bounds. Keep me from harm’s way and bring me safely back to my loved ones, enriched by the experiences and memories gathered along the way.

In Your name, I place my journey into Your hands, trusting in Your traveling grace and mercy.

Prayers for Travelling Mercies During Difficult Times

Compassionate Creator,

In the midst of challenging circumstances, I embark on a journey that requires courage and strength. As I navigate through difficulties, I ask for Your traveling mercy to be upon me. Be my guiding light, illuminating the path ahead and offering solace in the midst of adversity.

Amidst the storms that may arise, grant me the resilience to endure and the wisdom to make sound decisions.

When the road seems uncertain, help me to hold onto the hope that Your presence brings. May Your grace be my anchor and Your mercy my shield.

As I journey through rough terrains, both physically and metaphorically, let me not lose sight of the lessons that adversity teaches. Strengthen my resolve, and may my struggles transform into opportunities for growth and understanding.

In Your name, I seek Your traveling mercy during these difficult times, trusting that You are my constant source of comfort and guidance.

Prayer for Traveling Mercy Every Day

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

As I set out each day on the journey of life, I ask for Your traveling mercy to be with me. Guide my steps, guard my path, and keep me safe from harm. In the mundane routines and unexpected detours, may Your presence be my constant source of reassurance.

Watch over me as I navigate through the challenges and joys that each day brings. May Your grace be my compass, directing me toward opportunities for growth and connection. When weariness sets in, grant me renewed strength, and when uncertainties arise, offer me the wisdom to make choices aligned with Your will.

In this continuous journey, may I find solace in Your mercy, knowing that You are the ultimate guide through the twists and turns of life.

Traveling Mercy Prayer for Family.

Loving God,

As our family embarks on this journey together, we gather under Your protective care. Bless each member with traveling mercy, guarding our steps and keeping us united in love and harmony. May our bond grow stronger as we share experiences and create memories along the way.

Watch over our travels, whether near or far, and guide us safely to our destinations. May Your presence be the source of laughter, support, and meaningful connections. In moments of restlessness, remind us of the blessings we carry within our family.

Grant us discernment to navigate challenges, gratitude to appreciate each other’s company and an abiding sense of Your love to strengthen our family ties. May our journey be a reflection of the unity and togetherness You desire for us.

Prayer for Protection and Traveling Mercies

O Gracious Protector,

As I prepare to journey forth, I humbly seek Your divine protection and traveling mercies. Shield me from harm’s way and guide me through the paths ahead. Surround me with Your watchful care and the comfort of Your presence.

Grant me clarity of mind to make sound decisions and discernment to avoid dangers. May Your angels watch over my travels, ensuring safe passages and secure arrivals. In times of uncertainty, be my anchor, and in moments of solitude, be my companion.

As I embark on this journey, whether for leisure or duty, may Your grace go before me and Your peace accompany me. Keep me under Your protective wings and bring me back safely to the embrace of loved ones.

Prayer for Traveling Mercies for a Friend.

As my dear friend sets out on a journey, I lift up heartfelt prayers for traveling mercies to surround them. Watch over their path, from departure to arrival, and grant them safe passages and protected travels.

May Your presence be their constant companion, offering comfort and guidance along the way.

Guide their steps, guard their route, and bring them back to us with stories of their journey. Bless them with good company, favorable weather, and a heart full of gratitude for the experiences that lie ahead. May Your hand of protection be upon them, ensuring their safe return.

In Your name, I ask for traveling mercies to envelop my friend and bring them safely to their destination.

Morning Prayer for a Safe Journey

“The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.”

Loving Creator,

As the sun rises on a new day, I lift up my intentions for a safe journey ahead. May the roads I travel be guided by Your presence, and may Your protective hand shield me from harm. Grant me a clear path, vigilant senses, and the wisdom to make prudent decisions.

Surround me with Your grace and favor, that I may experience safe travels from morning till night. Whether by land, sea, or air, may Your angels watch over every step of my journey. May this day be a testament to Your guiding care and a source of gratitude for the gift of life’s journey.

In Your name, I commit this day’s travels to Your loving protection.

Prayer for Safe Family Trip.

Merciful Guardian,

As our family embarks on this journey together, we turn to You for your protective embrace. Bless our trip with traveling mercies and shield us from harm’s way. May our collective presence be a source of support, joy, and unity as we navigate this adventure.

Guide the hands that drive, the hearts that plan, and the paths that we take. May Your grace go before us, ensuring safe passages, smooth travels, and a return home filled with cherished memories. As we journey, may we grow closer as a family and deepen our bonds of love and understanding.

Watch over us, both near and far, and bring us back safely to the haven of our home. In Your name, we entrust this family trip to Your loving care.

Prayer for Safe Flight Journey.

Heavenly Protector,

As I board this flight, I humbly seek Your watchful care and guidance. Bless this journey through the skies with safety and grace. May the pilots’ skills be guided by Your wisdom, and may the plane soar under Your protective wings.

As I travel through the clouds, may Your presence be a source of comfort and reassurance. Grant me a safe landing at my destination, and bring me back home with a heart full of gratitude.

In Your name, I entrust this flight journey to Your divine protection.

Prayer for Safe Mission Trip.

As I prepare to embark on this mission trip, I lift up prayers for safe travels and divine guidance. Bless each step of this journey with Your watchful care. Keep our paths clear, our connections strong, and our purpose unwavering.

Guide us as we engage in service, compassion, and outreach. May Your light shine through our actions, touching the lives of those we meet. Protect us from harm, provide us with strength, and inspire us to make a positive impact on the communities we serve.

Watch over us in unfamiliar places, among new faces, and in moments of uncertainty. May Your love guide our mission, keeping us safe as we strive to bring hope and healing to others.

In Your name, we ask for Your protection and blessings for this mission trip.

Prayers for Safe Sea Travelling Mercies

Oceans’ Guardian,

As I set sail upon the vast seas, I turn to You for safe passage and protection. Bless this sea journey with calm waters, clear skies, and favorable winds. May Your hand guide the captain’s decisions and steer the ship through every wave.

As we journey upon the seas, grant us a sense of awe for the vastness of creation and the wonders of the deep. Bring us safely to our destination, and may our sea travel be a testament to Your divine providence.

In Your name, we seek Your protection for this sea journey.

“ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Prayer for Safe Travel Back Home

As I begin my journey back home, I seek Your protective presence and safe passage. Bless this return journey with Your guiding light. May the roads, skies, or paths that I take be free from harm and obstacles.

Watch over me as I travel, whether near or far, and bring me safely back to the haven of my home. May my journey be marked by joyous reunions, fond memories, and a heart full of gratitude. As I journey homeward, may Your peace accompany me and Your grace lead the way.

In Your name, I ask for safe travel back home, under Your loving care.

Prayers for Safe Travelling Mercies for My Husband

As my husband embarks on this journey, I lift up prayers for his safe travels and well-being. Watch over him as he navigates through unfamiliar places and experiences. Guide his steps, shield him from harm, and bring him back to us safely.

May his journey be marked by smooth passages, favorable conditions, and moments of inspiration. Surround him with Your protective angels, ensuring that his path is free from danger. As he travels, may he feel Your presence as a source of comfort and reassurance.

Grant him the wisdom to make sound decisions and the strength to overcome any challenges that may arise. In Your name, I entrust my husband’s journey to Your loving care.

Prayers for Safe Travelling Mercies for Students

As students embark on journeys for learning and exploration, I lift up prayers for their safe travels. Watch over them as they travel to and from schools, colleges, or educational excursions. Keep them under Your protective wings, ensuring their safety and well-being.

As they journey for education and personal growth, grant them safe arrivals and safe returns. May their time away from home be marked by fruitful learning, meaningful interactions, and memorable discoveries.

In Your name, we ask for Your traveling mercies for students as they embark on their educational journeys.

“I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.”

Conclusion 

In times of travel, the act of seeking prayers for traveling mercies connects us to a higher power that watches over us on our journeys. These prayers, whether for ourselves, loved ones, or others, serve as a reminder of our vulnerability in the face of uncertainties. 

They also remind us of the compassion and guidance available to us as we navigate through unfamiliar paths. Through these prayers, we acknowledge that even in the midst of bustling airports, winding roads, or open seas, we are not alone.

We find solace in the belief that a greater force is guiding our steps, protecting us from harm’s way, and ensuring our safe arrivals.

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Prayers for Traveling Mercies: 15 Powerful

Traveling can be a scary reality for many of us because there’s always the possibility of meeting with an accident when we embark on a journey.

Whether you’re taking a road trip, a family vacation, or simply taking a trip to visit a loved one, there’s hardly a guarantee for safety.

So often, what is supposed to be a fun time with friends and family becomes a time to worry. The uncertainty of entrusting your life in the hands of a pilot, driver, or sailor can take its toll on most travelers.

But this does not have to be the case. We should not allow ourselves to be ruled by fear . We may not know the future, but we have a God who knows and sees the future.

So let’s not be afraid to embark on trips because we have not been received the spirit of fear.

Instead of being anxious about your next trip, it’s best to entrust your safety into the hands of the Lord.

Hence, I urge you to calm your fears on your next journey by engaging God with these prayers for traveling mercies.

Here are Prayers for Traveling Mercies

A prayer for traveling mercy..

2 Samuel 22: 20 (NIV) – He brought me out into a spacious space; he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Heavenly Father, the earth is yours and all its fullness. More so, I believe that you are the creator and maker of all things.

That’s why I know that you are in control of all things. Therefore, I commit my journey into your hands because everything placed in your hands stays secured.

Lord, I ask that you make me enjoy your mercy as I embark on this journey. Lead me safely and protect my every move.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer for Traveling Grace and Mercy.

Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) – Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Holy Father, you said you had given all who believe in you the power to be called your own. So I come confidently as your child to your throne of mercy. I pray, Lord, that you will show me mercy in all my travels.

Father, I come to you in this time of need, asking for your protective covering over me. Let my steps be blessed on this journey. Establish my path and lead me safely to my destination.

Above all, let me experience the newness of your mercy always.

Prayer for Traveling Mercy D uring Difficult Times.

Lamentation 3:22 (NIV) – Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassion never fails.

Almighty God, thank you because you are a faithful God. You are also my help in ages past and my hope for years to come.

I’m grateful for your faithfulness in difficult times, especially in these past years. My heart is glad because you are always there to help me.

Dear Lord, I ask that you satisfy me with your mercy through this troubling time. Order my steps and uphold me in faith that I may not grow weary.

I pray that I will wait on you, dear Jesus, until my change comes. Lead me through this arduous journey to a place of rest and peace.

Prayer for Traveling Mercy Every Day.

Psalm 34:4 (NIV) – I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Awesome God, thank you because I see your mercies morning by morning. I’m also amazed by your steadfast love; I know this for sure because you are always there when I call on you. You do not hide your face from me, neither do you forsake me.

Father, I ask that you will lead me throughout this day. Deliver me from every evil today and bless my going and my coming to the praise of your name.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Traveling Mercy Prayer for Family.

Isaiah 45:2 (NIV) – I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.

Gracious Father, you are my refuge and stay and help in trouble. I ask that you go ahead of my family members as they embark on this journey together. Keep us safe in your mercy, and let us rest under your protective wings.

Lord, I also request that you go ahead of them and bless this journey. Take away fears and uncertainties from their hearts and fill them with peace.

Prayer for Protection and Traveling Mercies.

Hebrews 13:6 (NIV) – So we say with confidence, the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me.

Dear God, I pray that you guard and protect me on this journey. Keep me from all the dangers on the road. Let me dwell continually in the safety of your divine presence.

Abba Father, I commit my ways to you; give your angels charge over me.

In all, I pray that your mercies will see me through, and your faithfulness will preserve me.

Photo by Charlotte Noelle on Unsplash

Prayer for Traveling Mercies for a Friend.

Deuteronomy 31: 8 (NIV) – The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Merciful Father, I ask for your mercy upon my friend as he makes this trip. Please be with him and go before him this day. I also ask that you be gracious to him. Cause the light of your countenance to shine upon him that he may find favor in your sight.

Surround him with your loving care and preserve him from all harm. Lastly, I ask that you will lead him back safely.

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.

Morning Prayer for Safe Journey.

Psalm 23:2 (NIV) – He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.

Faithful God, thank you for your presence in my life; that’s very refreshing. I’m also grateful to you for your mercy; that’s like the morning dew. So I’m not afraid as I embark on this journey because I know that you have gone ahead of me.

I thank you in advance for traveling mercies.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.  

Prayer for Safe Family Trip.

2 Samuel 23: 5 (NIV) – Is not my house right with God? Has he not made me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part? Will he not bring into fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire.

Almighty and Everlasting God, thank you for the gift of family and for the time you have given us together. As we travel together today, cause us to be mindful of your presence. Please help us know that you are always with us to guide and guard us.

Protect us as we travel and keep us safe from every danger in our path. In all, let your watchful eyes be upon us to keep us protected in the shelter of your arms.

Also See: How to Pray: A Step by Step Guide .

Prayer for Safe Flight Journey.

Psalm 91:11 (NIV) – For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.

Heavenly Father, you know how terrifying I find traveling by air. I’m always nervous whenever I have to use airplanes. So I ask that you give me peace in this journey. Remind me of your promises and let your word quieten the voice of the fear in my head.

Please help me see the gift you have given us with the invention of airplanes. So I can look beyond my fears and appreciate the miracle of flying.

Lord, I place myself in the hollow of your hands. Calm my fear and the fears of other passengers like me. Bless the flight attendants and bless those in the cockpit. Direct their actions and give them wisdom where they need it most.

Prayer for Safe Mission Trip.

Romans 10;15 (NIV) – And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.

Abba Father, you have commanded us to preach the gospel to all nations. In obedience to your word, we embark on this mission trip. We are not sending ourselves; instead, we are going because you are sending us. Therefore, lead us safely as we go about doing your work.

You have called us away from our homes; therefore, prosper your work in our hands. We pray for protection over us. Protect us and bless every step we take in obedience to your word.

Most importantly, may doors that have resisted the gospel before now be opened to us.

Prayer for Safe Sea Travel.

Psalm 32:6 (NIV) – Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.

Merciful God, thank you because I know that you have given your angels charge over me. Let them accompany me on this journey as we set out, even till we arrive at our destination. By the authority in the name of your son Jesus, I speak calm over the sea; and I decree by faith that there shall be no loss of life or property on this journey.

Dear Father, let your hand of mercy rest upon us as we sail. I pray that you give wisdom and insight to the sailor and captain. Direct them aright that our lives may be preserved in this voyage.

Thank you because your covering is upon us, and we will not be victims of sea accidents.

In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

Prayer for Safe Travel Back Home.

Psalm 32:8 (NIV) – I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.   

Faithful Father, thank you for leading me safely on my journey here. As I return, I ask that your mercy will lead me back home. You have preserved me throughout my stay here and have kept a constant watch over my family in my absence.

Now please go before me and avert every evil in my way so that I may arrive home safely to the praise of your name.

Prayer for S afe Travel for my Husband.

Psalm 121: 7-8 (NIV) – The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Good Shepherd, you are a God who sees the future and has control of the world in your hands. Therefore, I pray that you will go before my husband on this trip. Be the captain on this journey and lead him to safety.

Lord, your eyes are upon the righteous to keep them safe wherever they go. So I request that you sustain and keep him in your mercy.

Above all, bless the purpose of his journey.

Prayer for Safe Travel for Students.

Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) – In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

Loving Father, you are our source and sustained. Thank you for the academic excellence you have made possible in our lives. I also thank you for blessing the plans of our hearts and for causing us to flourish in all our academic pursuits.

As we embark on this journey, be our protector. May we be free from all harm and uphold us by your grace when we are tired.

We always forget the readiness of the Lord to help us. This is the reason we are always anxious about our lives and safety. So we must learn to pray about every aspect of our lives and trust in the ability of the Lord to save us.

Only then will we enjoy life in full. So whether you are traveling for a vacation or a business trip, commit it to God. And watch Him work miracles through these prayers for traveling mercies.

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Christianity: The Spiritual Gift of Mercy

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Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer "yes" to many of them, then you may have the spiritual gift of mercy:

• Are you often drawn to people who are suffering or in distress?
• Does helping the sick, needy, disabled, elderly, etc. excite you?
• Do you find yourself wanting to participate in ministries that work with job placement, food pantries, shelters, assisted living homes, etc?
• When you consider college, are you looking at majors like Psychology, Sociology, Health Sciences, Social Work, or Medicine?
• Do people seek you out when they are having a tough time?

Spiritual Gift of Mercy in Scripture

Romans 12:6-8 - "In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly." NLT

Jude 1:22-23- "And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives." NLT

Matthew 5:7- "God blesses those who are merciful,for they will be shown mercy." NLT

Matthew 9:13 - "Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.'" NLT

Matthew 23:23- "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." NIV

Matthew 9:36- "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." NIV

Luke 7:12-13 "As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, 'Don’t cry.'" NIV

Acts 9:36- "There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor" NLT

Luke 10:30-37- "Jesus replied with a story: 'A Jewish man was traveling on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?' Jesus asked. The man replied, 'The one who showed him mercy.' Then Jesus said, 'Yes, now go and do the same.'" NLT

What Is the Spiritual Gift of Mercy?

The spiritual gift of mercy is one in which a person demonstrates a strong ability to empathize with others with compassion , words, and actions. Those with this gift are able to provide some relief to those going through tough times physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

It is important to understand, though, the difference between sympathy and empathy. Sympathy sounds nice, but often has a level of pity involved in the emotion. Empathy is something that loses the pity and moves you toward action. It is understanding the deep pain or needs without feeling sorry for someone by being able to "walk in their shoes" for a moment. People with the spiritual gift of mercy no not feel pity, but feel a pull toward making a bad situation better. There is no judgment that comes from a person with this spiritual gift. It is always about making a person and his/her situation better.

However, there is a side of mercy that can lead people to think they have solved a problem by making things better for the moment. It is important that we realize that trouble at one time can often be a symptom of a bigger problem that needs to be solved. Also, people with this gift can sometimes enable people to continue their poor behavior by constantly rescuing them from bad situations. Mercy doesn't always involve making people feel better at the moment but instead making them realize they need help, which will ultimately make them feel better.​

Another caution for those with the spiritual gift of mercy is that they can appear naive or can be prone to others taking advantage of them. The desire to make a situation better and not be judgmental can lead to a difficult time in seeing true intentions lying below the surface.

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Definition of mercy

• forbearance
• mercifulness

mercy , charity , clemency , grace , leniency mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion.

mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

Examples of mercy in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mercy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English, from Anglo-French merci , from Medieval Latin merced-, merces , from Latin, price paid, wages, from merc-, merx merchandise

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing mercy

• at someone's or something's mercy
• have mercy / pity
• show no mercy

mercy killing

• mission of mercy
• to the mercy of
• throw oneself on the mercy of (someone)
• take mercy on
• at the mercy of

Dictionary Entries Near mercy

mercury weed

Cite this Entry

“Mercy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mercy. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of mercy.

Middle English merci, mercy "mercy," from early French merci, mercit (same meaning), from Latin merces "price paid for something, wages, reward"

More from Merriam-Webster on mercy

Nglish: Translation of mercy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of mercy for Arabic Speakers

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For What Saith the Scriptures?

Should we pray for “safe trips” and “traveling mercies”, should we pray for “safe trips” and “traveling mercies”.

by Shawn Brasseaux

It is common to hear Christian people assemble to pray for “safe trips” and “traveling mercies.” What exactly are “traveling mercies” I have no idea, so please do not ask me. The term is meaningless. But, I remember many times as a young child that my family and I would pray before leaving in a vehicle. As instructed in church, we would ask God to keep us safe on our journeys. As a child, I was under the impression that, if we would not pray for God to protect us before we left home, we would get in an automobile accident while en route to our destination. Many years ago, once I came to understand the Bible dispensationally, I realized just how futile that sort of praying was. Us praying about safe trips had nothing to do with what God was doing today. Let me tell you what I mean.

If we look at the Apostle Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, and we see how our apostle prayed, we find nothing about Christians praying for “safe journeys” and “traveling mercies.” Romans through Philemon contain four large model Pauline prayers—Ephesians 1:15-23, Ephesians 3:14-21, Philippians 1:9-11, and Colossians 1:9-10. These are specific prayers that Paul said on behalf of Christians in the Church the Body of Christ in the Dispensation of Grace. He said nothing about safe trips. However, he wrote plenty about dangerous trips.

Led by the Holy Spirit, Paul himself confessed that he had many hazardous journeys, trips that involved him being robbed, beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, destitute of shelter and food, and so on. In fact, there is language that Paul was killed (and God raised him) on a few occasions. We read in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27: “[23] Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. [24] Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. [25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; [26] In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; [27] In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.” If anyone should have prayed for “safe trips” in the Bible, it should have been the Apostle Paul! And, yet, he wrote nothing about such prayers. He never prayed them and he never exhorted us to pray in that manner, either. What are we doing praying to avoid something our apostle faced? If God was able to enable our apostle to endure it, surely God can enable us to bear them, too.

SEALED WITH THAT HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE

In fact, if you are going to say that the Lord will give us safe travels, how exactly will He do this? Will He send angels? Well, the answer is no, because Paul never talks about guardian angels in the Dispensation of Grace. I remember some time ago, a woman claimed that angels had protected some of her family members in a very serious car wreck. They were injured, some severely, but not killed. Some spent months in painful recovery. That sounded very silly to me. If there were guardian angels, I would expect them to guard against all injury, and not guard merely against death! Why did the angels not manipulate the circumstances so as to avoid the auto accident altogether? The truth is, whether in the Bible, or confirmed in our circumstances, angels have no ministry to us. Why? Because God is doing something different today than what He with Israel and angels in time past!

Ephesians 1:12-14 says: “[12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. [13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, [14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

The Bible says that we who have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, we are “sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” That word “sealed” is a preservation term. It denotes security. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 that God the Father has “also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” What security! The Holy Spirit has encompassed our inner man, our soul and our spirit, and marked us as His own. Why should we be praying for God to protect our outward man—our physical body—when this physical body will eventually grow sick, grow old, and die anyway? Our soul, which lasts forever, is much more important than our physical body. If we die in a car accident, so what! We will go to heaven and be with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8).

SUPPLEMENTAL: YEAH, BUT WHAT ABOUT ROMANS 1:9-10?

Those who dislike dispensational Bible study look for any little verse or piece of a verse that proves their “safe trips and traveling mercies” persuasion. I have noticed that their favorite passage is Romans 1:9-10: “[9] For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; [10] Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.” Yet, they stop reading the passage right there. They do not continue reading verses so as to establish the context. (It sounds like someone has a denominational agenda to promote!!)

Here, we pause and ask, “What does Romans 1:10 actually say?” People are forcing Paul to write, “Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a safe journey by the will of God to come unto you.” But, that is not what the verse said in our King James Bible!!! Paul is praying for a “ prosperous journey” not a “safe journey.” And just what does that expression “prosperous journey” mean? We do not have to wonder. We just read the next few verses and Paul will tell us!

“[11] For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; [12] That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. [13] Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.”

As we can clearly see, the “prosperous journey” of verse 10 is not for Paul’s benefit. The Bible is saying that that “prosperous journey” is for the Romans’ benefit! The Romans will prosper here. Paul wants to teach the Roman believers some doctrine that will firmly fix their understanding in sound Bible doctrine. He wanted to “impart unto [them] some spiritual gift.” He wanted to provide them with the same spiritual wisdom, spiritual knowledge, and spiritual understanding that he had. This is a far , far , far cry from Paul wanting to have a nice, sweet, carefree trip to Rome! (By the way, Paul did eventually arrive in Rome in Acts chapter 28—chapter 27 says he first experienced a storm at sea and then a shipwreck !)

Also see: » Should we pray for sick people? » What is Pauline prayer? » What does Romans 16:20 mean?

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[ mur -see ]

Have mercy on the poor sinner.

Synonyms: mildness , tenderness , lenity , leniency , clemency , indulgence , forgiveness

Antonyms: cruelty

an adversary wholly without mercy.

• the discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or to mitigate punishment, especially to send to prison rather than invoke the death penalty.

She has performed countless small mercies for her friends and neighbors.

It was just a mercy we had our seat belts on when it happened.

• a female given name.
• compassionate treatment of or attitude towards an offender, adversary, etc, who is in one's power or care; clemency; pity

to throw oneself on someone's mercy

his death was a mercy after weeks of pain

• at the mercy of at the mercy of in the power of

Discover More

Word history and origins.

Origin of mercy 1

Idioms and Phrases

They were at the mercy of their captors.

More idioms and phrases containing mercy

Example sentences.

Without a direct avenue to customers, Apple has been at the mercy of third-party sellers.

When Mulan finally meets her, the witch says, “When they find out who you are, they will show you no mercy.”

However, since their existing upfront deals did not provide pandemic-related escape clauses and the advertisers were at the mercy of the networks to excuse them.

The city was at the mercy of its own bureaucracy and individual family members who made up the trust had different views of what they should do with the property.

So we will never again be at the mercy of China and other foreign countries in order to protect our own people.

But give the Kingdom credit for its sense of mercy: The lashes will be administered only 50 at a time.

But it never has been the site of equal mercy, and it never will be.

If mercy is not preached by a national figure we take seriously, our battles over policy power will grow ever more merciless.

Policy is about wielding power, while mercy is about transcending power by renouncing it.

Canned drinks like Mercy contain up 5,000 percent of the daily value of certain vitamins.

Brethren are a help in the time of trouble, but mercy shall deliver more than they.

Have mercy on thy people, upon whom thy name is invoked: and upon Israel, whom thou hast raised up to be thy firstborn.

If she have a tongue that can cure, and likewise mitigate and shew mercy: her husband is not like other men.

Henceforth he must remember Winifred only when his sword was at the throat of some wretched mutineer appealing for mercy.

And thou hast delivered me, according to the multitude of the mercy of thy name, from them that did roar, prepared to devour.

Related Words

• benevolence
• forgiveness

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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Meaning of mercy in English

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mercy noun ( KINDNESS )

• He begged for mercy as the blows fell on him .
• Fishermen are always at the mercy of the forces of nature .
• They begged for mercy.
• He bowed down before the king and begged for mercy.
• ease up/off
• go easy idiom
• have a heart! idiom
• magnanimous
• magnanimously

mercy noun ( EVENT/SITUATION )

• bad/hard/tough luck! idiom
• be bad luck on someone idiom
• be down on your luck idiom
• be in/out of luck idiom
• fortune cookie
• fortune smiles on someone idiom
• get the short end of the stick idiom
• misadventure
• with any luck idiom
• your luck's in! idiom

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

mercy | American Dictionary

Mercy noun [u] ( kindness ), mercy noun [u] ( luck ), examples of mercy, translations of mercy.

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Word of the Day

balancing act

a difficult situation in which someone has to try to give equal amounts of importance, time, attention, etc. to two or more different things at the same time

Binding, nailing, and gluing: talking about fastening things together

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What is the true meaning of mercy?

Associate Professor of Religion, College of the Holy Cross

Disclosure statement

Mathew Schmalz does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

College of the Holy Cross provides funding as a member of The Conversation US.

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The world seems to be witnessing increasing levels of violence, fear and hatred that challenge us each day. There are ongoing debates about how or whether to welcome immigrants and refugees to the United States; news headlines remind us about the plight of Syria and about the horrors of the Islamic State .

In such times, talk about mercy may seem more like wishful thinking. But mercy matters – now more than ever.

The extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy called by Pope Francis ended in November 2016. Pope Francis has encouraged President Donald Trump to draw upon “the rich spiritual and ethical values that have shaped the history of the American people.”

I recently wrote about mercy in a book, “Mercy Matters: Opening Yourself to the Life Changing Gift .” Mercy has touched my life in many ways – such as in my recovery from alcoholism and through my experiences as an adopted child. So, to me, mercy is a “ love that responds to human need in an unexpected or unmerited way .”

At its core, mercy is forgiveness. The Bible speaks of God’s love for sinners – that is, for all of us. But the Bible also relates mercy to other qualities beyond love and forgiveness.

So, how can we begin to understand the true meaning of mercy?

Mercy in the Hebrew Bible

Christians usually understand the “Hebrew Bible” as the “Old Testament,” which is replaced by the “New Testament” of Jesus Christ as found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

How Christianity has interpreted the Hebrew Bible, often not fully appreciating its Jewish context, continues to be a matter of scholarly debate. But many Christians see connections between themes expressed in the “Old Testament” and Christ’s later teachings about the importance of mercy.

In the Hebrew Bible, there is a cluster of related words that are often translated as “mercy,” depending upon where they appear in the text. There is “ahavah,” which refers to God’s enduring love for Israel, much like the love between husband and wife. Then there is “Rachamim,” which comes from the root word “rechem,” or womb, and therefore might be more literally understood as suggesting a “maternal connection” between God and human beings.

In a famous passage from Psalm 85 that speaks of the Israelites’ return from exile , it is said that when “mercy and truth have met together, righteousness and peace have kissed.”

“ Chesed ,” the word translated as “mercy” in this verse, additionally suggests God’s quality of “steadfast loyalty.” The psalm thus relates steadfastness and mercy with “truth” – in Hebrew “ emet ”– which means behaving ethically and being faithful to God’s will.

Mercy in the Christian gospels

A point of connection between the Jewish and Christian traditions is what is called the “Great Hallel.” Hallel means “praise” and refers to a group of psalms regularly recited at the time of the new moon as well as during important Jewish feasts like Tabernacles or Sukkot , which commemorates the period the Jewish people spent in the desert on their journey to the Promised Land .

The great Hallel is the refrain of Psalm 136 that celebrates how God’s “ mercy endures forever .” Some scholars believe Jesus sang the Great Hallel with his disciples when they went out to the Mount of Olives after the Last Supper , the final meal that he shared with his Apostles before his crucifixion.

Mercy sets the context for many of Jesus’ teachings. In the Gospel of Matthew , Jesus tells the story of the “ unmerciful servant ” who has his own debt wiped away but refuses to forgive another servant who only owed him a few cents.

The story teaches us that we need to forgive others, because we have been forgiven ourselves.

Jesus as the face of mercy

Also in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus tells his disciples to understand the meaning of the phrase:

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Perhaps most significantly for Christians, Jesus shows us what it means to be merciful: He healed the sick, welcomed the stranger and pardoned those who persecuted and killed him.

As Pope Francis tells us in Misericordiae Vultus , his letter introducing the Holy Year of Mercy, Jesus’ mercy is not abstract but “visceral” – it’s something that quite literally changes us from the inside out.

And Christians believe that this visceral aspect of mercy comes in the personal relationship Jesus promises to all of us: a relationship based on forgiveness and love, reconciliation and truth. As Pope Francis writes in the very first sentence of Misericordiae Vultus ,

“Jesus Christ is the face of God’s mercy.”

Practicing mercy

According to the Bible, mercy does matter: It matters because we all need forgiveness. But mercy also matters because it is what can join us all together in spite of our differences.

But what does it mean – in concrete terms – to be merciful to the refugee, the immigrant , not to mention to those nations, institutions and communities that face the challenge of welcoming them? What does mercy mean in Syria? What is a merciful response to the atrocities of the Islamic State, or ISIL/ISIS – a group that has been merciless in persecuting Christians, Yazidi and the Shia ? How might mercy shape the Trump administration’s response to Iran following its missile tests , or to the Chinese expansion in the Spratly Islands and the South China Sea?

I certainly can’t say how mercy can be specifically applied to these challenges: The possibilities, and pitfalls, are as numerous as the various meanings associated with mercy in the Bible itself.

But I would like to suggest a starting point for thinking about how mercy matters. In a recent discussion about my book “Mercy Matters ,” a participant related how she’s been watching both Fox News and MSNBC in a effort to expose herself to different views about crucial issues facing the United States. I never learned whether she was a Democrat or a Republican; a liberal, conservative or libertarian.

But what I did learn is that mercy begins by opening oneself to those with whom one might strongly disagree. Mercy doesn’t end there, of course, but it begins with such small acts of understanding, which can lead to life-changing experiences of love.

• Forgiveness
• Syrian refugees
• Jesus Christ
• Muslim immigration
• Trump administration
• Old Testament
• New Testament
• immigration ban
• Hebrew Bible
• Ethical values

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What Is Mercy? Bible Verses and Meaning

God’s mercy means His pity, compassion, and kindness toward people. His mercy shows up in the believer’s life at salvation, and then God continues to show mercy in forgiveness. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

In the Bible, God’s mercy means His pity, compassion, and kindness toward people. His mercy shows up in the believer’s life at salvation, and then God continues to show mercy in forgiveness. Mercy triumphs over judgment but refusing God’s mercy is disastrous.

Definition of Mercy

Theologians have defined “mercy” in clear terms. In The Works of Jonathan Edwards , Edwards said it most graphically:

“God is pleased to show mercy to His enemies, according to His own sovereign pleasure. Though He is infinitely above all and stands in no need of creatures; yet He is graciously pleased to take a merciful notice of poor worms in the dust.”

In a lighter vein, Millard Erickson wrote in Christian Theology ,

“God’s mercy is His tenderhearted, loving compassion for His people. It is His tenderness of heart toward the needy. If grace contemplates humans as sinful, guilty, and condemned, mercy sees them as miserable and needy.”

Scripturally, at the root of the word “mercy,” we find several Old Testament Hebrew words.

Mercy in Hebrew

• Racham  means “to love or have compassion,” to have a disposition of mercy ( Psalm 116:5 ).
• Kapporeth  means “ransom” and it’s associated with the “mercy seat” in Scripture ( Exodus 25:22 ).
• Chesed  means “goodness,” “kindness,” or “mercifulness” ( Psalm 18:25 ).

Mercy in Greek

• In the New Testament Greek, the words are Eleemon , meaning “to have pity on,” to “show compassion,” or to “be merciful;” ( Matthew 5:7 ).
• Oiktirmos  also suggests compassion or pity. It’s the idea of divine forbearance in showing compassion and passing over sins. ( Romans 12:1 ).

Meaning of God’s Mercy

1. It’s God’s patience in action.  Author and blogger Tim Challies described mercy as “God acting patient. It is God extending patience to those who deserve to be punished,” Challies said. “Mercy is not something God owes to us—by definition mercy cannot be owed—but is something God extends in kindness and grace to those who do not deserve it.”

God is patient in mercy because he is holding off the judgment of justice to a later time. It is not injustice, but rather “choosing not to bring justice immediately.” When we see the holiness of God and the horror of sin, Challies said, “it is mercy that is shocking.”

2. It’s beyond our understanding.  Not only do we have a patient God, His mercy is incomprehensible. William Farley wrote in Outrageous Mercy: Rediscovering the Radical Nature of the Cross —quoted by Challies —“The cross displays God’s mercy and grace and justice, and does so with startling clarity.” Farley said, “If you have never been deeply scandalized and offended by the cross, you may have never really heard its message.”

Its message? Mercy beyond our understanding. Because God’s wrath and mercy met at the cross, we can be transformed and made fit for eternity.

Examples of Mercy in the Bible

Adam and Eve

We first learn of God’s mercy in the story of Adam and Eve, when God covered their shame with the skins of a sacrificed animal ( Genesis 3:21 ).

Israel’s Mercy Seat

Then we learn of the mercy seat where God would meet with the priests on Israel’s behalf in Exodus 25:19-22 . The Greek word for mercy seat, translated from the Old Testament, is hilasterion —usually translated “propitiation.” We see this word in Romans 3:25 . Christ became the once-and-for-all acceptable and wrath-satisfying sacrifice on our behalf.

Jesus Christ

In “What Is the Mercy Seat?”, Stephen Nichols wrote, God desires to meet with His people, and the blood of the spotless lamb is the only means by which that meeting is possible. The mercy seat of the Old Testament and the blood sprinkled upon it by the high priest, prefigured Christ to come.” The mercy seat was as real as the cross to come. Christ is now our mercy seat.

God’s mercy never runs out. “There is no ‘empty’ on the mercy tank in heaven,” wrote Dr. David Jeremiah in The Jeremiah Study Bible . “God just waits for His people to demonstrate that we really mean business. When we come to Him in true repentance, His mercy will just overflow us like the waves of the sea, because He is rich in mercy.” (See Ephesians 2:4-5 )

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Why Is Mercy Important?

Mercy triumphs over judgment, but refusing mercy is disastrous, inviting judgment. God’s judgment for sin is never unjust. “His judgment is always the result of mercy that was offered and refused,” wrote Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, “mercy that was offered and spurned.” The Lord is patient and never wants us to perish. He wants us to repent, but those who refuse mercy will receive judgment ( 2 Peter 3:9; Proverbs 29:1 ).

Bible Verses about Mercy

• Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful ( Luke 6:36 , ESV); For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment ( James 2:13 , ESV).
• Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy ( Matthew 5:7 , ESV); Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners ( Matthew 9:13 , ESV).
• Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need ( Hebrews 4:16 , ESV).
• Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ( 1 Peter 1:3 , ESV).

God’s mercy shows up in our lives at salvation ( Titus 3:5 ), and He continually shows mercy in forgiveness ( 1 John 1:9 ). He extended mercy in protecting Israel— sending prophets to warn them of sin and draw them back to Himself. He still convicts us through the Holy Spirit. His grace and mercy preserve His people.

God shows mercy in His understanding too. Our Great High Priest understands us and calls us to the throne of grace where we can find mercy ( Hebrews 4:16 ). There is also mercy in God’s commission—He wants us to make His mercy look great among the nations ( Romans 15:9-13) . God even shows loving mercy in His disciplining of us ( Hebrews 12:6; Proverbs 3:12 ).

The wonder of wonders is that God would choose to transform us by His mercies so we can be holy and acceptable to Him ( Romans 12:1 ), worshipping Him in the splendor of holiness ( Psalm 96:9 ). He has truly wrapped His children in mercy from salvation and throughout eternity.

Here are 15 Bible Verses Every Christian Should Know By Heart for you to download and share with loved ones!

BibleHub.com, Interlinear Bible, Exodus 25:22 , Psalm 18:25 , Psalm 116:5 , Matthew 5:7 , Romans 12:1 .

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mercy noun & interjection

• Hide all quotations

Earlier version

• mercy, n. in OED Second Edition (1989)

In other dictionaries

• mercī, n.(1) in Middle English Dictionary

What does the word mercy mean?

There are 22 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word mercy , six of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

mercy has developed meanings and uses in subjects including

How common is the word mercy ?

How is the word mercy pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the word mercy come from.

Earliest known use

Middle English

The earliest known use of the word mercy is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).

OED's earliest evidence for mercy is from before 1225, in MS Lambeth .

mercy is a borrowing from French.

Etymons: French merci , mercet , mercit .

Nearby entries

• mercury switch, n. 1894–
• mercury-tilt, adj. 1978–
• mercury vapour lamp | mercury vapor lamp, n. 1904–
• mercury vapour light | mercury vapor light, n. 1914–
• mercury vapour pump | mercury vapor pump, n. 1926–
• mercury vapour rectifier | mercury vapor rectifier, n. 1908–
• mercury vapour tube | mercury vapor tube, n. 1903–
• mercury-water, n. c1450–1738
• mercury weed, n. 1830–
• mercury woman, n. 1661–
• mercy, n. & int. a1225–
• mercy, v. c1390–1645
• mercy-angel, n. 1849–64
• mercy doing, n. a1382–1400
• mercy fuck, n. 1978–
• mercy-greatening, adj. 1675
• mercying, n. a1500
• mercy-kill, v. 1949–
• mercy killer, n. 1925–
• mercy killing, n. 1925–
• mercy-lacking, adj. 1725

Meaning & use

Lauerd, haue merci of us, forðon þa pinen of helle we ham ne maȝen iðolien.

Milce haue ant merci , wommon, of mi wrecchedom.

Haue merci of him, ich þe bidde & ne let him noȝt aspille.

Who that lawe hath upon honde, And spareth forto do justice For merci , doth noght his office.

I pray you of mercy to myssesay me no more.

Thairfoir, of mercye and not of rycht, I ask ȝou, schir,..Sum medecyne gif that ȝe mycht.

He wyll slee you without mercy .

I humbly requyre you..y t ye woll take mercy of these sixe burgesses.

If ye no mercy haue on me,..Haue pite on youre pure sonnes.

Rather to hope for marcie .

By their Monarch's fatal mercy grown, From Pardon'd Rebels, Kinsmen.

In mercy to him, let us drop the subject.

The emperor confessed, that, if the exercise of justice is the most important duty, the indulgence of mercy is the most exquisite pleasure, of a sovereign.

Their enemies will fall upon them..and show them no mercy .

Let judgment here in mercy be pronounced.

Take my body, then, in mercy , to the place where you are laid.

Go, go, go, sir! In mercy , go!

Everybody has heard that five hundred ha' been killed and many are coming into town begging for mercy .

Disappointment, and the knowledge of Catherine's and Mary's satisfaction, had made Henry strike at both of them without mercy .

His appeal against the death sentence is rejected. The request for mercy likewise.

• milce Old English–1450 Mercy, clemency, forbearance; pity; favour, grace. Often coupled with ore , n.¹ , mercy , n. , and occasionally with grace , n. Occasionally also as a…
• mildheartness Old English–1400 Mercifulness.
• ore Old English–1605 Grace; favour; mercy, clemency, pity.
• mildheartlaik c1175 Mercifulness.
• mercy a1225– Clemency and compassion shown to a person who is in a position of powerlessness or subjection, or to a person with no right or claim to receive…
• misericord c1230– Compassion, pity, mercy. Also as int. Now archaic .
• pity a1250– The disposition to mercy or compassion; clemency, mercy, mildness, tenderness. Now only as in sense I.2b.
• grace c1300– Mercy, clemency; pardon, forgiveness. Now archaic .
• mildhead c1300–1489 Mildness, mercifulness; meekness.
• milcefulness a1333
• piety a1350– = pity , n. (in various senses); mercy, compassion. Now only in Our Lady Piety n. at phrases P.1.
• tree of mercy c1375– In medieval legend, the allegorical tree which yielded the oil of mercy, and was at length to bear Christ for the healing of humankind.
• miseration a1382–1792 Pity, compassion, mercy; an act of mercy or compassion.
• mild c1390–1576 Gentleness, pity, kindness.
• piteousness a1393– The quality or condition of being piteous.
• milth a1400 Mercy, kindness.
• milthness a1400 Mercy, kindness.
• blithe c1400–1585 (a) Compassion, mercy, good-will. Obsolete . (b) Gladness, mirth, pleasure, delight. Obsolete .
• mercifulness c1429– The quality of being merciful.
• misericordy 1479–92 Mercy; an act of compassion.
• mildfulness 1489
• clemence 1490–1596 = clemency , n.
• clemency 1553– Mildness or gentleness of temper, as shown in the exercise of authority or power; mercy, leniency.
• pardon 1555 Remission of punishment; the granting of mercy. Obsolete . rare .
• pitifulness 1555– The quality or condition of being pitiful.
• milk of human kindness a1616– Care and compassion for others; humanity.
• mussy 1823– = mercy , n. A.I.3.
• mild-heartedness 1849–
• are Old English–1175 To show grace or clemency to, respect, spare.
• i-milce Old English–1275 transitive . To have mercy upon, pardon.
• milce Old English–1400 transitive . To have mercy on, or show mercy to; to forgive; to be kind, compassionate, or gracious to. Also (occasionally) intransitive .
• spare Old English– transitive . To leave (a person) unhurt, unharmed, or uninjured; to refrain from inflicting injury or punishment upon; to allow to escape, go free, or…
• to have (also take) mercy on (also upon, of) a1225– Clemency and compassion shown to a person who is in a position of powerlessness or subjection, or to a person with no right or claim to receive…
• to show (also do) mercy (to) a1225– Clemency and compassion shown to a person who is in a position of powerlessness or subjection, or to a person with no right or claim to receive…
• methe c1225–1325 transitive . To honour; to treat with restraint, have mercy upon, spare. Cf. methie , v. 1.
• save a1382–1890 transitive . To refrain from killing (a person or animal); to allow to live, to spare. Frequently in collocation with slay . Also intransitive . Obsolete …
• milth a1400 intransitive . To be merciful; to have mercy on (with of , to ).
• tender 1442–1649 To feel or act tenderly towards; to regard or treat with tenderness: with various shades of meaning. To regard or treat with pity; to take pity…
• to take to (also into) mercy 1523–1851 to take to (also into) mercy : to extend pardon to (a person who yields willingly); to give quarter to, receive the submission of. Obsolete .
• mercify 1596–1812 transitive . To pity, have compassion for; to extend mercy to.
• bemercy 1660–80 transitive . To treat with mercy, show mercy to.
• to give (also cut) (a person) a break 1922– colloquial (originally U.S. ). to give (also cut) (a person) a break : to show (a person) understanding or restraint; to allow (a person) some…
• to cut (or give) (a person) some slack 1966– Originally U.S. slang (in African American usage). to cut (or give) (a person) some slack and variants: to show (a person) understanding or…
• in mercy 1769 Clemency and compassion shown to a person who is in a position of powerlessness or subjection, or to a person with no right or claim to receive…
• a 1225 [see sense A.I.1a].

Drihtin, do me merci & milce of þis dede.

Jesus his soule do merci !

Þay prayde god, kyng of gras, haue mercy of is saule.

Trustynge to Goddis mersy .

God receyueth alle them that desyre hys mercy .

Lorde, haue mercy vpon vs.

What can it be but mercie , that we shall bee admitted to an inheritance immortall and vndefiled?

Then God take mercy on braue Talbots soule.

Betwixt the Bridge and the Brook, the Knife and the Throat, the mercy of God may appeare.

Father of Mercie and Grace.

This gave me great hopes that my Repentance was accepted, and that God had yet Mercy in store for me.

He..delighteth to diffuse happiness and shew mercy to the weak creatures, who are learning to know him.

Thank God..that no one near and dear to me is in this dreadful town to-night. May He have mercy on all who are in danger!

It is the sin of those who see the Son of God and listen to his teachings, yet turn from his salvation, and reject his offered mercy .

I done it!—have mercy , marster—Lord have mercy on us po' niggers.

Shall not they, clothed in rich array, Pray God for mercy ?

The mercy of Allah cleans out my brain.

• mercy a1225– spec. Forbearance, compassion, or forgiveness shown by God (or a god) to sinful humanity, or to a particular person or soul.
• thole a1325 Patience, forbearance, endurance.
• patiency c1350– Forbearance, patience. Also (occasionally) as a count noun: a source of patience or fortitude; an exercise of patience. rare ( poetic ) after 17th cent.
• patience a1382– Forbearance or long-suffering under provocation; esp. tolerance of the faults or limitations of other people.
• abiding c1384– Patience; endurance, forbearance; submission. Also with of .
• sustentation c1384 Patience, forbearance. Obsolete . rare .
• tack 1412– Hold; holding quality; adherence, endurance, stability, strength, substance, solidity. Now dialect .
• tolerancy a1556– The quality or habit of being tolerant: cf. tolerance , n. 3.
• digesture 1567–1606 The putting up with or brooking of anything unpleasant; = digestion , n. 4.
• toleration 1582– The action or practice of tolerating or allowing what is not actually approved; forbearance, sufferance.
• acceptance 1586– Patient or resigned endurance or toleration ( of a difficult, unpleasant, or trying situation or event).
• forbearance 1599– Forbearing conduct or spirit; patient endurance under provocation; indulgence, lenity.
• brooking 1624– Endurance, bearing. (Now chiefly gerundial.)
• digestion 1653– The action of putting up with or bearing without resistance; brooking, endurance. ? Obsolete .
• tolerance 1765– The action or practice of tolerating; toleration; the disposition to be patient with or indulgent to the opinions or practices of others; freedom…
• bearability 1856– Ability to endure or tolerate something.
• forgiveness 1340 The action of forgiving; pardon of a fault, remission of a debt, etc. †In Old English also: Indulgent permission.

Ich..creie lefdi merci [ a 1250 Nero MS. and creie þe, leafdi, merci] .

Þencheð hwat ȝe habbeð..iwraððet oure lauerd. & crieð ȝeorne [ c 1230 Corpus MS. crieð him ȝeorne] merci & for ȝeouenesse.

To oure lorde Mercy he cryþ, and biddeþ hym Mercy and misericorde.

Ȝerne on þaim he cried merci.

Þe kynge cride to abraam mercy.

Whan they repente..and crye their god mercy .

Syr, I crye you mercy for goddes sake doo not to me so grete an outrage.

To cry mercy is to late The wayne than standand at the yhat.

O I ken you nowe syr, chy crie you mercie.

I crie you mercy I tooke you for a ioynd stoole.

Oh, cry you mercy sir, I haue mistooke.

No, cry you mercy : this is my book.

I cry thee mercy with all my heart, for suspecting a Fryar of the least good-nature.

O! cry you mercy , Sir; you have great reason to defend her, I don't question.

This Alençon..Cried mercy to his conqueror.

‘Well, ladies,’ said I, ‘ I cry you mercy .’

Cry you mercy , gentlemen, he said humbly.

Oh you are a Platonist, sir. I cry you mercy . I took you to be a maker of engines.

• to cry (a person) mercy c1225– to cry (a person) mercy : to beg for pardon or forgiveness. Hence (in weakened sense) in phrases expressing polite apology, esp. I cry you mercy …
• to cry quarter 1720 Exemption from being immediately put to death granted to a vanquished opponent by the victor in a battle or fight; clemency or mercy shown in sparing…
• to beg pardon 1604– In to beg pardon , to beg excuse , to beg leave , etc.: beside the strict sense as in 2, the whole expression is often merely a courteous or…
• to beg excuse 1734 In to beg pardon , to beg excuse , to beg leave , etc.: beside the strict sense as in 2, the whole expression is often merely a courteous or…

Þu most don god forþ þerwid If þu wolt haue merci and griþ.

I sal noght fine merci to cri Betuixand he haue þi merci.

Aske mercy and hafe it.

But thow graunte, off thy pyte, That I may al outterly Off my Gyltes ha mercy.

Who so wyll haue mercy Must be mercyable... Who is without mercy, of mercy shall mys.

• to have mercy c1330–1513 to have mercy : to receive pardon ( of an offence). Obsolete .

Us behoues fulfill..the seuen deds of merci until our euen-cristen... Thise er the seuen bodily deds of merci.

Thare er of merci allso seuen gasteli dedis.

Here goode name may noght deie For Pite, which thei wolde obeie, To do the dedes of mercy .

Werkes of mercy and of almus.

God wille þat þe nedy be releeued; It is on of þe werkes of mercy .

As þe sowle is better þan þe body So þese gostly mercyes be better þan þe bodyly mercyes.

Actif lif lith in loue and charite..and of þe seuene werkes of merci bodili and gostly, to amannes euencristen.

Thay that dois notht the dedis of marcie to thair nichtburs.

In the duties of necessity, and mercy .

Making it our whole delight to spend the whole time (except so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mercy ) in the publick and private exercises of Gods worship.

Think not, the good, The gentle Deeds of Mercy thou hast done, Shall dye forgotten all.

May that heaven whom thou aspirst In deeds of mercy and long-suffering love Thus to resemble, be thy great reward.

[Trumbull loq. ] A work of necessity and mercy .

The seven spiritual works of mercy , by the author of ‘The daily life of a Christian child’.

Because we are made in his image our strength is most clearly seen in deeds of mercy .

In Gothic art is found the figure of a woman performing the six works of mercy (Matt. 25:35–37).

This structure was accompanied by Roman devotionalism and by religious congregations to foster the spiritual and corporal works of mercy .

• work (also deed, duty) of mercy 1357– Usually in full as work (also †deed, †duty) of mercy . A compassionate or charitable act; spec. each of the seven spiritual and seven corporal works…
• mercy a1400– An act of (esp. divine) mercy; an event or circumstance calling for special thankfulness. Now also in weakened sense: a blessing, a relief; a…

Merci nan nis wið þe; for þi ne ahest tu nan milce to ifinden.

Þet godd þurh his mearci hihi ham ut of pine.

Ha mercy on me, God, efter þy mychel mercy.

His fadir sai him and was meued wiþ merci , and renninge to him, fel on his necke and custe him.

The mersy of that sweit meik Rose Suld soft ȝow, Thirsill, I suppois.

God of his mercie sende his grace of suche facion that it maye bee all for the beste.

In whome mercye lacketh..in hym all other vertues be drowned.

God for his infinite mercy conuert them.

The taste whereof, God in his mercy giue you Patience to endure.

If the example of such poor outcasts as our selves, might prevaile..it would..prevent (by the mercy of Christ) the perill of the distraction & destruction of all the churches in both kingdoms.

Consider the Goodness, Justice and Mercy of our Almighty Creator.

Who is he that shall determine in what proportions the attributes of justice and mercy , forbearance and severity, ought to be mixed up in the character of the Supreme Governor of the universe?

The infinite mercy and loving-kindness of a supreme creator.

To just barely manage through God's infinite mercy to escape burning eternally in the everlasting fires of Hell ought to be just about as much as any good Catholic could pray for.

But Ned would leave him his life and then claim credit for his magnanimity, for his mercy .

Þu þat art so cruwel in þouht And wolt to merci herkne noht.

For gentil mercy oghte passen right.

Merci is a Mayden þer and haþ miht ouer hem alle.

Quen merci sagh him suagat be, Of him sco can haf pite.

A lady, Mercy , satte on his riht syde.

Mercy , hir sistre, myght not opteyne ne prevayle in hir purpose.

Mercy was thyn aduocat chefe.

These bee..the severall notes..of Mercie 's Song.

Ode to Mercy .

To Mercy Pity Peace and Love, All pray in their distress..For Mercy has a human heart Pity, a human face..Where Mercy Love & Pity dwell, There God is dwelling too.

None sued, for Mercy knew her cry was vain.

Mercy comes out also..to go with us, in like faithful company. She looks upon the dread machine..dewing it thus with her tender mitigations.

And..the Raja's hurts Were healed; and all the hearts of people burned With worship! So had Mercy her deserts.

Louerd, þi merci .

Mercy of Heav'n what hideous noise was that!

Mercy me, why, where were my eyes?

Mercy me! The next time you'll know better'n to fret like this.

Chimneysweeps' trade disease is cancer of the scrotum, totem poles are tall and redwoods are taller, oh mercy me, oh you greedy gobbler.

Alacke, for mercy .

• avoy c1300–1400 Exclamation of surprise, fear, remonstrance.
• mercy c1330– ‘Have mercy!’, ‘May God have mercy!’ (sometimes with qualification, as God's mercy! , etc., and in weakened use expressing surprise, fear, etc.).
• for mercy! a1616 for mercy! Obsolete . rare .
• mercy on us (also me, etc.)! a1616– mercy on us (also me, etc.)!
• (for) mercy's sake! 1707– (for) mercy's sake! . Also in variants (chiefly U.S. regional ), as mercy sakes , a mercy's name , etc.
• yow 1901– An exclamation of pain, fear, or dismay. See also ow , int.
• yipes 1955– An exclamation of fear, alarm, or dismay (also occasionally of excitement or surprise).
• how Old English– elliptical for ‘How is it?’ or ‘How say you?’ and used interjectionally, the modern equivalent being ‘What?’ or ‘What!’ (= French quoi! ) archaic …
• well, well Old English– Reduplicated. Expressing surprise, anticipation, resignation, or acquiescence. well, well . Also well, well, well .
• what Old English– As an exclamation of surprise or astonishment (sometimes mixed with indignation). Usually followed by a question.
• why Old English– As an expression of surprise (sometimes only momentary or slight; sometimes involving protest), either in reply to a remark or question, or on…
• ou c1300– Expressing surprise, excitement, or a similar emotion; = oh , int. ou aye : ‘yes indeed’, ‘oh yes’ (in concessive sense).
• ay 1340– = Ah! O! (Now the common northern exclamation of surprise, invocation, earnestness.)
• lord a1393– Expressing surprise, emphasis, dismay, etc. Cf. law , int. , Lawd , int. , Lor , int. , lud , int.
• aha a1400– Expressing triumph, satisfaction, realization, discovery, or (now rarely ) mockery or irony. Cf. ah , int. A.3, A.4, ha , int. A.1b.
• hilla a1400–1513 = hillo , int.
• whannow c1450–1500 What! I say! Come, come!
• wow 1513– Chiefly Scottish . An exclamation, variously expressing aversion, surprise or admiration, sorrow or commiseration, or mere asseveration.
• heyday a1529– An exclamation denoting frolicsomeness, gaiety, surprise, wonder, etc.
• ah 1538– Expressing pleasure, surprise, wonder, or admiration.
• ah me! a1547– In various exclamatory uses, without definite syntactical relation to the context. In interjectional phrases, as ah me! (see ah , int. A.2a, A.4), a …
• fore me! a1547– In various exclamatory uses, without definite syntactical relation to the context. In interjectional phrases, as ah me! (see ah , int. A.2a, A.4), a …
• o me! a1547– In various exclamatory uses, without definite syntactical relation to the context. In interjectional phrases, as ah me! (see ah , int. A.2a, A.4), a …
• Gods me 1570– With contraction of save (cf. save , v. phrases P.2c), as †Gods me , †Gods my bones , Gods my life , etc. Cf. God sa' me at sa' , v. Now archaic .
• what the (also a) goodyear 1570–1822 In exclamations and imprecations, apparently as a euphemism for devil . In various exclamations expressing surprise, annoyance, impatience, or…
• precious coals 1576– Used as an exclamation or oath (cf. precious , adj. A.1b).
• Lord have mercy (on us) 1581– Expressing surprise, dismay, etc. Also in Lord-a-mercy and other contracted forms (cf. God-a-mercy , int. A.1a).
• good heavens 1588– Chiefly in plural . In exclamations expressing surprise, horror, excitement, etc. Frequently with intensifying adjective, as good heavens , gracious he …
• whau 1589– Well! Why! Also = waugh , int.
• coads 1590–1619 An obsolete ejaculation of surprise.
• my stars! a1593– my stars! and variants. Now archaic .
• law 1598– Expressing surprise, emphasis, dismay, etc.; (in early use) expressing emphatic confirmation of a statement. Sometimes with I , me , you , etc. (cf. l …
• Godso 1600–1777 Used as an exclamation or oath expressing surprise or affirmation.
• to go out 1600 intransitive . imperative . In form gout . Expressing dismissal, impatience, derision, incredulity, or surprise. Cf. to go on 3b at phrasal verbs I.3b…
• coads-nigs 1608
• good stars! 1615–1851 good stars! and variants. Cf. good heavens at heaven , n. phrases P.3b. Obsolete .
• gramercy 1617– ? Used as an exclamation of surprise or sudden feeling; = ‘mercy on us!’
• goodness 1623– In exclamations expressing entreaty or remonstrance, as †for goodness , for goodness' sake , in the name of goodness , etc. Cf. pity , n. I.2c.
• what next? 1662– colloquial . what next? : ‘what is next?’ ‘what can be next?’ Also whatever next?
• mon Dieu 1665– ‘My God!’ Cf. god , n. & int. phrases P.1e.
• heugh 1668– An exclamation of surprise; hollo! (Cf. hewgh , int. , whew , int. )
• criminy 1681– Expressing surprise. Also by criminy! Cf. crikey , int. ; Gemini , n. 4.
• Lawd 1696– Expressing surprise, emphasis, dismay, etc.; = lord , int.
• the dickens 1697– (oh) the dickens! : used as an interjection expressing surprise, irritation, exasperation, etc. Now archaic and rare .
• (God, etc.) bless my heart 1704– (God, etc.) bless my heart (see bless , v.¹ IV.9): used as an exclamation to express surprise, alarm, etc.
• alackaday 1705 alack the day : used to express grief, concern, or regret at the events of a particular day; (later more generally) used to express surprise or dismay…
• my 1707– Expressing surprise or admiration. Also oh, my!
• deuce 1710– As an expression of incredulous surprise; also, as an emphatic negative, as in (the) deuce a bit! , etc. (Cf. plague , n. , sorrow , n. , the devil a bit …
• gracious 1712– In various exclamatory phrases expressing surprise, dismay, remonstration, or entreaty, often as a euphemism for God (cf. god , n. & int. phrases…
• goodly and gracious 1713–44 goodly and gracious : used as an exclamatory phrase expressing pleasant surprise. Cf. goodness gracious at goodness , n. phrases P.1b, gracious , adj. …
• my word 1722– my word (esp. as an exclamation) = upon my word at phrases P.1g.ii.ii.
• my stars and garters! 1758– my stars and garters! and variants. Cf. sense II.10b and garter , n. 2.
• lawk a1774– = Lord! Also lawk-a-daisy (me) and as n. = lackadaisy , int. lawk-a-mercy (-mussy) = Lord have mercy!; also as v. = to cry ‘Lawk-a-mercy!’, and as…
• losh a1779– = lord , n. & int. , used in certain exclamations.
• Lord bless me (also you, us, etc.) 1784 Lord bless me (also you, us, etc.) : expressing surprise, reproach, etc.
• great guns! 1795– great guns! : used as an exclamation expressing surprise or disbelief.
• mein Gott 1795– Frequently in representations of German speech: = my God at god , n. & int. phrases P.1e.i.
• Dear me! 1805– Dear! , Oh dear! , Dear, dear! , Dear me! : exclamations expressing surprise, astonishment, anxiety, distress, regret, sympathy, or other emotion. dear …
• fancy 1813– trans. In colloq. use often in the imperative as an exclamation of suprise. Also absol.
• well, I'm sure! 1815– well, I'm sure! : used as an exclamation of surprise. Now rare .
• massy 1817– In various exclamations (chiefly as int. ): ‘mercy!’ (expressing surprise, disapproval, etc.). See mercy , int.
• Dear, dear! 1818– Dear! , Oh dear! , Dear, dear! , Dear me! : exclamations expressing surprise, astonishment, anxiety, distress, regret, sympathy, or other emotion. dear …
• to get off 1818– intransitive . In imperative . colloquial . Used as an exclamation expressing impatience or incredulity; = to get away 1b(b) at phrasal verbs 1b.ii.
• laws 1824– Expressing surprise, emphasis, dismay, etc.; = lord , int.
• Mamma mia 1824– Expressing surprise, astonishment, or approval. Also as n.
• by crikey 1826– Expressing surprise. Also by crikey . Cf. gosh , n.
• wisha 1826– An exclamation indicating dismay, emphasis, or surprise.
• alleleu 1829– Originally and chiefly Irish English . Expressing distress, horror, surprise, etc. Cf. pillaloo , int.
• crackey 1830– = crikey , int.
• Madonna mia 1830– An exclamation of surprise or strong emotion.
• indeed 1834– As an interjection, expressing (according to the intonation) irony, contempt, amazement, incredulity, or the like.
• to go on 1835– intransitive . imperative . Expressing (playful) impatience or dismissiveness, or (mock) disbelief, derision, etc.: ‘get away’. Also in go on with you …
• snakes 1839– In plural as an exclamation, esp. great snakes!
• Jerusalem 1840– Used as an exclamation, usually of surprise.
• sapristi 1840– An exclamation of astonishment, exasperation, etc.; a mild oath.
• oh my days 1841– colloquial (now chiefly British ). oh my days : used as an exclamation expressing surprise, disbelief, excitement, etc. Also (and earliest) my days .
• tear and ages 1841– An act of tearing, in senses II.8 and II.9 of the verb. Here may belong the Irish interjectional phr. tear and ages (? aches ), tear and wounds …
• what (why, etc.) in time? 1844– U.S. regional (chiefly New England ). Used to intensify an interrogative word or phrase, as what (why, etc.) in time? : what (etc.) in the world?…
• sakes alive! 1846– sakes alive! and simply sakes! : an exclamation expressing surprise. dialect and U.S.
• gee willikers 1847– Expressing any of a number of feelings or emotions, esp. surprise, enthusiasm, or exasperation. Also used for emphasis. Cf. gee , int.² Now dated …
• to get away 1847– In imperative . Also in get away with you (now rare ). colloquial (chiefly British ). As an expression of astonishment or incredulity: ‘go on’, you…
• well, to be sure! 1847– As a sentence adverbial: (in affirmative use) for a certainty; certainly, undoubtedly, of course; (in concessive use) it must be admitted, indeed…
• gee 1851– Expressing any of a number of feelings or emotions, esp. surprise, enthusiasm, or exasperation. Also used for emphasis. Also (esp. in earlier use)…
• Great Scott 1852– Expressing surprise, amazement, annoyance, admiration, etc.
• holy mackerel! 1855– Used trivially. Used with a following word as an oath or expletive, as holy cow! int. , holy Moses! int. , holy smoke! int. , holy mackerel! int.
• doggone 1857– As an expression of surprise, impatience, etc.: ‘damn!’, ‘damn it’.
• lawsy 1868– Expressing surprise, emphasis, dismay, etc.; = lord , int.
• my wig(s)! 1871– Phrases. dash my wig(s) (colloquial), a mild imprecation (see dash , v. I.11). my wig(s)! (colloquial) a meaningless expression of surprise, etc. w …
• gee whiz 1872– Expressing any of a number of feelings or emotions, esp. surprise, enthusiasm, or excitement. Also used for emphasis. Cf. gee , int.² Now somewhat…
• crimes 1874– = criminy , int. Cf. cripes , int.
• yoicks 1881– colloquial . An exclamation expressing surprise, astonishment, or fright; = yikes , int.
• Christmas 1882– Used as a mild expletive, expressing surprise, dismay, exasperation, etc. Cf. Christ , int.
• hully gee 1895– An exclamation of delight or surprise.
• 'ullo 1895– = hullo , int.
• my hat! 1899– my hat! : used as an exclamation expressing surprise or disbelief.
• good (also great) grief! 1900– Chiefly colloquial . to come to grief : to meet with disaster; ( Sport ) to have a fall; to fail, prove abortive; so to bring to grief . Also good (als …
• strike me pink! 1902– Colloquially used in jocular forms of imprecation, as strike me blind, dumb, lucky (if, but—) , and various nonce-phrases. strike me pink! ( slang ): an…
• zowie 1902– An exclamation of astonishment (generally, or as a reaction to a sudden or surprising act), and frequently of admiration.
• oo-er 1909– An expression of surprise, dismay, titillation, etc.
• what do you know? 1909– colloquial (originally U.S. ). what do you know? : used to express surprise (also what do you know about that? ); also used parenthetically (cf. do you …
• cripes 1910– In the exclamation (by) cripes! : = Christ , n. & int. phrases P.1d.
• coo 1911– An exclamation expressing surprise or incredulity. slang .
• can you tie that? 1918– North American . To match or equal (an existing record or score); colloquial phrases can you tie that? , tie that! , expressions of surprise or…
• hot diggety 1924– = hot diggety dog , int.
• yeow 1924– An exclamation of shock or pain.
• ziggety 1924– int. Usually preceded by hot and followed by dog or another monosyllable: = hot diggety , int.
• stone (or stiffen) the crows 1930– Colloquial phrase stone (or stiffen) the crows : an exclamation of surprise or disgust. Esp. Australian .
• hullo 1931– A call used to hail a person or to excite his or her attention. Also used in response to a telephone call and (frequently repeated) to express…
• tiens 1932– An expression of surprise.
• whammo 1932– = wham , n.² 2; an exclamation suggesting a sudden violent blow or surprising event, etc.
• po po po 1936– Expressing surprise, commiseration, indignation, etc.
• how about that? 1939– how about that? : Isn't that good, pleasing, surprising, etc.? colloquial (originally U.S. ).
• yikes 1940– An exclamation of astonishment, alarm, etc.
• hallo 1942– A shout or exclamation to call attention, or expressing some degree of surprise (e.g. on meeting someone unexpectedly). Cf. halloo , v. Frequently…
• brother 1945– Expressing surprise, excitement, appreciation, disbelief, etc., or used to give emphasis to a following statement. Frequently in oh brother!
• tie that! 1948– North American . To match or equal (an existing record or score); colloquial phrases can you tie that? , tie that! , expressions of surprise or…
• surprise 1953– The feeling or emotion excited by something unexpected, or for which one is unprepared. As int. : surprise, surprise : an exclamation indicating…
• wowee 1963–
• never 1974– Expressing disbelief of or surprise at what has just been said. Also used ironically .
• to sod off 1976– intransitive . In imperative . As an expression of disbelief or scornful rejection of an assertion. Cf. to get away 1b(b) at get , v. phrasal verbs…
• whee 1978– An exclamation of joy, exhilaration, astonishment, etc. Occasionally as n. , a high-pitched sound resembling this.
• mercy 1986– ‘Have mercy!’, ‘May God have mercy!’ (sometimes with qualification, as God's mercy! , etc., and in weakened use expressing surprise, fear, etc.).
• yipes 1989– An exclamation of fear, alarm, or dismay (also occasionally of excitement or surprise).

'Mercie on me.

Mercy on 's, a Barne?

Miss, Miss, Miss Prue— Mercy on me , marry and Amen: Why, what's become of the Child?

Mercy on my Soul! Is there no hope?

Mercy on us! what has a modest woman to do with attitudes?

Mercy on us! what was that?

Why this bustle, Noise and clatter? Mercy on us! Don't you know Little Pipkin's Stubbed his toe!

Mercy on us , who is she?

Mercie guard me!

Mercy guard us! This is a piteous sight.

Mercy save us , the auld man's ga'en wud wi' the thunner!

But mercy have us ! What is here?

Mercy save us ! you don't mean to say...

In! in then, for Mercy's sake , quickly, Sir.

For mercy's sake! let us think no more about it.

‘And whom a mercy's name have we here?’ breaks in Mrs. Lambert.

‘We had to..send in spoons and things..in your apron pocket!—’ ‘ Mercy sakes !’

‘I've gotta clue.’.. ‘Spit it out, for mercy's sake , boy.’

There was no city kitty so, mercysakes , Red hammered off.

Ant he þat his þarof ateint, sal ȝelde to þe plaintif his damage double, and sal ben grefliche in þe kinges mercy .

To þis bestes mercy , i bowe me at alle.

Þe prestes mercy , þou do þe ynne; Þe prest ys crystys vycarye; Do þe alle yn hys mercy.

Þe mene folk..Com to his mercy , doand him seruise.

I bequethe my soule into the mercy off mythfull Ihesu.

And all at left was..o lyfe..Come to þat conquerour & on knese fallis, And in [ variant reading on] his mercy & meth mekely þaim put.

Otta a lytel while ageynst hym stode but afterward he put hym to his mercy .

Thaugh one falle ofte, and at laste aryseth vp and cometh to mercy , he is not therof dampned.

Yeeld to our mercies proud Plantagenet.

The Pyrates..did cast into the Sea many Marriners yeelding to mercy .

Which [surrender] after 4 months close siege they were compelled to, and that upon mercy ;..delivering upon mercy, is to be understood that some are to suffer, the rest to go free.

Observe with how much indifference Cæsar relates..that he put to death the whole senate of the Veneti, who had yielded to his mercy .

Mercy was offered to some prisoners on condition that they would bear evidence against Prideaux.

The Almighty in His mercy grievously afflicted me early in life, yet he chastened me only the more to visit me with His tender kindness.

May the Lord in His mercy be kind to Belfast.

• to cry (or say) creant a1250–1480 In phrases to yield oneself creant , to cry (or say) creant : To acknowledge oneself vanquished; to surrender oneself to an antagonist.
• to yield oneself creant a1250–1480 In phrases to yield oneself creant , to cry (or say) creant : To acknowledge oneself vanquished; to surrender oneself to an antagonist.
• to do (also put) oneself in (also to) a person's mercy a1325– The clemency or forbearance which may be exercised by a conqueror or absolute ruler (or later, in extended use, by God), esp. to a prisoner or…
• yield c1330– intransitive . To give oneself up, surrender, submit (as overcome in fight). Also with up ( obsolete rare ).
• recray 1340–1500 transitive . To tire or wear out. Chiefly in past participle .
• summise c1450–75 transitive . To submit (in various senses). Also reflexive . Cf. submise , v.
• render 1523–1688 intransitive in same sense. Obsolete .
• amain 1540–1728 intransitive . Nautical . To lower the topsail as a sign of surrender; to yield.
• surrender 1560– intransitive for reflexive = 3; chiefly Military (said of a body of men, a town or fortress, etc.); also figurative .
• to throw down one's arms (also weapons, etc.) 1593– transitive . to throw down one's arms (also weapons, etc.) : to stop fighting; to surrender.
• articulate 1595–1643 intransitive . To come to terms of agreement. Obsolete .
• to yield (also bow oneself) to (also upon) mercy 1595 The clemency or forbearance which may be exercised by a conqueror or absolute ruler (or later, in extended use, by God), esp. to a prisoner or…
• to give grass 1597– †to give grass : to yield, surrender. Obsolete . rare .
• capitulate 1601– intransitive . Of a general, force, garrison, fortress, town, etc.: to surrender, esp. on stated conditions.
• to cry craven a1634–1869 to cry craven : to acknowledge oneself vanquished, to give up the contest, surrender. Also figurative .
• to lower or strike one's flag 1644– In various nautical phrases, as to give (deny, refuse, etc.) the honour of the flag : to make (or refuse) an acknowledgement of supremacy by striking…
• bail 1840– (Originally said of Australian bushrangers.) To ‘stick up’ travellers in order to rob them; to ‘corner’ a wild boar (or other hunted animal); (in…
• hands-up 1879– intransitive . To put up one's hands in token of surrender; to surrender. Cf. hands up , int. 2. Now chiefly South African .
• kamerad 1914– Comrade, companion: the exclamation used as an appeal for quarter by a German-speaking soldier on surrendering. Hence jocularly as v. intransitive …
• mercy a1325– The clemency or forbearance which may be exercised by a conqueror or absolute ruler (or later, in extended use, by God), esp. to a prisoner or…
• bow Old English– To bend the neck under a yoke; hence , to become a thrall or subject; to submit, yield, render obedience to .
• onbow Old English–1275 intransitive . To submit, yield. With dative of the person submitted to.
• abey c1300–1628 intransitive . To bend, bow; to submit, yield, render obedience. Frequently with to .
• yield a1330–1600 past participle in reflexive or intransitive sense = that has surrendered. Hence in passive sense = forced to surrender, subdued. Obsolete . Cf. yi …
• lout c1330– figurative . To bow, stoop, submit (to).
• couch c1386– To take or fall into a posture more or less approaching that of lying at rest. figurative (from a and c) To bow in subserviency or submission; to…
• hield a1400 To bow, submit. Obsolete .
• to come to a person's mercy ?a1400 The clemency or forbearance which may be exercised by a conqueror or absolute ruler (or later, in extended use, by God), esp. to a prisoner or…
• to do (also put) oneself in (also to) a person's mercy a1400 The clemency or forbearance which may be exercised by a conqueror or absolute ruler (or later, in extended use, by God), esp. to a prisoner or…
• underlout a1400 intransitive . To be subject, to submit.
• fold c1400–1634 To succumb, yield ground. Obsolete .
• to come (also to put oneself) in a person's will c1405–1810 to come (also to put oneself) in a person's will : to submit oneself to a person's wishes or decision; similarly to come in will to a person . to come i …
• subject c1475–1720 intransitive . To be or become subject, submit to . Obsolete .
• defer 1479–90 intransitive (for reflexive ). To submit oneself to . Scottish . Obsolete .
• avale 1484–1525 transferred and figurative . To lower oneself, submit, yield.
• to come in 1485–1836 intransitive . To submit, yield; to declare or acknowledge one's loyalty or allegiance. Obsolete .
• submit a1525– Without construction. intransitive in same sense.
• submit a1525– To place oneself under a certain control or authority; to become subject or surrender oneself to another. intransitive in same sense.
• stoop 1530– figurative . To ‘bow’ to superior power or authority; to humble oneself, yield obedience. Const. to , under . Now somewhat rare .
• subscribe 1556– intransitive . To submit or subject oneself to a law or the rule of law; to conform or defer to a person's will or wishes, a requirement, etc.
• compromit 1590–1603 figurative ( transitive ) To commit to , leave to the decision of; ( intransitive ) to submit advisedly to . Obsolete .
• warp a1592–1772 To be biassed, incline, lean, be drawn or attracted ( to , towards ). Also, to bend, submit, yield ( to ); to submit to do something. Obsolete .
• to come in will to a person 1596 to come (also to put oneself) in a person's will : to submit oneself to a person's wishes or decision; similarly to come in will to a person . to come i …
• lead 1607– intransitive (quasi- passive ). To be led; to submit to being led.
• knuckle 1735– intransitive ( figurative ) To acknowledge oneself beaten; to give way, give in, submit. Usually knuckle down or knuckle under .
• snool 1786– intransitive . To submit tamely; to cringe; to crawl meekly or humbly.
• attorn 1817– intransitive . To submit to or accept someone as a superior; to yield to or consent to something. Now chiefly Canadian .

I am Meliors, neiȝh marred, man for þi sake; I meke me in þi merci, for þow me miȝt saue.

Thy lyf is now in my mercy.

Sen he has him jn keping, and at his mercj.

Shee..Lies at the mercie of his mortall sting.

Floutes: Which you on all estetes will execute, That lie within the mercie of your wit.

The Syrians..found themselves at the mercy of their Enemies.

We lay wholly at the mercy of the two unruly Elements, Fire and Water.

Your Character is at every Body's Mercy.

The not making a will, is a very culpable omission..where it leaves daughters, or younger children, at the mercy of the oldest son.

A wreck complete she roll'd, At mercy of the waves, whose mercies are Like human beings during civil war.

Leaving the civil servant at the mercy of a partisan chief.

To say nothing of your being at the tender mercy of others pratically.

All the interviewers had been at his mercy.

Bagh Nanak Chand is a shoemaker at the mercy of a prosperous merchant.

• under (also beneath) the foot (or feet) of Old English– under (also beneath) the foot (or feet) of : under the power or control of, or in a state of subjection to, a person; at a person's mercy or absolute…
• at (also in) the mercy of a1375– at (also †in) the mercy of : wholly in the power of, at the discretion or disposal of; liable to danger or harm from; exposed to the consequences of.
• in (also at) (a person's) reverence 1596– Chiefly Scottish . in (also at) (a person's) reverence , in (also into, under) the reverence of : in someone or something's power or control; in the…
• in a person's lurch 1607–43 in a person's lurch : in his or her power. Obsolete .
• at (also occasionally in) mercy a1616– Law in later use. at (also occasionally †in) mercy : that is absolutely in the power of, or at the disposal of, a victor or superior; liable to…

The kynge was counsayled to take them to mercy , so that..they shulde gyue to the kyng lx. thousande frankes.

Kyng Edwarde y e .iij.&..his sone prynce Edwarde..favoryng the nacion of Brytayne..toke hym to theyr mercy.

Vpon theyr submission, the King tooke them to mercie, vpon theyr yine, whych was seased at twentie thousand markes.

[Pompey] hauing..taken them [ sc. the pirates] into mercie, sent them into certaine townes..farre from the Sea.

Those they tooke to mercie upon their submission.

Nor did the fury of the Fight take any to mercy , save Duke-la-Fool himself, and 6 more.

Since it is so,..I think I must take you to mercy .

I was his prisoner, and he took me to mercy.

Ev'n while my pity Was taking thee to mercy, thou wast planning New evil to my fortunes!

That..He may..hold our liues in mercy .

What good Condition can a Treatie finde I'th'part that is at mercy ?

Lord Capel, Sir George Lucas, and Sir George Lisle, who were prisoners at mercy upon the rendring of Colchester.

My Life, 'tis true, as forfeit, is at Mercy , but not my Wife's and Children's.

A connivance, such as that the Jews lived under, by which they were still at mercy .

The Linnen of the North a Trade casual corrupted and at Mercy .

The inhabitants of a town exert all their efforts in defending the remparts,..because when those are taken the town lies at mercy .

In a few seconds I forced him..against the wainscoting, and thus, getting him at mercy , plunged my sword..repeatedly through and through his bosom.

The plaintiff, or his advisers, had failed to comply with the date prescribed by the rules and was therefore at mercy .

Thy Crueltie..hath exceeded Law, And left thee to the mercy of the Law.

Leaving them to the Mercy of their Opponents Court-Marshalls, who presently doom'd them to be shot to death.

Like a discovered Shoplifter, left to the Mercy of Exchange-Women.

The one ought not be left to the mercy of the other.

With just such a convenient spot laid bare to the tender mercies of the whipster.

You'll never find a fellow like this fellow, trusting himself to the mercies of such precious protégés .

Too precious to trust to the tender mercies of a baggage pony.

Surely you aren't going to leave me to the mercy of prowling beasts?

Yves was left to the mercies of the underlings.

Mercis of lauerd ouer al, In euer-mare singe I sal.

The mercys of our lord, that is, the thyngis that god mercifully has done til mannys kynde.

Call to remembraunce, O Lorde, thy tender mercyes & thy louinge kyndnesses.

Thou'rt condemn'd, But for those earthly faults, I quit them all, And pray thee take this mercie to prouide For better times to come.

The dimensions of this mercy are above my thought. It is for aught I know a crowning mercy.

Thou must not onely praise God for some extraordinary mercy , which once in a year betides thee,..but also for ordinary, every-day mercies.

Deliverance out of Temptation is undoubtedly one of the greatest Mercies , that God vouchsafes his People.

What a mercy for weak and halt me, that the way is here pathed.

I know your good father would term this Sinning my mercies .

What a mercy you are shod with velvet, Jane!—a clod-hopping messenger would never do.

There was even room to doubt whether Tom appreciated his mercies .

It is small changes in production and consumption, which produce all these effects; people are thankful for small mercies .

The old chap goes on equably trusting Providence and the established order of the universe, but alive to its small dangers and its small mercies .

He was a man. But not the sort of man one had to respect—which was a mercy .

There was one mercy : that it ended quick.

A'm aye towt hit a mercy at aa dir peerie tings Grew up to be dat helty.

• blessing Old English– The bestowal of divine favour and prospering influence; favour and prospering influence of God.
• sunshine 1577– figurative and in figurative contexts. A source of enlightenment, or of moral or spiritual guidance; inspiration; positive influence. Also: that…

Right grete thankes & thousand mercys to the damoyselle tha so moche honour sheweth to me.

• thank Old English–1642 The expression of gratitude; the grateful acknowledgement of a benefit or favour. In singular. Obsolete .
• thank 1340– The expression of gratitude; the grateful acknowledgement of a benefit or favour. In plural. †Formerly sometimes construed as singular .
• graces c1350–1928 In plural . Thanks, thanksgiving. Frequently in to do (also give, render, etc.) graces . Obsolete ( archaic and rare in later use).
• regratiatory 1443–1523 Thanks.
• grates c1485 Thanks.
• mercies c1500 In plural . Thanks. Cf. sense B.2. Obsolete . rare .
• remercy 1542–1857 In singular and plural . An expression of thanks. Also as int. , expressing thanks.
• regratulation 1579–1650 The action of thanking or expressing gratitude in return for something. Also as a count noun, in plural : expressions of gratitude, thanks. Cf. gratul …
• regraces c1613 In plural . Thanks.
• thankfulness 1647 Contextually: Thanks. Obsolete . rare .
• remerciments 1654–1859 In plural . Thanks. Occasionally in singular .

[Soint] trestouz les autres en la merci pur la fole suffraunce.

Hii clupede sir Ion giffard..To come oþer he ssolde in þe merci be ido.

Ȝyf þou haue be so coueytous To mercs [ variant reading mercye] men ouer outraious, And pore men specyaly, Þat ferde þe wers for þat mercy ..Þy mercyment shal be ful hard.

Ȝif hij be þennes byþowte ryȝtful enchesoun, euerych by hymselue be in mercy of one besaunt.

He is in þe kynges mercy vp-on þe quantite of þat mysdede.

And ȝif [ printed zif] the tenaunt do his lawe in the maner afore seyd, thanne taketh the pleyntyff no thyng be his writt but dwelleth in the mercye [Fr. en la merci ] .

And if þey..be amercid agaynst me..for oony cause, trespas, or forfete, all mercys and mercymentes and all fynes and all profytes and all outegoynges of pleys..shall be of þe chanons selfe.

Non of y e forsaid mercyes shalbe put but be othe of sad and honest men.

If the partie accused..come in the king's will and mercie , he shall [etc.] .

That the same William and his pledges of prosecuting, to wit, John Doe and Richard Roe, be in mercy for his false complaint.

Let them have their seisin thereof, and James is in mercy for the unjust detention.

At first the declaration that a man is in the king's or the lord's mercy implies that the king or lord may, if he pleases, take all his goods.

The judgment was that the plaintiffs take nothing by their writ, but be in the mercy for their false plaint.

• foot-geld 1227–1736 A penalty imposed under forest law for not expeditating or lawing a dog (see expeditate , v. , law , v. 3).
• amercement a1325– A discretionary penalty or fine; (originally) spec. one imposed on an offender at the discretion of the court of his or her lord, as opposed to a…
• mercy c1325– The state of being liable to a fine or amercement; an amercement, a fine. Now historical .
• mercement a1387–1871 An amercement, an (adjudged) punishment. Also: the judgement, disposal, or discretion of a stated person or body (cf. mercy , n. A.I.4b).
• amerciament 1388– = amercement , n. 1.
• merciament c1455–1605 The state of being liable to a fine or amercement; (also) an amercement, a fine.
• fine c1325– intransitive . To pay a penalty, ransom, or composition ( composition , n. III.25b). Frequently with with the person paid. Also figurative and in…
• to be in mercy c1325– The state of being liable to a fine or amercement; an amercement, a fine. Now historical .
• to lose (= incur) a fine 1498–1614 To incur the privation of (something that one possesses or has control of); to part with through… With cognate object, to lose a loss . Also, to lose ( …
• forfeit 1727– transitive . To lose, lose the right to; to render oneself liable to be deprived of (something); also… absol. or intransitive . To incur the penalty of…
• to do (also put in) the mercy c1325– The state of being liable to a fine or amercement; an amercement, a fine. Now historical .
• amerce 1389– To punish (an offender) by an amercement. transitive . With simple object.
• mercy ?a1400–75 transitive . To amerce; to fine.
• amerciate 1460– transitive . = amerce , v. In early use frequently as past participle .
• merce 1530 transitive . = amerce , v.

‘Sir steward,’ he seyd, ‘ Merci !.. Help me now in þis destresse.’

Yit kneled I on my knees..And seide, ‘ Merci , Madame, for Maries loue of heuene.’

Merci , lauerd! strang wickedhed Broght adam to suilk a ded.

Ey goddes mercy seyde oure hoost tho.

God and Maker of mankynde, mercy , mercy!

Gods mercie maiden.

Mercy , gracious Heaven! are not these very Excuses the strongest reasons for the abolition of this slavish Custom?

A black seal! oh, mercy ! it certainly is some bad news about Henry.

The chimney forests, blacken'd and high—Oh, mercy ! not in a town to die!

‘ Mercy ,’ I said briefly to myself, ‘maybe they've murdered every single soul on the train.’

‘ Mercy !’ she gushed. ‘It's two of them... No wonder she was that size.’

‘God's mercy , wench!’ Eda exclaimed... ‘What ails you to be so clumsy today?’

‘A Madame, Merci ,’ quaþ I; ‘me likeþ wel þi wordes’.

O! Jesu so jentile and jente, Þat sodenly has lente me my sight..A! mercy , my socoure, Mercy, my treasoure, Mercy my sauioure.

• gramercy c1330– = Thanks; thank you. Formerly also in plural . Const. for , † of .
• mercy c1390–1450 Expressing gratitude: ‘thank you’. Cf. gramercy , int. Obsolete .
• thanks 1598– thanks : a much abbreviated expression of gratitude for a favour received or recognition of a service; = I give you my thanks , my thanks to you , or…
• kew 1939– = thank you , phr. A.1.
• cheers 1976– Originally and chiefly British . Used to express gratitude or acknowledgement for something: ‘thanks’. Also ironic .

Pronunciation

• ð th ee
• ɬ rhingy ll

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence <petal> /ˈpɛtl/ but <petally> /ˈpɛtl̩i/.

• a trap, bath
• ɑː start, palm, bath
• ɔː thought, force
• ᵻ (/ɪ/-/ə/)
• ᵿ (/ʊ/-/ə/)

Other symbols

• The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
• The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
• Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here .

* /d/ also represents a 'tapped' /t/ as in <bitter>

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence <petal> /ˈpɛd(ə)l/ but <petally> /ˈpɛdl̩i/.

• i fleece, happ y
• æ trap, bath
• ɑ lot, palm, cloth, thought
• ɔ cloth, thought
• ɔr north, force
• ə strut, comm a
• ər nurse, lett er
• ɛ(ə)r square
• æ̃ sal on

Simple Text Respell

Simple text respell breaks words into syllables, separated by a hyphen. The syllable which carries the primary stress is written in capital letters. This key covers both British and U.S. English Simple Text Respell.

b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w and z have their standard English values

• arr carry (British only)
• a(ng) gratin
• o lot (British only)
• orr sorry (British only)
• o(ng) salon

Date of use

Variant forms.

• early Middle English mearci
• Middle English marsye , merce , mercyȝe , mersi , messy (probably transmission error)
• Middle English–1500s marce , merci , mersy , mersye
• Middle English–1600s mercie , mercye
• Middle English–1600s ; 1700s– ( English regional ) marcy , mercy
• 1500s marcye , marsy
• 1600s marci , mawsey
• 1800s– massy ( English regional ) , mussy ( English regional )
• 1800s– marci , marcy , marsy , massey , massy , mussy
• 1900s– mass ( rare ) , massa ( rare )
• pre-1700 marce , marcei , marcie , marcy , marsie , mearcie , merce , merci , mercie , mersay , mersy
• pre-1700 ; 1800s mercye
• pre-1700 ; 1700s– mercy
• 1700s– marcy
• 1800s– messy

2. See also massy n.

mercy is one of the 5,000 most common words in modern written English. It is similar in frequency to words like handling , oxidation , pretend , restraint , and yell .

It typically occurs about ten times per million words in modern written English.

mercy is in frequency band 6, which contains words occurring between 10 and 100 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands

Frequency of mercy, n. & int. , 1750–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole , n.¹, mole , n.², mole , n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.

Frequency of mercy, n. & int. , 2017–2023

Modern frequency series are derived from a corpus of 20 billion words, covering the period from 2017 to the present. The corpus is mainly compiled from online news sources, and covers all major varieties of World English.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the corpus.

Compounds & derived words

• All compounds & derived words
• Curated compounds
• merciful , adj. & n. 1340– Having or exercising mercy; characterized by mercy; compassionate.
• tree of mercy , n. c1375– In medieval legend, the allegorical tree which yielded the oil of mercy, and was at length to bear Christ for the healing of humankind.
• mercy doing , n. a1382–1400
• mercy , v. c1390–1645 transitive. To thank (frequently with of and specification of the thing eliciting thanks). Also: to reward (with something).
• merciless , adj., adv., & n. c1400– Of persons, their attributes, actions, etc.: without mercy; showing no mercy; pitiless, unrelenting.
• unmercy , n. c1425– Lack of mercy; the condition of being without mercy; mercilessness. Also: a merciless act.
• God-a-mercy , int. & n. a1500– Used as an exclamation of applause or thanks, or (in later use) to express surprise, distress, etc.
• mercying , n. a1500 An act of compassion or mercy.
• Mercy seat , n. 1530– Theology. The lid of gold, decorated with two winged cherubim, covering the Ark of the Covenant, upon which God is said to have been enthroned, and…
• mercy stool , n. a1536–49 = Mercy seat, n. 2.
• mercy table , n. 1549 = Mercy seat, n. 2.
• mercy stock , n. 1550 = Mercy seat, n. 2.
• mercy gate , n. 1562–
• mercy shower , n. a1565
• mercy-wanting , adj. 1581–1632
• mercify , v. 1596–1812 transitive. To pity, have compassion for; to extend mercy to.
• unmercied , adj. 1627 Merciless.
• mouth-mercy , n. 1647
• bemercy , v. 1660–80 transitive. To treat with mercy, show mercy to.
• phoenix mercy , n. 1673
• mercy-greatening , adj. 1675
• root-mercy , n. 1681
• mercy-stroke , n. 1702–1843 = coup de grâce n. at coup, n.³ 5e.
• mercy-lacking , adj. 1725
• massy , n. 1817– In various exclamations (chiefly as int.): ‘mercy!’ (expressing surprise, disapproval, etc.). See mercy, int.
• mercy-winged , adj. 1819–
• mercy-tempered , adj. 1822–
• mussy , n. 1823– = mercy, n. A.I.3.
• mercy-guided , adj. 1833–
• mercy-angel , n. 1849–64
• od's mercy , int. 1869
• mercy killer , n. 1925– A person who practises euthanasia or mercy killing.
• mercy killing , n. 1925– The action or an act of bringing about the death of a person having an incurable and painful disease, typically by the administration of a large…
• mercy bullet , n. 1927–
• mercy murder , n. 1927–
• mercy flight , n. 1933–
• mercy ship , n. 1943–
• mercy-trip , n. 1944–
• mercy-kill , v. 1949– transitive. To bring about the death of (a person suffering an incurable and painful disease), esp. by the administration of drugs.
• mercy corridor , n. 1969–
• mercy mission , n. 1972–
• mercy fuck , n. 1978– coarse slang. An act of sexual intercourse offered out of pity or compassion.
• mercy dash , n. 1979–
• covenant mercies , n.

Entry history for mercy, n. & int.

mercy, n. & int. was revised in September 2001.

mercy, n. & int. was last modified in March 2024.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into mercy, n. & int. in March 2024.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1906)

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Citation details

Factsheet for mercy, n. & int., browse entry.

Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Mercy

Mercy is a concept integral to an understanding of God's dealings with humankind. In English translations of the Bible, it comes to expression in phrases such as "to be merciful, " "to have mercy on, " or "to show mercy toward." The corresponding term, "merciful, " describes a quality of God and one that God requires of his people. The noun denotes compassion and love, not just feelings or emotions, as expressed in tangible ways.

Several Hebrew and Greek terms lie behind the English term "mercy." The chief Hebrew term is hesed [ d,s,j ], God's covenant "lovingkindness." In both the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the LXX) and the New Testament, the term behind "mercy" is most often eleos [ e[leo" ] in one form or another, but oiktirmos/oiktiro [ oijktirmov" / oijkteivrw ] (compassion, pity, to show mercy) and splanchna/splagchnizomai [ splagcNIVzomai ] (to show mercy, to feel sympathy for) also play roles.

The Old Testament. Mercy: A Part of God's Nature . Although people have the capacity for showing mercy, especially toward those with whom they already have a special relationship ( 1 Kings 20:31 ; Isa 49:15 ; Jer 31:20 ; cf. 1 Macc 2:57), a lack of mercy is more natural to the human condition ( Prov 5:9 ; 12:10 ; Isa 13:18 ; 47:6 ; Jer 6:23 ; 50:42 ; cf. Wisd. of Sol. 12:5). Mercy is, however, a quality intrinsic to the nature of God. It is for this reason that in some situations "merciful" was a sufficient description of God ( Psalm 116:5 ; cf. Tobit 6:17). Sometimes it appears alongside other qualities as one expression of his nature that God's children particularly observe and recount ( Exod 34:6 ; Deut 4:31 ; 2 Chron 30:9 ; Psalm 86:15 ; Dan 9:9 ; Jonah 4:2 ). The experience of God's people is that God's mercy, unlike human mercy, cannot be exhausted ( 2 Sam 24:14 ; Lam 3:22 ). Yet divine mercy is not blind or dumb; although God tolerated Israel's rebellion with mercy for a very long time ( Nehemiah 9:17 Nehemiah 9:19 Nehemiah 9:31 ; Jer 3:12 ), ultimately ungodliness in Israel was met by a withdrawal of God's mercy, leading to judgment ( Lamentations 2:2 Lamentations 2:21 ; Zech 1:12 ). But even in judgment and discipline God's mercy can be seen and hoped for ( 2 Sam 24:14 ; Psalm 57:1 ; Isa 55:7 ; 60:10 ; Jer 31:20 ; Hab 3:2 ; cf. Tobit 6:17), for it is part of the basic disposition of love toward his people, and it directs his actions ultimately in ways that benefit his people.

Mercy as the Foundation of God's Covenant . Mercy and hesed [ d,s,j ], God's covenant love, are integrally related. So close is the relationship that hesed [ d,s,j ] sometimes is to be viewed in terms of mercy. In this relationship, mercy then comes to be seen as the quality in God that directs him to forge a relationship with people who absolutely do not deserve to be in relationship with him. Mercy is manifested in God's activity on behalf of his people to free them from slavery; it is neither theory nor principle. As the passages taken up with the establishment of the covenant with Israel show, God's mercy is a driving force in leading him to create a relationship with Israel ( Exod 34:6 ; Deut 4:31 ; 13:17 ; Hosea 2:19 ); its meaning through hesed [ d,s,j ] extends to that of loyalty based on merciful love, a loyalty that maintains the covenant despite Israel's own resistance ( Psalm 25:6 ; 40:11 ; 69:17 ; Isa 63:7 ; Jer 16:5 ; 42:12 ; Hosea 2:19 ; Joel 2:13 ; Zech 7:9 ). God's mercy is mediated through the covenant, by which he becomes the God of a people promising protection, provision, guidance, and his constant presence ( Psalm 23:6 ). Because God is the initiator, the mercy he gives is gracious, unmerited, undeserved ( Gen 19:16 ; Exod 33:19 ; Jer 42:12 ). Within the relationship, God's mercy is thus closely linked to forgiveness ( Exod 34:9 ; Num 14:19 ; Jer 3:12 ; Dan 9:9 ), a more basic disposition of compassion ( Deut 13:17 ) leading to forgiveness, and to the steadfast love by which God sustains the covenant and repeatedly forgives his people ( Psalm 25:6 ; 40:11 ; 51:1 ; 69:16 ; 103:4 ; 119:77 ; Jer 3:12 ; 16:5 ).

Salvation, membership in the covenant, and the promises of God all derive logically from the constellation of divine qualities that includes mercy. God's ability to provide, protect, and sustain a people finds its channel and direction through his gracious mercy acted out in historical contexts.

Mercy in the New Testament . The pattern of God's dealings with people in the Old Testament, at the core of which is mercy, also provides the shape for understanding his dealings in the New Testament. God desires a relationship with humankind, but must show mercy to them in order for this relationship to be built. Of course, the New Testament expounds the theme of God's mercy in the light of Christ, the supreme expression of love, mercy, and grace.

The Continuance of God's Covenant Mercy . Although the redemptive ministry of Christ comes to be thought of as the clearest expression of God's mercy, the Old Testament theme continues to be sounded as the basis for a people of God. In the "Magnificat" Mary recalls the mercy of God, God's hesed [ d,s,j ] -love, expressed in his continuing faithfulness to Israel ( Luke 1:50 Luke 1:54 Luke 1:58 Luke 1:72 Luke 1:78 ). Paul links this same divine commitment of mercy to undeserving people in the Old Testament with God's stubborn pursuit of Israel in and through Christ in the New Testament era and its extension to the Gentiles ( Romans 9:15-16 Romans 9:23 ; 11:31-32 ; 15:9 ). This latter thought is taken up in 1 Peter 2:10: "Once you were not a people; but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy" (NRSV). Applied with special emphasis to the Gentile believers to remind them of their undeserved blessings, the fact is equally true of Gentiles and Jews: people come into relationship with God only because God shows mercy to them.

Similarly, the New Testament writers echo the Old Testament belief that mercy belongs to God ( 2 Cor 1:3 ; James 5:11 ) and that this resource of mercy is inexhaustible ( Eph 2:4 ). For this reason, people can confidently cry out to God for mercy in time of need ( Luke 18:13 ; 2 Timothy 1:16 2 Timothy 1:18 ; cf. Matt 15:22 ; 17:15 ).

God's Mercy Displayed in the Ministry of Christ . The great Acts of mercy shown by God to the people of Israel found intimate expression in the ministry of Christ. The pattern he set, however, was not a new one, for he simply worked out the mercy of God at the human level. This is seen most clearly in his Acts of healing. Cleansed of the legion of demons, the healed man is told to return home and declare the mercy that God has shown to him ( Mark 5:19 ). The man had received from God without even asking. Others who beseeched Jesus to heal them or people with various afflictions knew that what they requested was for God to "be merciful" ( Matt 15:22 ; 17:15 ; Mark 10:47-48 ; [par] Luke 17:13 ). And invariably he was. Mercy was manifested in practical help, not simply in a consoling message that God was sympathetic with their plight.

Mercy as the Foundation of Salvation . Ultimately the mercy of God that Jesus demonstrated in individual salvific Acts becomes for the New Testament writers the illustration of the release from sin and death that God offers to the whole world through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ. The counterpart to the theme of the establishment of God's covenant with Israel in the Old Testament is the New Testament theme of God's gracious provision of salvation through the work of Christ. Each redemptive act of God — the exodus from Egypt and Jesus' crucifixion/resurrectionis interrelated. The one grounds and shapes the other, which receives clarity and development through the concept of salvation in the New Testament. What God did for Israel in rescuing them from slavery in Egypt he "saved" them was a part of the relationship he made with this people. Now in Christ the new exodus salvation from sin forms the basis for the relationship God desires with humankind. But the fundamental factor in each act of God is mercy: God's compassionate love for his creation that leads him to do for it what it cannot do for itself. Mercy thus forgives and liberates those who have no right to such blessings.

Salvation thus rests on God's mercy as executed in and through the Christ-event. This is perhaps seen most clearly in Paul's discussion with the Roman Christians about the Gentiles' place in God's family in Romans 9:15-18 (cf. 11:30-32 ). The point is made that salvation depends utterly on God's mercy and that the salvation of the Gentiles is but another display of this mercy: "For he [God] says to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion'" ( 9:15 ; quoting Exod 33:19 ). Mercy is such a dominant concept within salvation that the heirs of salvation are called "vessels of mercy" ( 9:23 ) in contrast to those who fail to receive it and are called "vessels of wrath" ( 9:22 ).

This theme is echoed elsewhere in the New Testament. Peter ( 1 Peter 1:3 ) reached back to the Old Testament records of God's establishment of a covenant with Israel and connected them with the new life in Christ to describe the salvation of Christians: "By his great mercy he has given us a new birth through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (NRSV). Titus 3:5 declares: "he saved us not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy" (NRSV). Ephesians 2:4-5 links the salvation of the Gentiles with God's richness of mercy. Throughout the New Testament it is clear that God's mercy is displayed to the world in Christ.

Mercy as the Response of Those to Whom Mercy Has Been Shown . Beyond viewing salvation as God's great act of mercy, the profound effect on the early church that God's mercy had can be seen in several other ways. Paul was conscious that his own rescue from a life as the church's and God's enemy came about because of God's mercy ( 1 Timothy 1:13 1 Timothy 1:16 ). His behavior deserved judgment, but God in his mercy bestowed salvation instead. Paul also regarded the right to participate in ministry as a decision of God grounded on his mercy ( 2 Cor 4:1 ). He saw with great sensitivity that even seemingly mundane events were actually manifestations of God's helping mercy ( Php 2:27 ). It is this kind of imprint on the heart that made mercy a common wish and blessing of one believer to another ( 2 Timothy 1:16 2 Timothy 1:18 ), and in some cases the opening greetings of letters included the wish for mercy ( 1 Tim 1:2 ; 2 Tim 1:2 ; 2 John 3 ; Jude 2 ; cf. Gal 6:16 ). In view of these examples, it is not exaggerating to say that life in Christ gives birth in believers' hearts to a consciousness not only of being recipients of God's mercy in one gift of salvation, but also of being daily recipients of fresh "mercies" of God, emblems of his ownership of us and care for us ( Rom 12:1 ; 2 Cor 1:3 ; all of the greetings cf. Lam 3:22-23 ).

In this awareness of God's past, present, and future ( Jude 21 ) mercy toward us, an element of our response to God takes on a new force in the New Testament. Christians are to be channels of God's mercy in the church and in the world.

The awareness in Judaism and early Christianity of the responsibility to show mercy is evident in the practice of almsgiving ( eleemosyne [ ejlehmosuvnh ]), a term developed from eleos [ e[leo" ]. This expression of mercy in the form of charitable giving might be driven by wrong motives ( Matt 6:2-4 ), but in Luke's writings especially it is cited as an example of true spirituality. Thus in Luke 11:41 the value of giving alms is placed high above religious rules about purity, which the Pharisees guarded so carefully. In 12:33 mercy expressed in charitable giving is made a characteristic of discipleship. This specific way of showing mercy is praised in the early church ( Acts 9:36 ; 10:2 ) and clearly regarded as an aspect of the normal Christian life (cf. Acts 24:17 ). In this way Christians become living signs of God's perfect mercy introduced in Christ and one day to be fully realized (cf. Acts 3:3 Acts 3:6 ).

In more general terms, to show mercy is a characteristic of life in God's kingdom, a demonstration of kingdom power. The beatitude (an announcement of blessing) in Matthew 5:7 indicates that showing mercy is one of the marks of righteousness, the gift of God associated with the inbreaking of God's kingdom. God has made it possible; therefore his people must do it. In so doing, they mirror the God who has saved them ( Luke 6:36 ; cf. the opposite picture in Matt 18:33 ; James 2:13 ). To illustrate fulfillment of the half of God's law given to direct human relationships, Jesus told the parable of the good Samaritan. Thus, showing mercy to our "neighbors" is part of the basic response of God's people to his covenant ( Luke 10:25-37 ; cf. Lev 19:17-18 ; Deut 6:4-5 ). Compassion and merciful action in behalf of those around us are the essence of spiritual living. The absence of mercy is a sign of unbelief and rejection of God ( Romans 1:28 Romans 1:31 ). The Jews were reprimanded for emphasizing cultic Acts and ignoring mercy toward one another ( Hosea 6:6 ). Jesus took up this reprimand to denounce the legalistic practices of the Pharisees ( Matt 9:13 ). True Christian faith produces genuine compassion and fruit in the form of Acts of mercy toward those in need. It was this characteristic of mercy that caused Christ to go among all kinds of people to help. Believers are to respond to the mercy shown them in the same way.

Philip H. Towner

Bibliography . R. Bultmann, TDNT, 2:477-87; 5:159-61; J. D. M. Derrett, Law in the New Testament ; H.-H. Esser, NIDNTT 2:593-601; N. Glueck, Hesed in the Bible ; R. A. Guelich, The Sermon on the Mount: A Foundation for Understanding ; E. Kä emann, New Testament Questions of Today ; N. H. Snaith, T he Distinctive Ideas of the Old Testament .

For usage information, please read the Baker Book House Copyright Statement .

Easton's Bible Dictionary - Mercy

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Definition of mercy noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• to ask/beg/plead for mercy
• They showed no mercy to their hostages.
• God have mercy on us.
• The troops are on a mercy mission (= a journey to help people) in the war zone.
• God's infinite mercy
• He asked for mercy for the crimes he had committed.
• The prisoners begged for mercy.
• The terrorists are completely without mercy.
• There shall be no mercy for my enemies.
• at the mercy of
• without mercy
• be grateful for small mercies
• be thankful for small mercies

Questions about grammar and vocabulary?

Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.

• It is a mercy (that)… It's a mercy she wasn't seriously hurt.
• His death was a mercy (= because he was in great pain) .
• I'm not going to put myself at the mercy of the bank.
• We were at the mercy of the weather.
• Well, at least you weren't hurt. I suppose we should be grateful for small mercies.
• privatized companies left to the mercy of market forces
• (humorous) I’ll leave you to the tender mercies of these ladies!
• (formal) to put yourself in a situation where you must rely on somebody to be kind to you and not harm or punish you

Other results

• mercy killings

Nearby words

• the Mercury Prize
• the Mercury program

Mercy Defined: Its Profound Meaning in the Bible

Unearth the divine depth of mercy in the Bible. Discover how this profound concept shapes faith, love, and human relationships.

Table of Contents

Definition and biblical understanding of mercy.

The Christian definition of Mercy is deeply rooted in religious and philosophical traditions and holds great significance in shaping moral and ethical behavior. In the context of the Judeo-Christian tradition, mercy embodies compassion, empathy, and extending forgiveness and kindness towards others, especially those in distress or facing adversity. The concept of mercy is intertwined with the nature and character of God, as portrayed in the Bible. It has enduring implications for how believers are called to embody and practice mercy in their lives.

As defined in religious contexts, mercy refers to the compassionate treatment and forgiveness extended towards those who deserve punishment or judgment. In the Bible, mercy is described as a central attribute of God, who is portrayed as being abundantly merciful and compassionate towards humanity. The biblical understanding of mercy emphasizes the call for believers to emulate God's merciful nature by extending forgiveness and compassion towards others, even in the face of wrongdoing or injustice. It also underscores the reciprocal relationship between receiving God's mercy and extending it to others as an essential aspect of practicing one's faith. The Bible frequently urges believers to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, reinforcing the interconnectedness of mercy, justice, and humility. Key takeaways:

• Mercy entails compassionate treatment and forgiveness.
• The Bible portrays God as abundantly merciful and calls believers to emulate this attribute.
• Practicing mercy involves reciprocity and the interconnectedness of mercy, justice, and humility.

Defining mercy in a biblical context

In the Old Testament, the concept of mercy is often described using Hebrew words such as chesed, Chen, and RuCHam. Chesed refers to God's covenant love and faithfulness, Chen emphasizes God's favor and grace, and RuCHam conveys God's deep compassion and tender mercy. In the New Testament, the Greek words eleos, charis, and splagxnon express the multifaceted nature of mercy, conveying God's compassion, grace, and deep feelings of love and care for humanity.

God's character as merciful, gracious, and compassionate is consistently emphasized throughout Scripture. The experience of receiving God's mercy transforms an individual's life, resulting in a deep desire to show mercy to others. This transformation is evident in the way individuals extend forgiveness, compassion, and grace to those around them, mirroring the mercy they have received from God.

Overall, the biblical understanding of mercy encompasses God's loving and compassionate nature, the transformation it brings to individuals, and the resulting desire to show mercy to others as a reflection of God's character.

Key Takeaways:

• Mercy in the Old Testament is conveyed through words such as chesed, Chen, and RuCHam.
• In the New Testament, mercy is expressed through eleos, charis, and splagxnon.
• God's character is defined by mercy, grace, and compassion.
• Receiving God's mercy transforms individuals, inspiring them to show mercy to others.

What does mercy mean in Greek?

The Greek word for "mercy" is ἔλεος (eleos), which conveys the idea of compassion, kindness, and pity. In the New Testament, ἔλεος is used to express God's compassionate care and forgiveness towards humanity. This concept of mercy in Greek parallels the original Hebrew concept of mercy, which is rooted in the word for "womb" and signifies divine protection and care.

In both Greek and Hebrew, the concept of mercy denotes a form of divine care and protection. This connection highlights God's nurturing and supportive nature towards humanity, emphasizing compassion and forgiveness. Just as a mother provides nurturing care and protection to her child, God's mercy is seen as a loving and compassionate extension of divine care towards humanity.

In summary, the Greek word ἔλεος captures the essence of God's compassionate care and forgiveness towards humanity, mirroring the original Hebrew concept of mercy as divine protection and care rooted in the word for "womb."

Key takeaways:

• The Greek word for "mercy" is ἔλεος (eleos), signifying compassion and pity.
• ἔλεος is used in the New Testament to convey God's compassionate care and forgiveness towards humanity.
• Both the Greek and Hebrew concepts of mercy emphasize divine care and protection, highlighting God's nurturing and supportive nature towards humanity.

What does mercy mean in Hebrew?

In Hebrew, the concept of mercy is closely related to the word for "womb," which is רחם (rechem). This linguistic connection is significant as it sheds light on the nature of God's mercy as portrayed in the Scriptures.

The word רחם is uses the Hebrew Bible to describe a woman’s womb, emphasizing this organ’s protective and nurturing aspect. This image provides insight into how readers should understand the function of God's "mercy." God's mercy, like a womb, protects and nurtures His people, providing a safe and secure environment for growth and restoration.

For example, God's mercy is prominently displayed in His interaction with Moses. God's protective mercy shields Moses from harm and ensures his safety as he fulfills his divine calling. Furthermore, the promise of restoration after exile in the Hebrew Scriptures highlights the protective aspect of God's mercy, as He promises to gather His people back and provide for them in a nurturing and secure manner.

In summary:

• The Hebrew word for mercy, רחם (rechem), is closely related to the word for "womb"
• This linguistic connection emphasizes the protective and nurturing aspect of God's mercy
• God's mercy is portrayed as providing a safe and secure environment for growth and restoration, as seen in His interaction with Moses and the promise of restoration after exile.

Key characteristics of mercy according to the Bible

Mercy, as defined in the Bible, is God's tenderhearted, loving compassion for His people, closely tied to His grace. In the Old Testament, we see God consistently showing mercy to His people, despite their rebellion and disobedience. For example, in Exodus 34:6-7, God reveals Himself as "the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin." This demonstrates God's consistent and unwavering compassion towards His people.

In the New Testament, we see the ultimate demonstration of God's mercy through Christ Jesus. Jesus' interactions with individuals, such as healing the sick, forgiving sins, and dining with sinners, exemplify God's tenderhearted compassion. In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus paints a beautiful picture of God's mercy and compassion towards those who repent and return to Him.

In summary, according to the Bible, the key characteristics of mercy are God's consistent and unwavering compassion for His people, demonstrated throughout both the Old and New Testaments. This mercy is intricately connected to His grace, and is clearly seen in His interactions with humanity, particularly through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

• Mercy defined as God's tenderhearted, loving compassion for His people
• Demonstrated in both Old and New Testaments through God's consistent compassion and Jesus' interactions
• Mercy closely connected to grace and exemplified in the parable of the prodigal son

Mercy Defined: A Closer Look at Biblical References

Mercy is a fundamental theological concept encompassing compassion, forgiveness, and kindness. In a biblical context, mercy is portrayed as a divine attribute of God and an essential virtue for believers to embody in their interactions with others. This discussion will delve into the various biblical references that define and illustrate the concept of mercy, examining its significance, implications, and practical application in everyday life. We will explore the multifaceted nature of mercy, its foundational role in Christianity, and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and communities. Ultimately, this closer look at biblical references will provide insight into the depth and richness of mercy as a divine gift and moral imperative.

Matthew 5:7 - Blessed are the merciful

In Matthew 5:7, Jesus teaches, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." This verse emphasizes the importance of displaying compassion and forgiveness towards others. It suggests that those who show mercy will, in turn, receive mercy from God, reflecting the reciprocal nature of grace.

Luke 6:36 further reinforces this concept by stating, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." This verse highlights the connection between God's mercy and our actions, encouraging believers to mirror God's compassion in their attitudes and actions towards others.

The Bible underscores the significance of being merciful, as it reflects the character of God and aligns with His expectations for His followers. By showing kindness, empathy, and forgiveness, individuals emulate the merciful nature of God and demonstrate their commitment to living out the teachings of the Bible.

In summary, the Bible emphasizes being merciful, as seen in Matthew 5:7 and Luke 6:36, by highlighting the reciprocal nature of grace and the importance of reflecting God's mercy in one's attitudes and actions towards others.

Luke 6:36 - Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful

Being merciful, as outlined in Luke 6:36, entails reflecting the merciful nature of God. God is the epitome of mercy, showing compassion and forgiveness to all, regardless of their shortcomings. As an expert on theological matters, it is important to understand that imitating the merciful nature of the Father involves embodying grace, kindness, and understanding towards others.

The significance of being merciful lies in the direct correlation between our actions and the nature of God. We emulate God’s character and exemplify His love for humanity by displaying mercy. This reflects a deep understanding of God's unconditional compassion and is a powerful testimony to His grace in our lives.

Practical ways to demonstrate mercy towards others include offering forgiveness, showing empathy, helping those in need, and refraining from judgment or condemnation. These actions reflect God’s mercy and bring healing and restoration to individuals and communities.

In conclusion, imitating the merciful nature of the Father, as outlined in Luke 6:36, encompasses embodying grace, displaying compassion, and showing forgiveness towards others. This reflects God’s nature and positively transforms our relationships and communities.

• Reflecting on the merciful nature of God is essential to understand how to be merciful.
• Being merciful is significant in imitating the nature of the Father and demonstrating His love.
• Practical ways to show mercy include forgiveness, empathy, and lending a helping hand to others.

Matthew 9:13 - Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice'

In Matthew 9:13, Jesus's teaching on mercy holds significant importance as it challenges the traditional religious practices of sacrifice and emphasizes the value of showing compassion and forgiveness to others. Jesus Christ's actions in showing mercy to the Samaritan woman and Zacchaeus exemplify his teachings, as he extends grace and acceptance to those considered outcasts.

Through his interactions, Jesus emphasizes the importance of mercy over sacrifice, demonstrating the power of transformative love and forgiveness. His words and actions redefine the concept of mercy and sacrifice within the context of his ministry, inspiring a radical shift in mindset and behavior.

Applying the principle of mercy in one's life and relationships involves embodying a spirit of compassion, forgiveness, and empathy. This includes reaching out to marginalized people, offering second chances, and practicing humility. Following Jesus's example, individuals can foster deeper connections, promote healing, and create a more inclusive and loving community.

• Jesus's teaching on mercy challenges traditional religious practices.
• His actions towards the Samaritan woman and Zacchaeus reflect his teachings on mercy.
• Applying the principle of mercy involves showing compassion, forgiveness, and empathy in one's life and relationships.

Examples of Mercy in the Bible

Mercy in the Bible is a central theme, illustrating God's compassion, forgiveness, and kindness towards his people. The concept of mercy is demonstrated through various stories and teachings, showcasing the importance of showing empathy and understanding towards others. From Old Testament narratives to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, the Bible presents numerous examples of mercy that serve as guiding principles for believers. These examples highlight the transformative power of mercy in relationship building, forgiveness, and reconciliation, offering essential lessons for individuals seeking to embody compassion and grace in their own lives.

God's mercy towards humanity throughout the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, God's mercy towards humanity is evident in various key events. For instance, after the Israelites sinned by creating the golden calf, God could have completely wiped them out. However, He showed His mercy by not giving up on them, instead providing a chance for repentance and forgiveness. This event showcases God's willingness to show mercy even in grave disobedience.

Moreover, throughout the Old Testament, God's mercy extends beyond Israel to all creation. In Psalms and other texts, there are numerous examples of God's compassion and forgiveness towards all people, not just the chosen nation of Israel. This demonstrates the inclusivity of God's mercy towards all of humanity, regardless of nationality or background.

Specific instances of God's forgiveness and compassion towards sinners, such as the story of King David and his repentance, further highlight the pervasive impact of God's mercy on all of reality. God's mercy is not limited to a select few but is available to all who seek His forgiveness.

In summary, the Old Testament is replete with examples of God's mercy towards humanity, showcasing His willingness to forgive and show compassion to all people, ultimately highlighting the pervasive impact of His mercy on all of creation.

What does it mean to have mercy?

Mercy encompasses various meanings, including compassion, forbearance, and clemency. It signifies showing kindness and forgiveness towards someone in need, especially when they deserve punishment or judgment. Mercy is deeply intertwined with grace and forgiveness, as it involves extending empathy and understanding to others and granting them a second chance or relief from their suffering.

In the biblical perspective, mercy is regarded as a fundamental attribute of God, exemplified through His compassion and forgiveness towards humanity. The ultimate example of God's mercy is demonstrated through Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, where he bore the sins of humanity and offered redemption and salvation to all.

Having mercy involves having a heart full of compassion, a willingness to forbear and extend clemency to others, and to emulate the divine mercy of God. It also entails extending grace and forgiveness, as exemplified by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Ultimately, mercy is about showing unconditional kindness and compassion towards others, just as God has shown towards us.

• Mercy involves compassion, forbearance, and clemency towards others
• It is closely related to grace and forgiveness
• In the biblical context, mercy reflects God's compassion and forgiveness, as demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.

How is mercy different from compassion?

Mercy and compassion are closely intertwined, yet they are distinct concepts. Compassion is the feeling of empathy and concern for the suffering of others, which leads to a desire to alleviate their pain or distress. On the other hand, mercy is showing kindness, forgiveness, or leniency to someone in a position of power over another.

The relationship between compassion and mercy lies in the fact that compassion often motivates acts of mercy. When someone acts compassionately, they are moved to extend mercy to those in need. For example, a doctor may show compassion for a terminally ill patient and choose to provide them with merciful palliative care.

Mercy can be seen as a gift given to someone suffering by someone acting with compassion. In this sense, compassion is the driving force behind the act of mercy. Another example could be someone who shows compassion towards a homeless person and offers them shelter or food as an act of mercy.

In summary, while compassion is the feeling of empathy and concern for others, mercy involves showing kindness and forgiveness to those in need, often motivated by compassion. The two concepts are intricately linked, with compassion often leading to merciful actions.

What does God’s mercy mean?

God's mercy can be understood as His willingness to show compassion and forgiveness to those who repent and seek His grace. It is a characteristic inherent to His nature, rooted in His incomprehensible grace and patience towards humanity.

God's mercy is displayed through His enduring patience, where He waits for us to turn to Him and seek His forgiveness. His compassion and forgiveness are limitless and extend to all who come to Him with repentance.

The key attributes of God's mercy include compassion, forgiveness, patience, and grace. These attributes express His deep love for His people, as He desires them to experience restoration and reconciliation with Him.

In summary, God's mercy underscores His profound love for humanity, as He extends compassion, forgiveness, and patience to those who seek His grace and repent. It is a concept deeply rooted in His nature, showcasing His incomprehensible love for His creation.

Is God’s mercy and God’s grace the same thing?

God's mercy and grace express God's love and compassion towards humanity, but they have distinct meanings and implications.

God's mercy is seen in withholding punishment that one deserves, such as how God showed mercy to King David after he sinned with Bathsheba. In 2 Samuel 12, despite David's grave transgressions, God chose not to execute the punishment David deserved, showing mercy through forgiveness.

On the other hand, God's grace is the undeserved favor and kindness bestowed upon someone, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9. This is exemplified in the Bible through the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Despite squandering his inheritance, the son was met with grace and unmerited favor as his father welcomed him back with open arms.

In summary, God's mercy withholds the punishment we deserve, while God's grace bestows us favor and kindness we do not deserve. Both express God's love and compassion, yet their distinct meanings show different facets of God's character towards humanity.

Why do we need God’s mercy?

We need God's mercy because it expresses His unconditional love for us. God's mercy signifies His forgiveness and compassion towards our brokenness and sinfulness. It reflects His willingness to forgive and restore us, despite our shortcomings.

God's mercy profoundly impacts our relationship with Him, as it reassures us of His unwavering love and willingness to forgive. It sends a powerful message to others about the depth of God's love and the transformative power of His mercy.

God’s mercy offers hope and compassion in a world of darkness and degradation. It acknowledges our human brokenness and provides a path towards healing and restoration. It demonstrates that we can find forgiveness and redemption through God’s mercy even in our darkest moments.

Overall, God's mercy is essential because it reminds us of the depth of God's love, offers forgiveness and compassion, and provides hope for a broken world.

• God's mercy reflects His unconditional love and forgiveness
• It has a profound impact on our relationship with Him and sends a powerful message to others
• In a broken world, God's mercy offers hope and compassion.

How to seek God’s mercy

Seeking God's mercy is crucial for our spiritual well-being. By acknowledging our need for forgiveness and demonstrating a repentant heart through our actions, we humble ourselves before God and recognize our reliance on His grace. This humility allows us to open our hearts to receive His mercy and experience the peace that comes from being reconciled with Him.

God's mercy is closely connected to His love for us. It is an intentional and powerful expression of His compassion. When we seek God's mercy, we embrace His love and forgiveness, allowing us to experience His transformative power in our lives.

Living a life reflecting a gratitude heart for God's mercy is vital. It's important to make choices and behave to honor God and demonstrate our appreciation for His mercy. This means forgiving others as we have been forgiven, showing compassion to those in need, and living with a spirit of humility and grace.

• Seeking God's mercy entails acknowledging our need for forgiveness and demonstrating a repentant heart.
• God's mercy is closely connected to His love for us and is an intentional expression of His compassion.
• Living a life reflecting a heart of gratitude for God's mercy is shown through our choices and behaviors, such as forgiving others and living with humility and grace.
• https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/mercy-bible-verses/
• https://billygraham.org/devotion/gods-mercy-is-everlasting/

In conclusion, demonstrating mercy through tangible actions is crucial in alleviating suffering rather than just feeling sympathy. Engaging in activities such as volunteering at a homeless shelter or donating to a charity supporting refugees showcases a compassionate response to those in need. By taking concrete steps, individuals and organizations can embody mercy that directly aids those suffering.

Real-life examples can be seen in organizations like Doctors Without Borders, who provide medical aid to those in crisis zones, and individuals like Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor. These examples highlight the impact of mercy in action, showing how tangible steps can make a difference in those facing hardship.

In essence, mercy is more than just a feeling of sympathy; it requires active participation in alleviating suffering. Through tangible actions, individuals and organizations can embody compassion in a way that brings real relief to those in need.

• Demonstrating mercy through tangible actions is essential in alleviating suffering
• Real-life examples of organizations and individuals exemplify mercy through their actions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between mercy and forgiveness in the bible.

Imagine holding a broken vase, symbolizing a wronged relationship. Forgiveness is like putting the pieces back together, mending the wrongs. Mercy, however, goes a step further. It's not just repairing, but adding gold to the cracks, making it even more beautiful. According to the Divine Mercy Interpretation, mercy's limitations don't exist - you're loved, healed, and uplifted. So, while forgiveness heals, mercy transforms, showing God's boundless love for you.

How can practicing mercy impact our daily lives according to the Bible?

Practicing mercy can transform your life. Embracing mercy's psychological impact, you'll experience inner peace, joy, and a sense of fulfillment. Moreover, the societal role of mercy is crucial. As you show kindness and forgiveness, you'll inspire others to do the same, fostering a more compassionate society. Remember, the mercy you extend to others is the measure you'll receive. So, make mercy a daily habit. It's a powerful way to reflect God's love daily.

How does the concept of mercy in the Old Testament differ from the New Testament?

Like a river that changes course, mercy's evolution from the Old to New Testament is transformative. In the Old Testament, mercy often meant God withholding deserved punishment. Mercy symbolism was about divine compassion, despite human disobedience. But in the New Testament, the concept evolved. Mercy became embodied in Jesus Christ's sacrifice, tangibly demonstrating God’s love and forgiveness. It's a powerful reminder that mercy, like a river, can change its course but it never runs dry.

How does mercy relate to the Bible’s virtues like love and kindness?

In the Bible, mercy plays a crucial role in relationships, bridging gaps between individuals and God. Displaying Biblical mercy involves showing love and kindness, reflecting God's character. When you're merciful, you embody God's love, extending kindness to those who may not necessarily deserve it. It's an act of selfless love, a tangible demonstration of God's grace. Remember, your mercy can inspire others, fostering a cycle of love and kindness in your community.

What are the consequences of not showing mercy according to the Bible?

"Remember, what goes around comes around. According to the Bible, there are severe consequences for not showing mercy. These 'Unmerciful Punishments' could include being denied God's mercy, spiritual blindness, and hardened hearts. Mercy's Limitations come when we don't extend it to others. Being unmerciful also hinders our prayers and disconnects us from God's grace. So, showing mercy is crucial, as it's not just a command, but a key to unlocking God's divine favor and blessings."

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The Meaning of Mercy

Choir: "Lord have mercy" [3 times] (Augumented Litany)

What is going through your mind when you hear the deacon or priest invoke this petition for the Lord’s mercy? Is it a mere background sound that you tune out, or do you think about…mercy, of course? What do you understand by this sacred term that is used so frequently in all of the Orthodox Christian worship, as well as private prayers? Forgiveness? To have our sins nullified as though they never happened? The Bible term “eleos” is emotional, and it always means God’s faithful and merciful help. God has promised it, so that while we cannot claim it, we can expect it. It comes with the covenant relationship between the Lord and His people. Kindness is assumed; a Person to person affection. God will be faithful and merciful to those who love and trust Him without reservation or hesitation. When we call out for mercy, we must check our own attitude—have we a faith, trust and love affair with God? If those are lacking, it’s high time to acknowledge it and get right with Him by owning up to our defects.

You know that by confessing your sins you are liberated from the oppression of a bad conscience. Now you must do something with your restored status before the Holy Trinity. You feel the glorious awareness of being right with God—the gift of grace. Grace means, in the definition of the divine Augustine, “The free gift of God’s mercy.”

It means that mercy is both the forgiveness of sins and the gift of grace. You have received a charisma—you are now a charismatic person. A loving God who knows you better than you can know yourself would not bless you with a gift that you are incapable of putting to good use; therefore, it’s for you to know yourself completely in order to discern the talent hidden within your psyche. What is it that God sees in you that you haven’t recognized in yourself?

When you find out, what will you do with that glorious blessing of grace given to you? Would you want to own a priceless ornament made of many precious jewels if all you could do with it would be to keep it safely locked away in a vault? Grace is not like that at all. Grace is not an ornament to show off but an attribute to make use of in your effort to make the world a better place. In other terms, as you are Jesus Christ’s disciple working to restore the world into the original plan of the Creator, you cannot do it without discovering and making use of all the gracious gifts that the Lord has poured out upon you.

Grace is the power of God coming into the world through you, the servant of the Lord. But it has no effect unless and until you want it, accept it, welcome it, receive it, and—most of all—make use of it. Jesus is telling us that message in the parable of the wealthy man who took a trip to a far country, first distributing his wealth among three of his servants. He knew their abilities and how different they were from one another. He gave to the most capable ten talents, to the second five, and to the least intelligent one talent. Upon his return he called each to account for what they had done to increase what he had entrusted them with, expecting them to multiply what was given to them. (Matthew 25:14-30). You know the tale well. What will you answer when the Lord calls you to account for the spiritual gifts He had given to you?

MERCY, MERCIFUL ( רָחַם , H8163 , to have compassion ; רַחֲמִים , H8171 , compassion ; חֶ֫סֶד֮ , H2876 , loving-kindness , steadfast love ; חָנַנ֒ , H2858 , to be gracious ; חֵנ֒ , H2834 , grace , favor ; חָמַל , H2798 , to spare , have compassion ; חֶמְלָה , H2799 , compassion , mercy ; חוּס , H2571 , to pity ; ἐλεέω , G1796 , to be merciful ; ἔλεος , G1799 , mercy, compassion ; ἔλεήμων , merciful , sympathetic ; οἰκτίρω , G3882 , to have mercy ; οἰκτιρμός , G3880 , pity , mercy , compassion ; οἰκτίρμων , G3881 , merciful , compassionate ; ἵλεως , G2664 , gracious , merciful ; σπλαγχνίζομαι , G5072 , to be moved with compassion ).

1. Definition . Present usage identifies mercy with compassion, in the sense of a willingness to forgive an offender or adversary and, more generally, simply by a disposition to spare or help another. This disposition, although inwardly felt, manifests itself outwardly in some kind of action. It is evident that mercy combines a strong emotional element, usually identified as pity, compassion, or love, with some practical demonstration of kindness in response to the condition or needs of the object of mercy. See [http://biblegateway/wiki/Compassion, Pity COMPASSION] .

In defining the word mercy, as employed by various Eng. VSS, one must consider a variety of Heb. and Gr. terminology. Such a consideration will not only illuminate the richness of mercy vocabulary, but will demonstrate something of the difficulty experienced by trs. in past attempts at uniformity in handling the subject.

2. Mercy in the OT . a. רָחַם , H8163 . This is the most common of the Heb. root-concepts used by modern trs. for “mercy.” It conveys the original sense of a physical seat of the compassion felt for another, whether identified with the bowels (modern equivalent: heart) or the womb ( Gen 43:30 ; 1 Kings 3:26 ). This physically-based emotion most naturally expresses itself in the context of family or fraternal ties. It is the expected reaction of a mother toward her sucking child ( Isa 49:15 ), of a father toward his dear son ( Jer 31:20 ), of a lover toward his betrothed ( Hos 2:19 ), and of a brother toward his brother ( Amos 1:11 ).

As a denominative Piel verb, rḥm can describe the attitude of God in response to the misery of His people ( 2 Kings 13:23 , where it is based both on their condition and God’s remembrance of His covenant), or simply the sovereign attitude of God in response to His will ( Exod 33:19 , with which cf. Rom 9:15 ). When man is the subject, rḥm is seen as a natural response where there is already some family tie (u.s.). Where no such tie exists, as in the case of a conqueror who shows compassion toward the conquered, the Bible uniformly attributes the real motivation to God, whose action behind the scenes creates compassion in an otherwise uncompassionate individual (cf. Isa 13:18 ; Jer 6:23 ; 21:7 with 1 Kings 8:50 and Jer 42:12 ).

As a noun, rachamîm (a pl. of intensity) is simply that emotion of pity, compassion, or love which is activated in each of the relationships noted above. Psalm 103:4 points to rachamîm as a quality extended to the redeemed as one of Yahweh’s benefits. Daniel 9:9 shows it to be a characteristic of God in light of which the rebellious may make their plea. It is mercy that gives a covenant-man hope for continued relationship with his God, and, in fact, it is this quality which the believer is commanded to exemplify in his relationships with others, particularly those in special need ( Zech 7:9 , 10 ). This latter prophetic commandment points back to the true cause of mercy, i.e., the pitiable condition of the one in need.

b. חֶ֫סֶד֮ , H2876 . A second Heb. word, ḥesed , is rendered “mercy” by the KJV, but, with the exception of Psalm 23:6 , the tr. does not appear in the RSV. In the latter VS, “steadfast love” is the usual substitute, a change reflecting widespread acceptance of the work of Nelson Glueck, whose 1927 dissertation demonstrated the connection of ḥesed with covenant terminology. It has been shown to include, at least in earlier material, the element of loyalty, devotion, or faithfulness to the demands of a covenant ( Exod 20:6 ; Josh 2:12-14 ). In the later writings, however, it moves beyond this sense of obligation and is charged with an indefinable but clearly emotional content. This manifestation of kindness and goodness, compassion and sympathy, both as demonstrated by God ( Jer 3:13 ) and as required of man ( Zech 7:9 , where ḥesed and rachamîm are parallel), makes ḥesed almost indistinguishable from rachamîm.

c. חָנַנ֒ , H2858 . A third shade of meaning connected with the concept of mercy is seen in the Heb. verb chnn and its derivatives. The verbal form is normally tr. by the KJV as “Be merciful” in the Psalms, and as “Be gracious” or “Show favor” in other passages. The RSV more consistently follows the tr. “Be gracious,” but makes exceptions ( Deut 7:2 ; Pss 57:1 ; 123:2 , 3 ).

The root idea is found in the frequently used noun chēn , simply meaning favor, success, acceptance, or even, in modern terms, good fortune ( Gen 39:4 ; Num 32:5 ), and usually incorporated into the expression, “find grace in the eyes of....” Although it is still the condition of the suppliant to which appeal is made (cf. Job 19:21 where chnn is tr. “Have pity on me”), the emphasis is on the success granted to the one in need.

That such response is not limited to God is shown by the advice given to man to show favor, or be kind, to the poor, the needy, widows, and orphans ( Pss 37:21 , 26 ; 112:5 ; Prov 14:21 , 31 ; 19:17 ; 28:8 , all in wisdom context). The sense of pitying or sparing the object of chnn is even more explicit in Deuteronomy 7:2 where the Israelites are commanded, “make no covenant with them, and show no mercy to (or ‘do not spare’) them.”

d. חָמַל , H2798 , and חוּס , H2571 . Two final Heb. words form a minor part of the mercy vocabulary. Each one in its verbal form may be tr. “to show compassion,” “to pity,” or “to spare.” Whether the inclination originates from the plight of the object or within the mind of the one acting must be determined from the context.

3. Mercy in the NT . In the NT, concepts included in the roots hsd, rhm, hnn, hml, and hus often are expressed by words other than mercy. ( See Atonement ; Bowels ; [http://biblegateway/wiki/Faith, Faithfulness FAITHFULNESS] ; Forgiveness ; and Grace .)

a. ἔλεως . The common term for mercy, eleos , and its verb eleëō , used both in the LXX and the NT, stand normally in the gospels for compassion in the sense of rahamîm. Matthew and Luke, in particular, present several kinds of human need, each with its appeal to Jesus based on His mercy. Blind men cry for sight ( Matt 9:27 ; 20:30 , 31 ; Mark 10:47 , 48 ; Luke 18:38 , 39 ); a Canaanite woman appeals on behalf of her daughter ( Matt 15:22 ); a father seeks peace for his possessed son ( Matt 17:15 ); and ten lepers plead for their cleansing ( Luke 17:13 ). It is to the mercy, or compassion, of Abraham, that the rich man appeals ( 16:24 ), and it is that same attribute in the Good Samaritan which Jesus commends ( 10:37 ). It is perhaps this same kind of compassion for the needy that Jesus listed as one of those “weightier matters of the law” ( Matt 23:23 ) so neglected in Pharasaic religion. By contrast, to be “full of mercy” ( ἐλεήμων , G1798 ), was to be a mark of the subject of Jesus’ kingdom, as shown in the familiar Beatitude ( 5:7 ).

Eleos in the sense of hesed (i.e., the covenant faithfulness owed to one another in mutual relationships) is also found in the gospels, esp. in the several references to eleos employed in Mary’s Magnificat ( Luke 1:50 , 54 ) and Zechariah’s prophecy ( 1:72 , 78 ). Such usage, however, is never seen as mere legal obligation. Rather, it is an internalizing of the obligations of the covenant, so strongly proclaimed in the prophetic kerygma ( Hos 6:6 KJV), that Jesus urged on the covenant people of His day ( Matt 9:13 RSV; 12:7 ). It was only as the Pharisees learned the true meaning of hesed , a meaning intimately connected with rahamîm, that they could accept the meeting of human need and a redemptive ministry to sinful men as the true fulfillment of covenant obligation.

In the epistles eleos has come to have almost the same meaning as charis , a word used to tr. the Heb. hēn or “grace,” but with a much more developed theological content. If there is a difference, it is prob. that suggested by Trench, i.e., that charis is God’s free grace extended to men as they are guilty, whereas eleos is God’s love extended to men as they are miserable (Trench, 163f.). Eleos appears as parallel to, or substitute for, grace in several apostolic salutations ( 1 Tim 1:2 ; 2 John 3 ; Jude 2 ). Further, it is the active agent of God’s love ( Eph 2:4 ); it reaches out to the disobedient ( Rom 11:32 , but note the covenant context both here and in Rom 9:15 , 16 , 18 , 23 ); it is the basis of special ministries or abilities ( 2 Cor 4:1 ); and it enables the sinner to become a trusted saint ( 1 Cor 7:25 ). Finally, mercy is that indispensable gift which is required on the final day for a man who must stand before a holy God ( 2 Tim 1:18 ).

b. οἰκτιρμός , G3880 . A second, less frequent word also reflects the thought behind rahamîm, and appears as the pl. (prob. to be regarded as a Semitism) designation of God’s collected sympathies and concerns ( Rom 12:1 ; 2 Cor 1:3 ). The verbal form is used only once ( Rom 9:15 ) where it is obviously parallel to eleëō. When applied to human emotions, oiktirmos clearly shows the same physical seat of deep concern that was noted earlier in rahamîm, a thought evident in its relationship to splagchna , “bowels” ( Col 3:12 KJV and Phil 2:1 RSV, the latter of which is a hendiadys).

4. Summary . Mercy, therefore, in Biblical usage, is many-faceted. Basic to the concept is God’s care for man in his wretchedness and creatureliness. This emotionally-based response manifests itself in His redemptive acts. The man responding to God sees in himself one who has received mercy; therefore he in turn must show mercy to his fellow man.

Bibliography J. Pedersen, Israel, Its Life and Culture , I-II (1926), 309, 525; W. F. Lofthouse, “ Hen and Hesed in the OT,” ZAW, XLI (1933), 29-35; R. Bultmann, “ ἔλεος , G1799 ,” TDNT, II (1964, Ger. original 1935), 477-487; F. Büchsel, “ ἱλεως ,” TDNT, III (1965, Ger. original 1938), 300, 301; W. E. Vine, An Expository Dictionary of NT Words , III (1940), 60-63; N. H. Snaith, The Distinctive Ideas in the OT (1944), 95; N. H. Snaith, “Loving-kindness,” RTWB (1951), 136, 137; R. Bultmann, “ οἰκτιρμός , G3880 ,” TDNT, V (1967, Ger. original 1954), 159-161; C. H. Dodd, The Bible and the Greeks (1954), 55-69; U. Masing, “Der Begriff Hesed im Alttestamentlichen Sprachgebrauch,” Charisteria Iohanni Kopp: Papers of the Estonian Theological Society in Exile #7 (1954), 29-63; W. L. Reed, “Some Implications of hen for OT Religion,” JBL, LXXIII (1954), 36-41; A. R. Johnson, “ Hesed and Hasid ,” Interpretationes ad Vetus Testamentum Pertinentes Sigmundo Mowinckel (1955), 100-112; W. Eichrodt, Theology of the Old Testament , I (1961), 232-239; L. J. Kuyper, “Grace and Truth,” Reformed Review, XVI (1962), 1-16; N. Glueck, Hesed in the Bible (1967, rev. from Ger. original, 1927).