📖 Biblical Definition
The fifth Beatitude of Christ’s Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7). Mercy here is active — the merciful do mercy, show mercy, give mercy, especially to the undeserving. The Greek eleēmones describes a settled disposition, not occasional kindness. Christ’s promise is reciprocal: those who show mercy receive mercy from God, both now and at the judgment: "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment" (James 2:13). The parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-35) illustrates the inverse. Mercy received and mercy given are tightly bound; the disciple who keeps tally has not yet understood his own forgiveness.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
BLESSED ARE TH, n.
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A scriptural beatitude; the fifth declaration of blessing in the Sermon on the Mount.
📖 Key Scripture
Matthew 5:7 — "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."
Matthew 18:33 — "Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?"
James 2:13 — "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment."
Luke 6:36 — "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity wants mercy received without mercy given; Christ tied the two together.
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James 2:13 is a frightening verse for hard-hearted Christians: he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy. The Lord's mercy to His people is unbreakable, but it shapes them into merciful people; the man who never extends mercy demonstrates that he never received it. Mercy received bears mercy given.
Modern Christianity wants mercy received without mercy given. We expect God to forgive our debts while we collect on our debtors. Christ's parable of the unforgiving servant (Matt 18) and James 2 close this loophole. Show mercy. Forgive freely. Give to the underserving. Mercy received and mercy given are mirror sides of one grace.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek roots below.
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G1655 — eleemon — merciful
G1656 — eleos — mercy
Usage
"Modern Christianity wants mercy received without mercy given."
"Mercy received bears mercy given; the failure to extend mercy demonstrates failure to receive."
"Show mercy; forgive freely; mercy received and given are mirror sides of one grace."