The Greek word splagchnon (usually plural, splagchna) originally referred to the inner parts — the bowels, heart, lungs, and entrails — as the seat of deep emotion in Greek thought. In the New Testament it becomes the word for deep, visceral compassion — the gut-level feeling of tenderness and mercy. Its verbal form splagchnizomai (G4697) describes Jesus being 'moved with compassion.'
The use of splagchna for compassion reflects the ancient understanding that the deepest emotions originate in the body's center. When Jesus saw the crowds, He was moved with splagchnizomai — a word so strong it is almost impossible to translate adequately. Paul uses splagchna for the tender affections of Christ himself (Philippians 1:8) and for his own deep feeling for the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 6:12). In Philemon, Paul appeals to Onesimus as his very 'heart' (splagchna). The word represents the opposite of cold, calculating religion — it is the warm, urgent compassion that drives action. Christian ministry flows from this deep wellspring.