# compassion, compassions, compassionate, deal gently with, pity, sympathy

## Definition:

The term "compassion" refers to a feeling of concern for people, especially for those who are suffering. A "compassionate" person cares about other people and helps them.

* The word "compassion" usually includes caring about people in need, as well as taking action to help them.  
* The Bible says that God is compassionate, that is, he is full of love and mercy.
* In Paul's letter to the Colossians, he tells them to "clothe themselves with compassion." He is instructing them to care about people and to actively help others who are in need.
* To have "sympathy" for someone is to understand how that person feels and to want to help him.
  
## Translation Suggestions:

* The literal meaning of "compassion" is "bowels of mercy." This is an expression that means "mercy" or  "pity." Other languages may have their own expression that means this.
* Ways of translating "compassion" could include, "a deep caring for" or "helpful mercy."
* The term "compassionate" could also be translated as, "caring and helpful" or "deeply loving and merciful."

## Bible References:

* [Daniel 01:8-10](rc://en/tn/help/dan/01/08)
* [Hosea 13:14](rc://en/tn/help/hos/13/14)
* [James 05:9-11](rc://en/tn/help/jas/05/09)
* [Jonah 04:1-3](rc://en/tn/help/jon/04/01)
* [Mark 01:41](rc://en/tn/help/mrk/01/41)
* [Romans 09:14-16](rc://en/tn/help/rom/09/14)

## Word Data:

* Strong's: H2550, H2580, H2603, H5150, H5162, H5164, H7349, H7355, H7356, G1653, G3356, G3627, G4697, G4834, G4835

