splanchnizomai

Semantic range

1. 1to feel compassion viscerally
2. 2from splanchna, the inward parts — the seat of the emotions in Greek idiom

In the Gospels this verb is used almost exclusively of Jesus, and it is physical: the compassion registers in the body. The KJV's "moved with compassion" is decorous; the Greek is closer to being turned over inside.

It appears at the raising of the widow's son (Luke 7:13), at the sight of the leaderless crowd (Matthew 9:36), and in the parables of the prodigal's father (Luke 15:20) and the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:33). 3 Nephi 17:6–7 gives the same picture in the Savior's own words: "I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy."

See also

• רַחֲמִיםraḥămîm
• ἀγάπηagapē
• ἔλεοςeleos