σπλαγχνίζομαι (Splanchnizomai)

MEANINGTo have compassion, to be moved with compassion in one's inner organs. From splanchna (bowels/chest --- the seat of deep emotion in ancient thought). Visceral, physical interior response.

GRAMMARAorist passive in Luke 15:20 (esplanchnisthē): he was immediately, completely moved with compassion. The passive voice makes the compassion something that overtook the father involuntarily, not a calculated decision. The aorist marks instantaneous total response at the moment of recognition.

SIGNIFICANCESplanchnizomai is consistently used for Jesus's compassion toward the sick and lost, and for the father in Luke 15:20. This is Thread 1's NT expression: the reaching is not obligation but this gut-level response that cannot be suppressed. The father in Luke 15 was moved (passive) before he ran --- the compassion moved him before the decision.

KEY VERSE / SCRIPTURESMatthew 9:36; 14:14; 20:34; Mark 6:34; Luke 7:13; 10:33; Luke 15:20; Matthew 18:27.

CROSS-REFERENCESLuke 15:20 · Matthew 9:36 · רַחוּם rachum (OT equivalent --- womb-compassion) · נֶהְפַּךְ לִבִּי nehpakh libbi