γίνεσθε οἰκτίρμονες. ‘Become,’ or ‘Prove yourselves merciful’ (omit οὖν, אBDL).

οἰκτίρμων. St Matthew has “perfect,” Matthew 5:48; but that there is no essential difference between the two Evangelists we may see in such expressions as “the Father of Mercies,” 2 Corinthians 1:3; “the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy,” James 5:11; “Put on therefore as the elect of God … bowels of mercies, kindness,” Colossians 3:12; Isaiah 30:18. “God can only be our ideal in His moral attributes, of which Love is the centre.” Van Oosterzee.

“It is an attribute to God Himself,
And earthly power doth then shew likest God’s

When mercy seasons justice.”

SHAKSPEARE.

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Old Testament