A quality due to which a person does some significant kindness to another in need, notably when that other has no right to the kindness and cannot repay it. The quality inheres in a person’s eyes and/or heart (Deut 7:16; Deut 19:13; Deut 19:21; Ps 17:10) and is revealed by what a person does on behalf of others in need (Ps 111:4-9; Mark 1:41; Mark 8:2). One who acts out of pity is said to be compassionate or gracious. Such pity is a quality of God (Exod 34:19; Rom 9:15; Jonah 4:2; Ps 103:8; Ps 103:13; Ps 111:4; Jas 5:11); its withdrawal is a sign of God’s judgment (Jer 13:14; Ezek 5:11; Ezek 7:4; Ezek 7:9). It normally marks the behavior of fathers toward their children (Ps 103:13; but see Ezek 5:10). Prophets expect it of God’s people in dealing with their less fortunate fellows and resident aliens (Zech 7:8), and Jesus uses it as the touchstone of his picture of the final judgment (in Matt 25:31-46). Pity is undoubtedly part and parcel of the care and concern for neighbor that Jesus sought (Matt 5:43-47; Luke 6:27-28).
