Topical Encyclopedia
The term "tender-hearted" is used in the Bible to describe a disposition of compassion, kindness, and sensitivity towards others. It reflects a heart that is easily moved by the needs and sufferings of others, and it is often associated with forgiveness, mercy, and love. This quality is highly esteemed in Scripture and is seen as a reflection of God's own nature.
Biblical References:1.
Ephesians 4:32 : "Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This verse highlights the importance of being tender-hearted as part of Christian conduct. It is linked with kindness and forgiveness, suggesting that a tender heart is essential for maintaining harmonious relationships within the body of Christ.
2.
Colossians 3:12 : "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." While the term "tender-hearted" is not explicitly used here, the call to have "hearts of compassion" aligns closely with the concept. Believers are encouraged to embody these virtues as a reflection of their identity in Christ.
3.
1 Peter 3:8 : "Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tender-hearted and humble." This exhortation to the early Christian community emphasizes the importance of unity and mutual care. Being tender-hearted is presented as a key component of living in harmony with others.
Theological Significance:In the biblical context, being tender-hearted is not merely an emotional response but a deliberate choice to act in love and mercy. It is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life, transforming them to reflect the character of Christ. The tender-hearted person is one who is open to the leading of the Spirit, allowing their heart to be softened towards others.
Practical Application:For Christians, cultivating a tender heart involves actively seeking to understand and empathize with others. It requires a willingness to forgive and to extend grace, even when it is difficult. This quality can be nurtured through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and by following the example of Jesus, who demonstrated ultimate compassion and mercy.
Old Testament Insights:While the specific term "tender-hearted" is more prevalent in the New Testament, the concept is present throughout the Old Testament. For example, in the account of King Josiah, his tender heart is noted in
2 Kings 22:19 : "Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and its people, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and because you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you, declares the LORD." Josiah's response to God's word exemplifies a tender-hearted attitude, characterized by humility and repentance.
Conclusion:The biblical call to be tender-hearted is a call to embody the love and compassion of Christ in all interactions. It is a vital aspect of Christian character, enabling believers to live out their faith in a way that honors God and blesses others.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Having great sensibility; susceptible of impressions or influence; affectionate; pitying; sensitive.
Greek
2155. eusplagchnos --tenderhearted, compassionate... Word Origin from eu and splagchnon Definition
tenderhearted, compassionate NASB
Word Usage kindhearted (1),
tender-
hearted (1). pitiful,
tender-
hearted.
...Strong's Hebrew
7390. rak -- tender, delicate, soft... weak (2). fainthearted, soft,
tender hearted, one, weak. From rakak; tender
(literally or figuratively); by implication, weak -- faint
...3824. lebab -- inner man, mind, will, heart
... wholeheartedly* (1), yourself (1). bethink themselves, breast, comfortably,
courage, faint,tenderhearted. From labab; the heart...
Library
Ephesians iv. 31, 32
... all malice. And be ye kind one to another,tender-hearted, forgiving each
other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.". If we...
Why all Things Work for Good
... God cannot hurt His children, for He is atender hearted Father, "Like as a father
pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him" (Psalm 103:13...
Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
... like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren,tender-hearted, humble-minded...
recognized""Compassionate, loving as brethren,tenderhearted, and humbleminded...
Death.
... It is one which has been a comfort to me again and again. It is one which, if rightly
understood, ought to give comfort to pitiful andtender-hearted persons....
All who Walk According to Truth are Children of God.
... nepios), that to nepion is not predicated of the silly: for the silly man is called
neputios: and nepios is neepios (since he that istender-hearted is called...
The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New
... 'But Christ is so loving, sotender-hearted that he surely will not punish us for
our sins.' This is the confused notion that too many people have about him....
The Children of the Poor.
... "The hands oftender-hearted women cooked their own children; They were their
food, in the destruction of the daughter of my people."....
A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... Why was not Jesus there? Why did He not come?Tender hearted as He always was,
what could have made Him thus unkind? Why tarrieth He so?...
Receiving and Rejecting.
... all malice. And be ye kind one to another,tender hearted, forgiving one
another.". II. We will consider Christ as the Judge. The...
Self-Inspection.
... say of me, unjust, hard-hearted, peculating, exacting: on the contrary, I am strictly
honest in my dealings, and I am very forbearing andtender-hearted, and I...
Thesaurus
Tenderhearted (3 Occurrences)...Tenderhearted (3 Occurrences). Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another,
tenderhearted,
forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
...Tender-hearted (2 Occurrences)
...Tenderhearted,Tender-hearted. Tender-heartedness . Noah Webster's Dictionary...
(ASV WBS).Tenderhearted,Tender-hearted. Tender-heartedness . Reference
Tender (66 Occurrences)
... "Tender-hearted" in 2 Chronicles 13:7 means "faint-hearted," while in 2 Kings... eleous
("bowels of mercy") in Luke 1:78; compare "tenderhearted" for eusplagchnos...
Pitiful (5 Occurrences)
... it might be translated "large-hearted" or "tender-hearted." In Ecclesiasticus 2... Version
(British and American) "loving as brethren,tenderhearted, humble-minded...
Kindhearted (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Peter 3:8 In conclusion, all of you should be of one mind, quick to sympathize,
kind to the brethren,tenderhearted, lowly-minded, (See NAS)....
Unity (9 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be all like-minded, compassionate, loving as
brothers,tenderhearted, courteous, (See RSV). 2 Chronicles...
Opposed (23 Occurrences)
... to him worthless men, base fellows, who strengthened themselves against Rehoboam
the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young andtenderhearted, and could not...
Likeminded (4 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY ASV). 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, 'be' ye all likeminded, compassionate,
loving as brethren,tenderhearted, humbleminded: (ASV)....
Like-minded (5 Occurrences)
... (WEB DBY WBS YLT). 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be all like-minded, compassionate, loving
as brothers,tenderhearted, courteous, (WEB). Likeminded,...
Resources
What does it mean that God collects our tears in a bottle? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that “a bruised reed He will not break” in Matthew 12:20? | GotQuestions.orgThe Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is kindness? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
