13 Bible Verses About Compassion

Compassion, defined as a deep emotional response to suffering, is a central characteristic of God—evident throughout both the Old Testament, where God continually accompanies His people, and the New Testament, where Christ, the Good Shepherd, is often moved with pity.

Explore these 13 Bible verses about compassion, a quality closely tied to mercy and tenderness.

13 Biblical Teachings on Compassion

"The angel of the Lord said to her, ‘You are now pregnant and you will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery.’" (Genesis 16:11)

"When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless." (Genesis 29:31)

"The Lord will vindicate his people and relent concerning his servants when he sees their strength is gone and no one is left, slave or free." (Deuteronomy 32:36)

"Then the Israelites said to the Lord, ‘We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.’ They got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the Lord. And he could bear Israel’s misery no longer." (Judges 10:15–16)

"Then Jehoahaz sought the Lord’s favor, and the Lord listened to him, for he saw how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel. The Lord provided a deliverer for Israel, and they escaped from the power of Aram." (2 Kings 13:4–5)

"‘Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, “This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord.”’" (2 Kings 20:5)

"Yet they were disloyal and faithless like their ancestors; they were as unreliable as a faulty bow. But he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them." (Psalm 78:37–38)

"You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you." (Psalm 86:5)

"‘In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,’ says the Lord your Redeemer." (Isaiah 54:8)

"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:35–36)

"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick." (Matthew 14:14)

"During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.’" (Mark 8:1–2, NIV)

"Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don’t cry.’" (Luke 7:11–13)

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More About God’s Compassion

What Is an Example of Compassion in the Bible?

In the Gospels, we see how deeply Jesus embodies compassion—He truly suffers with those who suffer. He reflects a God who is not indifferent to our pain. A powerful example is the death of Lazarus, where Jesus weeps: "Jesus wept." (John 11:35, NIV). This moment reveals His tender heart, moved by human grief.

How Does the Bible Define Compassion?

A key definition of biblical compassion comes from Paul’s letter to the Romans:
"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." (Romans 12:15, NIV).
True compassion means entering into another’s joy or sorrow—sharing their experience as if it were your own.

Which Bible Verse Comforts Someone in Suffering?

For those facing despair, these words from Lamentations offer profound hope:
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22–23, NIV).
This verse reminds us that God’s mercy is relentless, renewing us daily even in our darkest moments.