“Empathy” was coined in 1908 by psychologist Edward B. Titchener to translate the German aesthetic term Einfühlung (“in-feeling”). It derives from the Greek empatheia (passion/emotion), combining en- (“in”) and pathos (“feeling”). It initially meant projecting one’s emotions onto art or objects, only later evolving into understanding others’ feelings.
That being said; it’s not biblical. It does not exist in the Bible.
I don’t like how “empathy” evolved because it replaces another more important word and its meaning: COMPASSION. I sometimes use the word “empathy” for its popularity as it catches attention, but explain it from the point of compassion. The word COMPASSION is not being used as much. That’s probably because:
EMPATHY IS PASSIVE.
Emotional empathy is only felt; without any action it’s not helpful to anyone; not to the person who feels, and not to the person who emotes.
Cognitive empathy is only understood.
Used by predators for manipulation. It’s a lie to say “narcissist lack empathy;” they do have empathy and they weaponize it for their own benefit. If they do the good deed, it’s only for their own reward like praise, validation, reputation, financial gain, etc. It’s easily mistaken for compassion, but narcissists are void of true compassion.
Isaiah 57:12 “Now I will expose your so-called good deeds. None of them will help you.”
COMPASSION IS ACTIVE.
It’s BOTH emotional and cognitive “empathy” but it goes further—action without selfish/hidden motive.
Hebrews 13:1-3 “Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to SHOW HOSPITALITY to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.”
Mark 1:40-42 “A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. MOVED WITH COMPASSION, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed.”
Luke 6:36 “YOU MUST BE COMPASSIONATE, JUST AS YOUR FATHER IS COMPASSIONATE.”
James 2:14
“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”
Matthew 6:1-24
Teaching about Giving to the Needy
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the HYPOCRITES do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their ACTS OF CHARITY! I TELL YOU THE TRUTH, they have received all the reward they will ever get. BUT WHEN YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE IN NEED, DON’T LET YOUR LEFT HAND KNOW WHAT YOUR RIGHT HAND IS DOING. GIVE YOUR GIFTS IN PRIVATE, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Learn more: LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR