connected with eleemon, "merciful," signifies (a) "mercy, pity, particularly in giving alms," Matthew 6:1-4; Acts 10:2; 24:17; (b) the benefaction itself, the "alms" (the effect for the cause), Luke 11:41; 12:33; Acts 3:2,3,10; 9:36 , "almsdeeds;" Acts 10:2,4,31 .
Note: In Matthew 6:1 , the RV, translating dikaiosune, according to the most authentic texts, has "righteousness," for AV, "alms."