Does Kyrie Eleison Have a Christian Meaning?

Most today won’t recognize the phrase “kyrie eleison.” And if they do, like me, they first think of the 1980s song by Mr. Mister when they hear this phrase. However, this phrase didn’t start with a rock band. “Kyrie eleison” originated centuries ago and has a long history within the Christian community, and we can learn more about God through the phrase.

What Does Kyrie Eleison Mean in English?

Kyrie eleison translates to “Lord, have mercy” in English. To fully grasp its meaning, we must break down the root words and explore the term's historical origins.

Kyrie eleison consists of two Greek words. “Kyrie” is the vocative form of kyrios, which means “Lord” or “Master.” In the New Testament, kyrios refers to God or Jesus Christ, highlighting their authority and divinity. The term conveys respect and reverence. “Eleison” comes from the verb eleeo, meaning “to have mercy” or “to show compassion.” The imperative “eleison” directly urges a person to show mercy, reflecting an earnest and heartfelt request for relief from suffering or wrongdoing.

The phrase “kyrie eleison” has roots in pre-Christian Greek culture and early Jewish worship practices. In ancient Greece, people used similar expressions in both secular and religious contexts, appealing to gods or rulers for mercy and favor. As Christianity emerged and began to spread, early Christians incorporated elements from Hellenistic culture into their new faith practices. Kyrie eleison naturally found a place in Christian worship due to its established usage in expressing supplication and reverence.

Kyrie eleison acknowledges God’s ultimate authority and power to forgive and heal. By invoking “Kyrie,” worshippers recognize God’s lordship and their dependence on his grace. The plea for mercy (“eleison”) reflects human fallibility and the constant need for divine compassion and forgiveness.

In the New Testament, “Lord” and “Lordship” emphasize Jesus’ divine authority and sovereignty. Believers use “Lord” to revere Jesus as God. This title signifies Jesus’ authority over all creation, his role as the Messiah, and his divine nature. Lordship implies that Jesus rules believers’ lives, calling for submission, obedience, and devotion. Philippians 2:9-11 states that every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, revealing his exalted position.

At the same time, the Bible describes God’s mercy as vast and enduring. In Exodus 34:6-7, God proclaims his merciful nature, showing compassion and steadfast love. In Lamentations 3:22-23, Scripture teaches that God’s mercies never end and renew every morning. Jesus illustrates God’s mercy through parables like the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), showing God’s readiness to forgive and restore.

Is Kyrie Eleison in the Bible?

While the precise phrase “kyrie eleison” is not found in the Bible, the components invoking the Lord and a plea for mercy echo in various New Testament passages.

“And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.’” (Matthew 15:22)

In this verse, the Canaanite woman addresses Jesus as Lord (Kurios) and requests mercy. Her plea’s structure and intent closely align with the phrase “kyrie eleison.” She recognizes Jesus' authority and earnestly seeks his compassionate intervention.

Matthew 17:15 records another appeal: “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water.” Here, a father approaches Jesus, using “Lord” (Kurios) and asking for mercy for his suffering son. This direct appeal reflects the phrase’s essence: a heartfelt request for Jesus’ merciful action.

“And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, ‘Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!’” Here in Matthew 20:30, the blind men call out to Jesus, addressing him as Lord (Kurios) and seeking his mercy. Their plea demonstrates their faith in King Jesus’ power to heal.

The term “Kurios” appears in the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 4:8, the four living creatures continually say, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” These supernatural beings use kurios to address God, praising his eternal nature and supreme authority.

The biblical usage of kurios and pleas for mercy provided a foundation for developing the phrase “kyrie eleison” in Christian liturgy.

What Does Kyrie Eleison Mean in Church History?

In Jewish worship, prayers for God’s mercy were common, especially in the Psalms. For instance, Psalm 51 profoundly pleads for God’s mercy. Early Christians, many of whom were Jews, naturally incorporated this concept into their prayers. This adoption likely occurred in the first few centuries after Christ, as the early church sought to establish a distinct identity while remaining connected to its cultural roots.

By the first few centuries AD, the phrase “kyrie eleison” had become a staple in Christian worship. The Eastern Orthodox tradition uses the phrase throughout the liturgy. It often appears in litanies, where the deacon or priest leads the congregation in petitions, each followed by the response, “kyrie eleison.” This repetition emphasizes the community’s continuous need for God’s mercy and the humility and repentance of the worshippers.

“Kyrie eleison” remained central to the liturgy during the medieval period. The Gregorian Chant, a form of plainchant developed during this time, often included “Kyrie eleison” as a melodic, repetitive prayer aiming to elevate the soul towards God. The chant’s simplicity and solemnity resonated deeply with worshippers and reinforced the religious service’s prayerful atmosphere.

The Reformation significantly changed Christian worship, particularly in the Western Church. Reformers like Martin Luther emphasized congregational participation and clarity in worship. While some Reformation traditions retained the phrase “kyrie eleison” in their services, others translated it into common languages to make it more accessible. Despite these changes, the core plea for mercy remained intact, reflecting its enduring significance.

In contemporary Christian worship, kyrie eleison continues to be a vital element. It is used in various denominations, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran traditions. Modern liturgies often incorporate “Kyrie eleison” in the Penitential Act, where the congregation collectively acknowledges their sins and seeks God’s mercy.

One of the most ironic uses of the phrase “kyrie eleison” comes in the 1961 movie Lord of the Flies, when a boys’ choir is stranded on an island. They sing the chorus from one of their choir songs, “kyrie eleison,” as they travel through the jungle. Eventually, the choirboys become brutal and create tribes that fight each other, the direct opposite of the “kyrie eleison” plea they sing about.

Of course, there is the Mr. Mister song. The song seems to use “kyrie eleison” as a refrain when talking about trying to find the next steps in life. While this is more general than talking specifically about the grace we have in Christ, it is a good reminder: we should ask for God’s guidance and mercy as we keep moving through life, seeking his blessing for our future endeavors.

What Can the Phrase Kyrie Eleison Teach Us Today?

The phrase “kyrie eleison” reminds us of our relationship with God, the importance of humility, and the need for compassion in our daily lives.

The term acknowledges God’s supreme authority over all creation. In a world where self-reliance and independence are emphasized, “Kyrie eleison” calls us to recognize and submit to God’s ultimate authority. Our worshipful acknowledgment creates a sense of reverence and awe towards God, reminding us we are under his divine guidance and care.

The plea “have mercy” (eleison) comes from a place of humility and need. It recognizes our inability to achieve righteousness on our own, which encourages the need for humility. Despite our efforts, we completely depend on God’s grace for forgiveness and redemption. Embracing humility helps us to avoid pride and self-righteousness, leading us to a more authentic and honest relationship with God. Humility also gives us access to divine grace and strength. At the same time, pride activates God’s resistance (James 4:6).

A continual plea for God’s mercy empowers our prayer life, encouraging us to seek God’s forgiveness regularly. Through “Kyrie eleison,” we acknowledge our sins and shortcomings and open ourselves to God’s transformative power. Seeking mercy helps us to grow in holiness and align our lives more closely with God’s will. The phrase’s simplicity makes it an accessible and powerful prayer that can be repeated throughout the day. Continuous prayer nurtures a deeper, more consistent spiritual life, keeping us connected to God in every circumstance.

As people who have been forgiven much and require such mercy, kyrie eleison inspires us to show mercy to others, teaching us about the importance of compassion. Jesus lists blessing for the merciful in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Our mercy manifests in acts of forgiveness, kindness, and generosity. In a world where division and conflict are common, embodying compassion can make an impact, reflecting the love and grace of God to others.

Finally, our universal need for mercy unites all believers. In liturgical settings, the communal aspect of Kyrie eleison symbolizes the collective nature of seeking God’s mercy. Where two or more disciples agree, Jesus promises it will be done (Matthew 18:19). With Christ’s promise, we can cry out for our mercy and send his amazing mercy upon others. All have sinned and require the Father’s mercy and love. Let us use “Kyrie eleison” to call upon the Lord for his compassion and salvation for those we love.

Peace.

Photo Credit:©GettyImages/Tinnakorn Jorruang

Britt Mooney lives and tells great stories. As an author of fiction and non-fiction, he is passionate about teaching ministries and nonprofits the power of storytelling to inspire and spread truth. Mooney has a podcast called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a published author of We Were Reborn for This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth as well as Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight.

This article is part of our larger resource library of Christian questions important to the Christian faith. From core beliefs to what the Bible says about angels, we want to provide easy to read and understand articles that answer your questions about Christian living.

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