For 30 years, JBTh has been addressing academic theology with highly interesting topics, but at the same time to theologians in parish offices and schools, to enable them to participate in the "Biblical Theology" research process. In the current situation of controversy, it seeks to contribute to dialogue and orientation - all in ecumenical dialogue. Volume 30 deals with the subject of "compassion and pity". For compassion seems to be a basic Christian virtue. But it is under suspicion: is compassion really what the sufferer needs? Isn't respect the appropriate thing? And if you look at the Christian justification: Is the appropriate relationship to the suffering Christ really compassionate suffering - and not an active following? In accordance with the concept of the yearbook, the anthology first traces the biblical foundations. Central texts that are treated are Gen 6.7, Ex 34.6, the Book of Jonah, the synoptic tradition and Rom 9-11. On the basis of rabbinic discussions and the question of giving alms in Islam, the other monotheistic religions are also included. Church-historical contributions from the areas of patristics and the concept of compassio are represented as well as current problem areas in dogmatic, ethical and practical-theological questions. With contributions by Ulrike Bechmann, Margit Eckholt, Reinhard Feldmeier, Irmtraud Fischer, Matthias Franz, Ottmar Fuchs, Hermann-Josef Große Kracht, Christoph Horn, Bernd Janowski, Rebekka A. Klein, Ulrich Köpf, Matthias Konradt, Hermannn Spieckermann, Günter Stemberger, Michael Theobald, Jan-Heiner Tück and Ulrich Volp.