Lexical Summary gnésiós: genuinely Original Word: γνήσιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance naturally, genuinelyAdverb from gnesios; genuinely, i.e. Really -- naturally. see GREEK gnesios HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1104 gnēsíōs (an adverb) – legitimately (sincerely). See 1103 (gnēsios). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from gnésios Definition sincerely, truly NASB Translation genuinely (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1104: γνησίωςγνησίως, adverb, genuinely, faithfully, sincerely: Philippians 2:20. (From Euripides down.) Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and Background Derived from everyday Greek, γνησίως carried the idea of that which is “born of the true stock,” and by extension “authentic, unalloyed, without ulterior motive.” Classical writers applied it to legitimate offspring, trustworthy coinage, or a friend whose loyalty is proven. When Paul selects the adverb in his correspondence, he harvests this cultural resonance to stress the quality of ministry that is unmistakably pure. New Testament Occurrence Philippians 2:20 is the sole appearance of γνησίως in the Greek New Testament: “For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests” (Berean Standard Bible). Here Paul commends Timothy, contrasting him with ministers whose concern is self-advancement (Philippians 2:21). The word underscores Timothy’s pastoral heart—his care is not feigned, partial, or pragmatic, but wholly centered on the welfare of the Philippian believers. Theological Emphasis 1. Authenticity in Service. γνησίως exposes a ministry motivated by Christlike love rather than personal gain (compare 2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:5–8). Historical and Cultural Setting First-century patron-client culture prized public honor. Traveling teachers often leveraged spiritual talk for financial or social advantage. Against this backdrop, Paul highlights a coworker whose motives are transparent. Such emphasis would reassure a congregation wary of itinerant preachers and reinforce the apostolic pattern of integrity. Relationship to Other Biblical Concepts γνησίως complements these terms by focusing on authenticity proved in relational commitment. Ministry Implications 1. Leadership Selection. Churches are encouraged to discern workers whose concern for people is γνησίως—demonstrated long before titles are conferred. Practical Applications for the Contemporary Church Illustrative Examples Summary γνησίως spotlights ministry that is unmistakably real—springing from Christ’s mind, tested by service, and focused on others’ good. Though found only once in the New Testament, the word distills a timeless standard: the gospel advances most powerfully through servants whose motives are as pure as the message they bear. Forms and Transliterations γνησιως γνησίως γνοφεράν gnesios gnesíos gnēsiōs gnēsíōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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