Lexical Summary prothumós: eagerness Original Word: πρόθυμος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance willingly. Adverb from prothumos; with alacrity -- willingly. see GREEK prothumos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4290 prothýmōs (an adverb, derived from 4253 /pró, "before" and 2372 /thymós, "passion") – properly, passion shown in advance, i.e. pre-inclined, "thoroughly willing." NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from prothumos Definition eagerly NASB Translation eagerness (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4290: προθύμωςπροθύμως, adverb, from Herodotus and Aeschylus down, willingly, with alacrity: 1 Peter 5:2. Topical Lexicon Canonical Setting The sole New Testament appearance of προθύμως is in 1 Peter 5:2, where Peter exhorts the elders, “Shepherd God’s flock among you, serving as overseers—not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you…”. Though rare in form, the concept of eager, voluntary service permeates the whole canon, uniting Old Covenant freewill responsiveness with New Covenant pastoral care. Biblical Theology of Eager Willingness 1. Old Testament Foundations 2. Prophetic Anticipation 3. New Testament Fulfillment All converge in Peter’s charge: spiritual leadership must flow from inward eagerness, mirroring Christ who “laid down His life” voluntarily (John 10:17–18). Pastoral Ministry Significance 1. Motive Above Mere Function Peter sets a priority on disposition before duty. Oversight performed for status, salary, or social pressure contradicts the Shepherd’s heart (Ezekiel 34:2–4; John 10:11–13). 2. Safeguard Against Abuse By opposing compulsion, the apostle provides an early safeguard against authoritarianism. Elders who serve προθύμως nurture trust, model humility, and foster congregational joy (Hebrews 13:17). 3. Pattern for All Believers Though addressed to elders, the principle extends to every spiritual gift (Romans 12:8; 1 Peter 4:10). Service that originates in delight rather than duty reflects God’s own cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7). Historical Reflections The Apostolic Fathers echo Peter: Throughout patristic literature, willingness becomes a touchstone of authentic ministry, distinguishing true pastors from hirelings and heretical opportunists. Medieval reforms frequently cited 1 Peter 5:2 to correct corrupt clerical systems. The Reformation, likewise, reclaimed voluntary service as integral to the “priesthood of all believers.” Practical Application Today • Self-Examination – Church leaders should weigh motives regularly in prayer, asking whether love for Christ and His flock still drives their labor (John 21:15–17). Related Doctrinal Themes • Grace-Empowered Obedience – Willing service is fruit, not root, of salvation (Ephesians 2:8–10). Summary Strong’s Greek 4290, though appearing only once, crystallizes a biblical ideal: leadership and ministry springing from a joyful, voluntary heart aligned with God’s own generosity. Where προθύμως governs service, Christ’s flock is protected, built up, and led toward the Chief Shepherd who will “appear with the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4). Forms and Transliterations προέσθαι πρόη προήσεται προήσομαι προθυμως προθύμως πρόθυρα προθύροις πρόθυρον πρόθυρόν προθύρου προθύρω προθύρων προϊεμαι προϊη πρόωμαι prothumos prothumōs prothymos prothymōs prothýmos prothýmōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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