4380. prosópolémpteó

Lexicon

prosópolémpteó: To show partiality, to be a respecter of persons

Original Word: προσωπολημπτέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: prosópolémpteó
Pronunciation: pro-so-po-lay-MP-teh-o
Phonetic Spelling: (pros-o-pol-ape-teh'-o)
Definition: To show partiality, to be a respecter of persons
Meaning: I favor specially, show partiality.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

to show partiality

From prosopoleptes; to favor an individual, i.e. Show partiality -- have respect to persons.

see GREEK prosopoleptes

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from prosópolémptés
Definition
to have respect of persons
NASB Translation
show partiality (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4380: προσωποληπτέω

προσωποληπτέω (L T Tr WH προσωπολημπτέω (see Mu)), προσωπολήπτω; a Hellenistic verb (derived from the following word (cf. Winers 33, 101 (96))), to respect the person (i. e. the external condition of a man), to have respect of persons: James 2:9.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek words πρόσωπον (prosōpon), meaning "face" or "person," and λαμβάνω (lambanō), meaning "to receive" or "to take." The compound suggests the act of receiving or regarding someone based on their external appearance or status.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of impartiality and the condemnation of favoritism can be found in the Hebrew Scriptures, though not with a direct lexical equivalent. Related Hebrew terms include:
• פָּנִים (panim) • face, presence, often used in contexts discussing the impartiality of God's judgment (e.g., Deuteronomy 10:17).
• נָשָׂא פָּנִים (nasa panim) • to lift up the face, a Hebrew idiom for showing partiality or favoritism (e.g., Leviticus 19:15).

These Hebrew concepts underscore the consistent biblical message against partiality and the call for justice and equality in human relationships.

Usage: The term προσωπολημπτέω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of showing favoritism or partiality, which is often condemned as contrary to the principles of justice and equality before God.

Context: The concept of προσωπολημπτέω is rooted in the biblical principle that God does not show favoritism and expects His followers to act likewise. This term appears in contexts where impartiality is emphasized as a divine attribute and a moral obligation for believers. In the New Testament, προσωπολημπτέω is used to admonish the early Christian communities against the practice of favoritism, particularly in the context of social and economic distinctions.

In James 2:9, the Berean Standard Bible states, "But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors." This passage highlights the moral and ethical implications of προσωπολημπτέω, equating it with sin and a violation of God's law. The apostle James addresses the issue of favoritism within the church, urging believers to treat all individuals with equal respect and dignity, regardless of their social standing.

The concept is further reinforced by the understanding that God Himself is impartial. Romans 2:11 (BSB) declares, "For God does not show favoritism." This divine attribute serves as a model for human behavior, calling believers to emulate God's impartiality in their interactions with others.

The rejection of προσωπολημπτέω aligns with the broader biblical theme of justice and equality, emphasizing that all people are created in the image of God and deserve to be treated with fairness and respect. The New Testament's condemnation of favoritism serves as a reminder of the inclusive nature of the Gospel, which transcends social, economic, and ethnic boundaries.

Forms and Transliterations

προσωπολημπτειτε προσωπολημπτεῖτε προσωποληπτείτε prosopolempteite prosopolempteîte prosōpolēmpteite prosōpolēmpteîte

Englishman's Concordance

James 2:9 V-PIA-2P
GRK: εἰ δὲ προσωπολημπτεῖτε ἁμαρτίαν ἐργάζεσθε
NAS: But if you show partiality, you are committing
KJV: if ye have respect to persons, ye commit
INT: if however you have partiality sin you commit

Strong's Greek 4380
1 Occurrence

προσωπολημπτεῖτε — 1 Occ.