4381. prosópolémptés

Lexicon

prosópolémptés: Respecter of persons, one who shows partiality

Original Word: προσωπολήπτης
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: prosópolémptés
Pronunciation: pro-so-po-LAYM-tace
Phonetic Spelling: (pros-o-pol-ape'-tace)
Definition: Respecter of persons, one who shows partiality
Meaning: one who shows partiality.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

one who shows partiality

From prosopon and lambano; an accepter of a face (individual), i.e. (specially), one exhibiting partiality -- respecter of persons.

see GREEK prosopon

see GREEK lambano

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from prosópon and lambanó
Definition
an accepter of a face, i.e. a respecter of persons
NASB Translation
one to show partiality (1), show partiality (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4381: προσωπολήπτης

προσωπολήπτης (L T Tr WH προσωπολήμπτης (see Mu)), προσωποληπτου, ὁ (a Hellenistic formation from πρόσωπον and λαμβάνω; see λαμβάνω, I. 4, p. 370b bottom), an accepter (A. V. respecter) of persons (Vulg.personarum acceptor): Acts 10:34. Not found elsewhere (except in Chrysostom).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from πρόσωπον (prosōpon), meaning "face" or "person," and λαμβάνω (lambanō), meaning "to receive" or "to take." The compound word suggests the idea of receiving or taking someone based on their face or outward appearance.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of impartiality and the rejection of favoritism is also present in the Hebrew Scriptures. While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to προσωπολήπτης, related ideas can be found in terms such as:
• H5375 נָשָׂא (nasa) • to lift, carry, take; used in contexts of lifting up one's face, implying partiality.
• H6440 פָּנִים (panim) • face; often used in expressions related to showing favor or partiality.
• H4941 מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) • judgment, justice; emphasizing fair and impartial judgment.

These Hebrew terms collectively convey the biblical principle that God is just and does not show favoritism, a theme that is consistently echoed in the New Testament teachings.

Usage: The term προσωπολήπτης is used in the New Testament to describe the act of showing favoritism or partiality, which is contrary to the character of God, who judges impartially.

Context: The Greek term προσωπολήπτης appears in the New Testament to highlight the sin of partiality, which is inconsistent with the nature of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the early Christian community, this concept was particularly relevant as the Gospel transcended cultural, social, and ethnic boundaries, calling believers to treat all individuals with equal respect and love.

The term is notably used in the Epistle of James, where the author admonishes believers against showing favoritism. James 2:1 (BSB) states, "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism." This passage underscores the principle that faith in Christ should lead to impartiality, reflecting God's own impartial nature.

The apostle Paul also addresses this issue in his letters. In Romans 2:11 (BSB), he writes, "For God does not show favoritism." This statement affirms that God's judgment is based on truth and righteousness, not on external appearances or social status. Similarly, in Ephesians 6:9 (BSB), Paul instructs masters to treat their slaves with fairness, reminding them that "He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him."

The concept of προσωπολήπτης challenges believers to examine their own attitudes and behaviors, ensuring that they align with the Gospel's call to love and justice. It serves as a reminder that in Christ, all distinctions that lead to favoritism are abolished, and all are equal before God.

Forms and Transliterations

προσωπολημπτης προσωπολήμπτης προσωπολήπτης prosopolemptes prosopolḗmptes prosōpolēmptēs prosōpolḗmptēs

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 10:34 N-NMS
GRK: οὐκ ἔστιν προσωπολήμπτης ὁ θεός
NAS: [now] that God is not one to show partiality,
KJV: is no respecter of persons:
INT: not is a respecter of persons God

Strong's Greek 4381
1 Occurrence

προσωπολήμπτης — 1 Occ.