Lexical Summary philophrón: Friendly, kind, courteous Original Word: φιλόφρων Strong's Exhaustive Concordance courteous. From philos and phren; friendly of mind, i.e. Kind -- courteous. see GREEK philos see GREEK phren HELPS Word-studies 5391 philóphrōn (an adjective, derived from 5384 /phílos, "lover, friend," and 5426 /phronéō, "mind-set, regulating behavior") – properly, the mind-set of love which is quick to show friendly, courteous behavior. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originvariant reading for tapeinophrón, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5391: φιλόφρωνφιλόφρων, φιλοφρον (φίλος and φρήν), from Pindar and Aeschylus down, friendly, kind: 1 Peter 3:8 Rec. Topical Lexicon Conceptual Background The term embodies an attitude of warm‐hearted goodwill expressed in tangible acts of courtesy. In classical usage it described a friendly disposition that sought another’s welfare without calculation. Scripture applauds the same spirit, presenting it as a mark of true holiness that reflects the character of God, “who is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35). Absence of Explicit New Testament Occurrence Although the specific word does not appear in the New Testament text, the concept it conveys permeates apostolic teaching. Its omission from the canonical vocabulary does not signal irrelevance; rather, equivalent expressions scatter throughout the inspired record, showing that friendliness of mind is foundational to Christian conduct. Old Testament Foundations Hebrew wisdom literature lays the groundwork. Proverbs commends the “friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24) and urges, “Do not withhold kindness from a friend” (Job 6:14). The covenant community was to mirror the covenant LORD, whose steadfast love (ḥesed) combined fidelity, mercy, and practical grace. Synonymous New Testament Vocabulary 1. philadelphia (“brotherly love”) – 1 Peter 1:22 Together these terms paint a composite portrait of the same courteous mindset. Christological Model Courtesy is not mere social polish; it is cruciform. Jesus Christ displayed unfailing considerateness toward the marginalized, welcoming little children (Mark 10:14), healing the outcast leper (Mark 1:41), and engaging the Samaritan woman with respectful dialogue (John 4:7–26). His life shows that friendliness of mind willingly crosses cultural, social, and moral boundaries to extend grace. Pauline Ethical Emphasis Paul repeatedly links Christian kindness to the gospel itself. In Pauline thought, a courteous spirit adorns the doctrine of God our Savior (Titus 2:10). Petrine Summary of Christian Virtues Peter gathers the concept into his closing exhortation: “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, sympathetic, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, and humble” (1 Peter 3:8). Though a different Greek term is used, the apostle’s cluster of virtues plainly requires the friendly, courteous disposition captured by 5391. Early Church Witness Second-century apologists highlighted the believers’ reputation for gracious civility amid a hostile culture. The Epistle to Diognetus notes Christians “display to all gentleness” while Justin Martyr defends the faith by appealing to their honest and courteous dealings with neighbors and authorities. Theological Significance 1. Imago Dei: Because every person bears God’s image, courtesy affirms inherent dignity (Genesis 1:27; James 3:9). Pastoral and Ministry Application • Hospitality teams model gospel welcome by greeting strangers with genuine warmth (Romans 12:13). Summary Though Strong’s 5391 never surfaces in the Greek New Testament, the courteous spirit it names is woven through biblical revelation. Rooted in God’s own nature, modeled by Christ, and commanded throughout apostolic instruction, such friendliness remains indispensable to authentic Christian life and witness. Forms and Transliterations φιλόφρονες φιμόν φιμούLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance φίλον — 2 Occ.φίλος — 8 Occ. φίλους — 8 Occ. φιλοσοφίας — 1 Occ. φιλοσόφων — 1 Occ. φιλόστοργοι — 1 Occ. φιλοτέκνους — 1 Occ. φιλοτιμεῖσθαι — 1 Occ. φιλοτιμούμενον — 1 Occ. φιλοτιμούμεθα — 1 Occ. ἐφίμωσεν — 1 Occ. ἐφιμώθη — 1 Occ. κημώσεις — 1 Occ. πεφίμωσο — 1 Occ. φιμώσεις — 1 Occ. Φιμώθητι — 2 Occ. φιμοῦν — 1 Occ. Φλέγοντα — 1 Occ. φλογιζομένη — 1 Occ. φλογίζουσα — 1 Occ. |