5391. philophrón

Lexical Summary

philophrón: Friendly, kind, courteous

Original Word: φιλόφρων
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: philophrón
Pronunciation: fee-LO-frohn
Phonetic Spelling: (fil-of'-rone)
KJV: courteous
Word Origin: [from G5384 (φίλος - friends) and G5424 (φρήν - thinking)]

1. friendly of mind, i.e. kind

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 Origin
variant reading for tapeinophrón, q.v.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 5391: φιλόφρων

φιλόφρων, 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
2. philostorgos (“devoted with affection”) – Romans 12:10
3. chrēstos (“kind”) – Ephesians 4:32
4. epieikēs (“gentle, considerate”) – Philippians 4:5

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.
• “As God’s chosen people…clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12–13).
• “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone” (2 Timothy 2:24).

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).
2. Trinitarian Fellowship: The Father, Son, and Spirit dwell in perfect mutual regard; believers echo that harmony in their interpersonal relations (John 17:21).
3. Evangelistic Witness: Friendliness of mind removes unnecessary offense, making the gospel’s saving offense clear (1 Corinthians 9:19–23).
4. Church Unity: Courtesy oil​s the gears of congregational life, preventing minor irritations from becoming major schisms (Ephesians 4:3).

Pastoral and Ministry Application

• Hospitality teams model gospel welcome by greeting strangers with genuine warmth (Romans 12:13).
• Conflict resolution emphasizes listening, soft answers, and considerate speech (Proverbs 15:1; James 1:19).
• Digital communication must reflect the same friendly disposition, avoiding sarcasm and harshness (Colossians 4:6).
• Leadership proves its biblical quality not only through doctrine but through unfailing gentleness (1 Thessalonians 2:7–8).

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 φιμού

Englishman'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.