Brief Overview of πλησίον (Strong’s G4139: plēsion)

Strong’s G4139: An adverb used as a substantive meaning “neighbor” or “fellow person.” From πέλας (near). In ancient Greek culture, it often referred to physical proximity. In New Testament usage, Jesus and the apostles expanded its meaning to include all people as potential neighbors deserving love and care.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλησίον represents a crucial theological concept in Scripture, transforming from mere physical proximity to spiritual and ethical responsibility. Jesus radically redefines this term in the parable of the Good Samaritan, extending its meaning beyond traditional Jewish boundaries. Early church fathers emphasized this expanded understanding, seeing it as fundamental to Christian ethics. Today, it continues to challenge believers to expand their circle of responsibility and love beyond conventional social boundaries.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλησίον, plēsion, /play-SEE-on/
• Detailed pronunciation: play-SEE-on (emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adverb used substantively as a noun

Etymology:

• Root: πελ- (pel-) meaning “near”
• Suffix: -σιον (-sion) adverbial ending
• Related to πέλας (pelas), “near”

D – Defining Meanings

• Neighbor
• Fellow person
• One who is near

For compound words: Not a compound word, but functions adverbially or nominally

Translation Options:

• Neighbor – Traditional rendering
• Fellow person – More inclusive meaning
• One nearby – Physical proximity aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• γείτων (geitōn) /GAY-tone/ – neighbor, emphasizing locality
  See G1069
• ἀδελφός (adelphos) /a-del-FOS/ – brother, emphasizing relationship
  See G80

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

When used as a substantive:

• Functions as masculine noun
• Indeclinable
• Often used with article (ὁ πλησίον)
• Can modify other nouns in genitive construction

When used adverbially:

• Indicates proximity or nearness
• No morphological changes
• Cross-references to adjective πλησίος and related terms

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its ethical implications. Thayer’s notes its development from proximity to relationship. LSJ documents classical usage patterns. Vine’s highlights Jesus’s redefinition. Strong’s connects it to nearness concepts. LEH provides Septuagint usage in ethical contexts. Moulton and Milligan cite everyday usage examples.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'” Matthew 5:43

Additional References:
Matthew 19:19, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27, Luke 10:29, Romans 13:9, Galatians 5:14, James 2:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλησίον embodies Jesus’s radical redefinition of community and love. Through the gospel, all people become potential neighbors deserving of love and care. This word challenges us to extend Christ’s love beyond comfortable boundaries, seeing every person as one whom God calls us to love as ourselves.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term appears in ancient property documents defining boundaries.
2. Early Christian communities used it to describe their social responsibilities.
3. It influenced development of medieval hospitality practices.

Strong’s G4139: An adverb used substantively to denote “neighbor” or “fellow person.” Jesus transformed its meaning from physical proximity to ethical responsibility, making it central to Christian understanding of universal love and service.

Part of speech: Adverb used substantively

Tags: neighbor, love, ethics, Good Samaritan, Jesus’s teachings, community, relationships, biblical Greek, social responsibility, universal love, Christian ethics, hospitality​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​