Brief Overview of προσωπολημπτέω (Strong’s G4380: prosōpolēmpteō)

Strong’s G4380: A compound verb derived from πρόσωπον (face) and λαμβάνω (to take/receive), meaning to show favoritism or partiality based on outward appearance. Used in biblical contexts to condemn discrimination and emphasize God’s impartial character.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσωπολημπτέω represents the act of showing favoritism or partiality based on external factors. As a compound word formed from πρόσωπον (face/appearance) and λαμβάνω (to take/receive), it literally means “to receive faces” – making judgments based on outward appearance. In its New Testament context in James 2:9, it specifically condemns showing favoritism in the church community. The early church understood this term as contrary to God’s character and the gospel’s inclusivity. Today, it continues to challenge believers about discrimination and prejudice in all forms.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσωπολημπτέω, prosōpolēmpteō, /pro-sō-po-lēmp-TE-ō/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in ‘pro’) + sō (as in ‘so’) + po (as in ‘pole’) + lēmp (as in ‘limp’) + te (as in ‘ten’) + ō (as in ‘oh’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρόσωπον (prosōpon) – noun meaning “face, appearance”
• λαμβάνω (lambanō) – verb meaning “to take, receive”
  The combination creates a term for showing partiality based on external factors.

D – Defining Meanings

• To show favoritism
• To be partial
• To discriminate based on appearance

For compound words:
The first component πρόσωπον provides the basis of judgment (outward appearance), while λαμβάνω adds the action of accepting or receiving, creating the concept of favoritism.

Translation Options:

1. “To show favoritism” – Best captures the moral implications
2. “To be partial” – Emphasizes the discriminatory attitude
3. “To judge by appearances” – Highlights the superficial basis

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προσωπολήμπτης (prosōpolēmptēs, /pro-sō-po-LEMP-tēs/) – One who shows favoritism
  See G4381
• ἀπροσωπολήμπτως (aprosōpolēmptōs, /a-pro-sō-po-LEMP-tōs/) – Without partiality
  See G678
• διακρίνω (diakrinō, /di-a-KRI-nō/) – To make distinctions
  See G1252

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσωπολημπτέω exhibits these morphological features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present)

Example morphological variations:

• Present: προσωπολημπτέω (I show favoritism)
• Present participle: προσωπολημπτῶν (showing favoritism)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• προσωποληψία (prosōpolēpsia) – noun meaning “favoritism”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its ethical and social implications. Thayer’s notes its Hebraic background. LSJ provides examples of its usage in Hellenistic Jewish literature. Vine’s highlights its moral condemnation in James. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature and literal meaning. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from early Christian documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“But if you [προσωπολημπτέω] show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” James 2:9

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσωπολημπτέω powerfully challenges our human tendency toward favoritism and discrimination. The good news of King Jesus breaks down social barriers and calls us to imitate God’s impartiality. It reminds us that in Christ’s kingdom, external appearances and social status have no place in determining worth or treatment.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word is a distinctly Jewish-Christian creation, not found in classical Greek.
2. It reflects Hebrew idioms about “lifting faces” in judgment.
3. Early church writings frequently used it to address social inequalities.

Strong’s G4380: A compound verb derived from πρόσωπον (face) and λαμβάνω (to take/receive), meaning to show favoritism or partiality based on outward appearance. Used in biblical contexts to condemn discrimination and emphasize God’s impartial character.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: favoritism, partiality, discrimination, prejudice, impartiality, justice, equality, fairness, judgment, appearance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​