Brief Overview of πρόσκλισις (Strong’s G4346: prosklisis)

Strong’s G4346: A compound noun combining pros (toward) with klisis (inclination), meaning “partiality, favoritism.” Used uniquely in 1 Timothy in the context of church leadership and judgment, warning against showing favoritism in ecclesiastical decisions and relationships.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πρόσκλισις represents an inclination toward someone or something that results in unfair partiality. In its New Testament context, it appears in Paul’s solemn charge to Timothy regarding church leadership, specifically warning against favoritism in judgment and decisions. The compound structure emphasizes the direction of one’s bias or preference. Early church fathers frequently used this term when discussing the importance of impartial judgment in church leadership. Today, it continues to challenge believers, particularly leaders, to exercise fairness and impartiality in all dealings.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πρόσκλισις, prosklisis, pros-KLEE-sis
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘KLEE’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘sis’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward”
• κλίσις (klisis) – root noun meaning “inclination, leaning”
• -σις (-sis) – suffix forming abstract nouns
  The combination indicates a leaning or inclination toward something or someone.

D – Defining Meanings

• Partiality
• Favoritism
• Unfair bias

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional focus to κλίσις, creating the concept of leaning or inclining toward something in preference. The -σις suffix makes it an abstract noun.

Translation Options:

• “partiality” – emphasizes unfair preference
• “favoritism” – captures personal bias
• “prejudiced inclination” – reflects both direction and attitude

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προσωποληψία (prosōpolēpsia, pro-so-po-LAYP-see-ah) – respect of persons
  See G4382
• διάκρισις (diakrisis, dee-AK-ree-sis) – discernment, distinction
  See G1253
• μεροληψία (merolēpsia, mer-o-LAYP-see-ah) – partiality
  See G3308

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, πρόσκλισις shows these features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third

Examples of case usage:

• Nominative: πρόσκλισις
• Genitive: προσκλίσεως
• Dative: προσκλίσει
• Accusative: πρόσκλισιν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of unfair preference. Thayer’s notes its connection to unjust bias. LSJ provides evidence of its use in judicial contexts. Vine’s connects it to inappropriate favoritism. Strong’s highlights its compound nature affecting direction. LEH notes its use in ethical contexts. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of its use in legal documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from [πρόσκλισιν] partiality. 1 Timothy 5:21

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πρόσκλισις powerfully reminds us that God shows no favoritism, and neither should His people. Just as Christ demonstrated perfect impartiality in His ministry, we are called to exercise fair judgment and equal treatment. The good news is that God’s grace is available to all without partiality, teaching us to treat others with the same impartial love.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in a crucial passage about church discipline
2. It was commonly used in legal and judicial contexts
3. Early church leaders frequently cited this term when discussing fair treatment in church affairs

Strong’s G4346: A compound noun combining pros (toward) with klisis (inclination), meaning “partiality, favoritism.” Used uniquely in 1 Timothy in the context of church leadership and judgment, warning against showing favoritism in ecclesiastical decisions and relationships.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: partiality, favoritism, bias, church-leadership, judgment, fairness, Timothy, Paul’s-epistles, church-discipline, ethics, impartiality, justice, pastoral-epistles, church-order, leadership-principles​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​