Brief Overview of προσφιλής (Strong’s G4375: prosphilēs)

Strong’s G4375: A compound adjective combining πρός (toward) with φίλος (friend, dear), meaning lovely, pleasing, or amiable. Used in ethical contexts to describe qualities that naturally attract affection and approval, particularly in relation to virtuous thoughts and actions.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσφιλής represents that which is inherently pleasing and worthy of affection. As a compound word, it joins πρός (toward) with φίλος (friend/dear), creating a term that describes qualities that naturally draw people’s love and approval. In its New Testament context, particularly in Philippians 4:8, it appears among a list of virtues that should occupy believers’ thoughts. The early church understood this term as describing characteristics that reflect God’s nature and attract others to Christ. Today, it continues to guide Christians in cultivating thoughts and behaviors that are both pleasing to God and appealing to others.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσφιλής, prosphilēs, /pros-fi-LES/
• Detailed pronunciation: pros (as in ‘prose’) + fi (as in ‘fee’) + les (as in ‘less’)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• πρός (pros-) – prefix meaning “toward”
• φίλος (philos) – root meaning “friend, dear”
• -ής (-ēs) – adjectival suffix
  The combination creates a term for that which attracts friendship or affection.

D – Defining Meanings

• Lovely
• Pleasing
• Amiable

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds the notion of movement toward, while φίλος contributes the concept of friendship/affection, creating a word describing qualities that draw people’s love.

Translation Options:

1. “Lovely” – Best captures both aesthetic and moral appeal
2. “Pleasing” – Emphasizes the quality of attracting approval
3. “Amiable” – Highlights the relationship-building aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φίλος (philos, /FI-los/) – Friend, dear
  See G5384
• ἀγαπητός (agapētos, /a-ga-PE-tos/) – Beloved
  See G27
• εὐάρεστος (euarestos, /eu-A-res-tos/) – Well-pleasing
  See G2101

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, προσφιλής exhibits these morphological features:

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

Example forms:

• Masculine/Feminine nominative singular: προσφιλής
• Neuter nominative singular: προσφιλές
• Masculine/Feminine accusative plural: προσφιλεῖς

Related words in other parts of speech:

• προσφιλῶς (prosphilōs) – adverb meaning “pleasingly”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its ethical connotations. Thayer’s notes its use in describing character qualities. LSJ provides examples from classical literature showing social approval. Vine’s highlights its place among Christian virtues. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature and attractive qualities. Moulton and Milligan cite examples showing its use in commendatory contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is [προσφιλής] lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσφιλής beautifully captures the attractive power of Christian virtue. As one quality in Paul’s list of worthy thoughts, it reminds us that the good news of King Jesus should make us both pleasing to God and winsome to others. When we cultivate lovely thoughts and actions, we reflect Christ’s beauty to the world.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was often used in ancient letters of recommendation.
2. It appears in Greek philosophical texts discussing moral beauty.
3. Early Christian writers used it to describe Christ’s attractive character.

Strong’s G4375: A compound adjective combining πρός (toward) with φίλος (friend, dear), meaning lovely, pleasing, or amiable. Used in ethical contexts to describe qualities that naturally attract affection and approval, particularly in relation to virtuous thoughts and actions.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: lovely, pleasing, amiable, virtue, attraction, moral beauty, character, affection, winsome, approval​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​