Brief Overview of προσωπολήμπτης (Strong’s G4381: prosōpolēmptēs)

Strong’s G4381: A compound noun combining πρόσωπον (face) and λαμβάνω (to take), meaning one who shows partiality or favoritism based on outward appearances. Used in Acts to declare that God is not such a person, emphasizing divine impartiality in dealing with all people.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσωπολήμπτης describes someone who makes judgments based on external appearances or social status. As a compound word, it joins πρόσωπον (face/appearance) with λαμβάνω (to take/receive), literally meaning “a face-taker” or one who accepts people based on outward factors. In its New Testament context, Peter uses it to declare that God is not such a person, marking a pivotal moment in understanding the gospel’s universal scope. The early church understood this term as foundational to Christian ethics and evangelism. Today, it continues to challenge discrimination and affirm human equality before God.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσωπολήμπτης, prosōpolēmptēs, /pro-sō-po-LEMP-tēs/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in ‘pro’) + sō (as in ‘so’) + po (as in ‘pole’) + lemp (as in ‘limp’) + tēs (as in ‘tease’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• πρόσωπον (prosōpon) – noun meaning “face, appearance”
• λαμβάνω (lambanō) – verb meaning “to take, receive”
• -της (-tēs) – agent noun suffix
  The combination creates a term for one who judges by appearances.

D – Defining Meanings

• One who shows partiality
• A respecter of persons
• One who discriminates based on appearances

For compound words:
The first component πρόσωπον provides the basis of judgment (face/appearance), while λαμβάνω with -της creates the notion of one who habitually accepts or favors based on these external factors.

Translation Options:

1. “Respecter of persons” – Traditional translation capturing the concept
2. “One who shows favoritism” – Modern equivalent emphasizing the action
3. “Discriminator” – Contemporary term highlighting the negative impact

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προσωπολημπτέω (prosōpolēmpteō, /pro-sō-po-lēmp-TE-ō/) – To show partiality
  See G4380
• προσωποληψία (prosōpolēpsia, /pro-sō-po-lēp-SI-a/) – Partiality
  See G4382
• κριτής (kritēs, /kri-TES/) – Judge
  See G2923

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a masculine noun, προσωπολήμπτης exhibits these morphological features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: First

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: προσωπολήμπτης
• Genitive singular: προσωπολήμπτου
• Dative singular: προσωπολήμπτῃ
• Accusative singular: προσωπολήμπτην

Related words in other parts of speech:

• προσωπολημπτέω (prosōpolēmpteō) – verb meaning “to show partiality”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its unique Jewish-Christian origin. Thayer’s notes its specific usage denoting unfair discrimination. LSJ discusses its absence in classical Greek. Vine’s highlights its theological significance. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature. Moulton and Milligan note its development in early Christian literature.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“So Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘Truly I understand that God is not [προσωπολήμπτης] a respecter of persons.'” Acts 10:34

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσωπολήμπτης powerfully declares that God does not discriminate based on external factors. This truth, revealed to Peter regarding Gentile inclusion, remains foundational to the gospel message. The good news of King Jesus breaks down all barriers of race, class, and status, offering salvation to all who believe.

D – Did You Know?

1. This term was coined by Jewish-Christian writers to translate Hebrew concepts.
2. It played a crucial role in early church discussions about Gentile inclusion.
3. The word influenced development of early Christian social ethics.

Strong’s G4381: A compound noun combining πρόσωπον (face) and λαμβάνω (to take), meaning one who shows partiality or favoritism based on outward appearances. Used in Acts to declare that God is not such a person, emphasizing divine impartiality in dealing with all people.

Part of speech: Noun

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