Brief Overview of προσωπολημψία (Strong’s G4382: prosōpolēmpsia)

Strong’s G4382: A compound noun combining πρόσωπον (face) with λῆμψις (receiving), meaning partiality or favoritism based on external appearances. Used exclusively in the New Testament to condemn discrimination and emphasize God’s impartial judgment and treatment of all people.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσωπολημψία embodies the concept of showing favoritism based on external factors or social status. As a compound word, it joins πρόσωπον (face/appearance) with λῆμψις (receiving/acceptance), creating a term that describes the practice of discriminating between people based on outward circumstances. In its New Testament usage, it appears in contexts condemning such discrimination and affirming God’s impartial character. The early church understood this term as fundamentally opposed to divine justice and the gospel’s universal scope. Today, it continues to challenge all forms of prejudice and discrimination within the church and society.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσωπολημψία, prosōpolēmpsia, /pro-sō-po-lēmp-SI-a/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in ‘pro’) + sō (as in ‘so’) + po (as in ‘pole’) + lēmp (as in ‘limp’) + si (as in ‘see’) + a (as in ‘ah’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• πρόσωπον (prosōpon) – noun meaning “face, appearance”
• λῆμψις (lēmpsis) – noun meaning “receiving, acceptance”
• -ία (-ia) – abstract noun suffix
  The combination forms an abstract noun describing the act of showing favoritism.

D – Defining Meanings

• Partiality
• Favoritism
• Discrimination based on appearances

For compound words:
The first component πρόσωπον provides the basis of judgment (face/appearance), while λῆμψις with -ία creates an abstract concept of receiving or accepting based on these external factors.

Translation Options:

1. “Partiality” – Best captures the abstract concept
2. “Favoritism” – Emphasizes the discriminatory practice
3. “Respect of persons” – Traditional rendering emphasizing personal discrimination

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προσωπολήμπτης (prosōpolēmptēs, /pro-sō-po-LEMP-tēs/) – One who shows partiality
  See G4381
• ἀπροσωπολήμπτως (aprosōpolēmptōs, /a-pro-sō-po-LEMP-tōs/) – Without partiality
  See G678
• διάκρισις (diakrisis, /di-A-kri-sis/) – Distinction, discrimination
  See G1253

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun, προσωπολημψία exhibits these morphological features:

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

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: προσωπολημψία
• Genitive singular: προσωπολημψίας
• Dative singular: προσωπολημψίᾳ
• Accusative singular: προσωπολημψίαν

Related words in other parts of speech:

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

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in ethical contexts. Thayer’s notes its Jewish-Christian origin. LSJ discusses its absence in classical literature. Vine’s highlights its theological significance in divine judgment. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature and literal meaning. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from early Christian writings.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“For there is no [προσωπολημψία] partiality with God.” Romans 2:11

Additional References:
Ephesians 6:9
Colossians 3:25
James 2:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσωπολημψία powerfully challenges all forms of discrimination while affirming God’s impartial character. The good news of King Jesus demolishes human barriers and prejudices, reminding us that God shows no favoritism in offering salvation to all who believe. This truth calls us to examine our own biases and treat all people with equal dignity.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was created by Jewish-Christian writers to express Hebrew concepts.
2. It appears in early Christian baptismal instructions emphasizing equality.
3. The term influenced development of Christian social justice teachings.

Strong’s G4382: A compound noun combining πρόσωπον (face) with λῆμψις (receiving), meaning partiality or favoritism based on external appearances. Used exclusively in the New Testament to condemn discrimination and emphasize God’s impartial judgment and treatment of all people.

Part of speech: Noun

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