Compassionate Care: φιλανθρώπως (Strong’s G5364: philanthropos) Reveals God’s Heart

Strong’s G5364: An adverb derived from philanthropos, meaning “in a philanthropic manner” or “humanely.” Used to describe actions performed with genuine kindness and consideration for others’ welfare, as demonstrated in Julius’s humane treatment of Paul during his journey to Rome.

U – Unveiling the Word

φιλανθρώπως embodies the practical expression of loving-kindness toward humanity in action. As an adverb, it describes not just the act of kindness but the manner in which it is performed – with genuine humanitarian concern and benevolent consideration. In the New Testament, it appears in Acts 27:3, describing how a Roman centurion treated Paul with remarkable kindness, demonstrating that God’s love can work through anyone, even those outside the faith community. The early church recognized this word as particularly significant in describing both divine and human expressions of compassionate care. Today, it challenges believers to consider not just what they do, but how they do it – with genuine humanitarian concern that reflects God’s own character.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φιλανθρώπως, philanthropōs, /fil·an·thrō´·pōs/
• Detailed pronunciation: fee-lan-THROW-poce
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• phil- (φιλ-): prefix meaning “loving, fond of”
• anthrop- (ἀνθρωπ-): root meaning “human, mankind”
• -ως (-ōs): adverbial suffix indicating manner

D – Defining Meanings

• Humanely
• Kindly
• With benevolent consideration

For compound words:
phil- indicates the loving nature of the action
anthrop- specifies that humans are the recipients
-ως transforms the concept into an adverb describing manner

Translation Options:

• “humanely” – emphasizes the dignified treatment of others
• “kindly” – focuses on the benevolent nature of the action
• “considerately” – stresses the thoughtful manner of execution

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φιλοφρόνως (philophronōs) /fil·o·fró·nōs/ – courteously, with friendly thoughtfulness
  See G5390
• προφρόνως (prophronōs) /pro·fró·nōs/ – readily, willingly
  See G4290
• σπουδαίως (spoudaiōs) /spoo·daí·ōs/ – earnestly, diligently
  See G4709

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb:

• Modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
• Unchangeable form (indeclinable)
• Indicates manner or way in which action is performed

Related forms:

• Adjective: φιλάνθρωπος (philanthropos)
• Noun: φιλανθρωπία (philanthropia)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons emphasize φιλανθρώπως’s significance in describing actions performed with genuine humanitarian concern. BDAG notes its use in Hellenistic administrative contexts, where it described official treatment of subjects. Thayer’s highlights its connection to divine benevolence expressed through human agents. LSJ provides evidence of its use in describing ideal ruler behavior. Vine’s emphasizes its practical demonstration of love for humanity. Moulton and Milligan note its frequency in papyri describing governmental treatment of citizens, suggesting its significance in official contexts. This adverb uniquely captures both the action and spirit of benevolent behavior.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Julius treated Paul [φιλανθρώπως] kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for. (Acts 27:3)

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

φιλανθρώπως beautifully illustrates how God’s love can work through unexpected channels. When Julius, a Roman centurion, treated Paul with humanitarian consideration, he unknowingly demonstrated a divine principle: that genuine kindness reflects God’s character regardless of who shows it. This word challenges us to consider not just our actions but their manner – are we treating others with the same humanitarian consideration that our Heavenly Father shows us? The Messiah’s own ministry exemplified this philanthropic spirit, showing us that true godliness is expressed through practical, considerate care for others.

D – Did You Know?

• This is the only adverbial form of philanthrop- in the New Testament
• Ancient Greek philosophers considered philanthropōs treatment of others a mark of civilized society
• The word was commonly used in official documents to praise administrators for their humane governance

Strong’s G5364: An adverb derived from philanthropos, meaning “in a philanthropic manner” or “humanely.” Used to describe actions performed with genuine kindness and consideration for others’ welfare, as demonstrated in Julius’s humane treatment of Paul during his journey to Rome.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: kindness, humanity, manner, benevolence, adverbs, Acts27, Paul, Julius, Roman-centurion, humanitarian, care, consideration, treatment, practical-love​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​