from πρόθυμος; predisposition, i.e. alacrity:--forwardness of mind, readiness (of mind), ready (willing) mind.
Transliteration:prothymía
Pronunciation:proth-oo-mee'-ah
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term *prothymía* (`{{G4288}}`) is derived from the adjective *próthymos* (`{{G4289}}`), which combines the preposition *pró* (`{{G4253}}`, "before, in front of") and the noun *thymos* (`{{G2372}}`, "spirit, passion, strong feeling"). This etymological root suggests a disposition where the spirit or will is "forward" or "in front," indicating a readiness or eagerness.
The core meaning of *prothymía* is "predisposition" or "alacrity." It signifies a willing and ready state of mind, characterized by promptness and enthusiasm. Unlike mere willingness, *prothymía* conveys an inner eagerness that prompts action without hesitation or compulsion. Its semantic range encompasses "forwardness of mind," "readiness of mind," and a "ready (willing) mind," all pointing to a spontaneous, ungrudging, and earnest disposition to act. It stands in stark contrast to reluctance, apathy, or grudging compliance, emphasizing an active and positive inclination towards a task or contribution.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *prothymía* appears exclusively in the Pauline epistles, specifically within the context of the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, underscoring its relevance to Christian generosity and service.
* **[[2 Corinthians 8:11-12]]:** "Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not." Here, Paul commends the Corinthians' initial "readiness to will" (*prothymía*) to contribute. The passage emphasizes that the sincerity of the intent – the "willing mind" – is what God accepts, regardless of the amount given. This highlights that the heart's disposition is more crucial than the material outcome.
* **[[2 Corinthians 8:19]]:** "And not only so, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind." In this verse, *prothymía* describes the "ready mind" of the Corinthians, which is to be made manifest through their participation in the collection. It underscores the transparency and integrity of their commitment, presented as a testament to their genuine faith and generosity.
* **[[2 Corinthians 9:2]]:** "For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many." Here, "forwardness of your mind" directly translates *prothymía*. Paul praises the Corinthians' eagerness and readiness, using their example to motivate the Macedonian churches. This demonstrates that *prothymía* is not merely an internal state but possesses an outward, exemplary quality, capable of inspiring and "provoking" others to similar acts of generosity and good works.
In all these instances, *prothymía* is integrally linked to financial giving within the early Christian community, emphasizing the spiritual quality of the act rather than its material quantity.
### Related Words & Concepts
* ***Próthymos* (`{{G4289}}`):** The adjective form, meaning "ready, willing, eager." This is the direct root, as seen in [[Matthew 26:41]] and [[Mark 14:38]]: "The spirit indeed is willing (*próthymos*), but the flesh is weak." This illustrates the internal readiness of the spirit, which *prothymía* describes as a noun.
* ***Thelēma* (`{{G2307}}`):** "Will, desire." While *thelēma* refers more broadly to the act or object of willing, *prothymía* specifically denotes the *readiness* and *eagerness* of that will.
* ***Charis* (`{{G5485}}`):** "Grace, favor, gift." Paul often frames the act of giving with *prothymía* as an expression of God's grace working through believers, as seen in [[2 Corinthians 8:1]].
* **Cheerfulness in Giving:** The concept of giving "not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" ([[2 Corinthians 9:7]]) is deeply intertwined with *prothymía*. A "cheerful giver" embodies *prothymía*, giving from an eager and willing heart.
* **Zeal/Earnestness:** *Prothymía* is closely related to zeal, but it specifically highlights the *predisposition* and *readiness* that fuels fervent activity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *prothymía* is profound, particularly in its implications for Christian discipleship, service, and generosity.
* **Heart-Centered Piety:** *Prothymía* underscores that God values the internal disposition of the heart above mere external performance or the size of a contribution. It shifts the focus from legalistic obligation to an inner, Spirit-prompted willingness. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on righteousness of the heart, as seen in the prophetic tradition (e.g., [[Isaiah 1:11-17]]) and Jesus' teachings on the inner man ([[Matthew 5:21-28]]).
* **Authenticity of Faith:** A genuine *prothymía* serves as an indicator of authentic faith and love. It demonstrates that a believer's actions spring from a renewed will and a sincere desire to honor God, rather than from external pressure, a sense of duty, or the pursuit of human recognition.
* **Empowerment by Grace:** The readiness of mind described by *prothymía* is not solely a human effort but is often presented as a response to divine grace. Paul explicitly links the Corinthians' willingness to the "grace of God" given to the Macedonian churches ([[2 Corinthians 8:1]]), suggesting that true *prothymía* is a fruit of the Holy Spirit's work, enabling believers to respond generously and eagerly to God's prompting.
* **Inspiration and Edification:** As illustrated in [[2 Corinthians 9:2]], the *prothymía* of one group of believers can serve as a powerful inspiration and provocation to others, fostering a spirit of generosity and service within the wider body of Christ. This highlights the communal and exemplary dimension of Christian living, where individual spiritual qualities contribute to the edification of the whole.
* **Foundation for Joyful Obedience:** While primarily used in the context of giving, *prothymía* provides the internal readiness that makes willing obedience to any divine call or command possible and joyful. It is the antithesis of reluctant duty, characterizing a heart that delights in God's ways.
### Summary
*Prothymía* (`{{G4288}}`) signifies a profound "readiness of mind," an eager and willing predisposition that stems from an inner desire rather than external compulsion. Derived from *próthymos* (`{{G4289}}`), it conveys a "forwardness of spirit." In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians, *prothymía* consistently describes the sincere and ungrudging eagerness of believers in their financial contributions to the saints in Jerusalem ([[2 Corinthians 8:11-12]], [[2 Corinthians 8:19]], [[2 Corinthians 9:2]]). This highlights its theological significance as an indicator of heart-centered piety, where the sincerity of intent is paramount to God. It underscores that authentic Christian service and giving arise from an internal, Spirit-empowered willingness, rather than obligation, serving as an inspiration to others and manifesting the genuine nature of one's faith. The concept is closely related to cheerfulness in giving and distinguishes true generosity from reluctant compliance, emphasizing the divine value placed on a willing and eager heart.
TRV