### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προσωποληπτέω (prosōpolēptéō, `{{G4380}}`) is a compound word derived from πρόσωπον (prosōpon, `{{G4383}}`, "face, countenance") and λαμβάνω (lambanō, `{{G2983}}`, "to take, to receive"). Literally, it means "to take by the face" or "to receive the face." However, this is an idiom that translates to "to show partiality," "to discriminate," or "to show favoritism." It describes the act of judging or treating someone based on their outward appearance, social status, wealth, or other superficial criteria, rather than on their intrinsic worth, character, or the merits of a situation. The core meaning thus encapsulates an unjust or biased discernment, where external factors lead to preferential or discriminatory treatment. Its semantic range covers any act of prejudice, favoritism, or respect of persons that undermines true equity and justice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb προσωποληπτέω (prosōpolēptéō, `{{G4380}}`) is found only once in the New Testament, but its concept and related forms are crucial to understanding biblical ethics.
* **[[James 2:9]]**: "But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors." In this pivotal verse, James directly condemns the practice of "showing partiality" (prosōpolēptéō). The context of [[James 2:1-7]] vividly illustrates this sin: believers are admonished for giving preferential treatment to a rich person entering their assembly, offering them a good seat, while a poor person is relegated to standing or sitting on the floor. James argues that such actions are utterly inconsistent with faith in "our glorious Lord Jesus Christ" and constitute a violation of the "royal law" to "love your neighbor as yourself." This passage underscores that favoritism based on social or economic status is not merely a social faux pas but a grave sin against God's law and the nature of the gospel.
While the verb is singular in its appearance, the concept of not showing partiality is deeply embedded in both the Old and New Testaments. The Septuagint often uses terms related to προσωπολημψία (prosōpolēmpsia, `{{G4382}}`) to translate the Hebrew phrase נָשָׂא פָּנִים (nasa panim), "to lift up the face," which can denote showing favoritism (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 1:17]], [[Leviticus 19:15]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of προσωποληπτέω (prosōpolēptéō, `{{G4380}}`) is illuminated by its cognates and related theological concepts:
* **προσωπολήπτης (prosōpolēptēs, `{{G4381}}`):** The noun form, meaning "one who shows partiality" or "respecter of persons." This term is used in [[Acts 10:34]] where Peter declares, "I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality." This statement is foundational, emphasizing God's impartial nature.
* **προσωπολημψία (prosōpolēmpsia, `{{G4382}}`):** The noun form, meaning "partiality," "favoritism," or "respect of persons." This is the most common related term in the New Testament, appearing in significant passages:
* **[[Romans 2:11]]**: "For there is no partiality with God." This verse grounds the condemnation of human partiality in the divine character.
* **[[Ephesians 6:9]]**: "And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him." Here, the principle applies to the relationship between masters and slaves, demanding fair treatment.
* **[[Colossians 3:25]]**: "For he who does wrong will receive back what he has done, and there is no partiality." This reinforces the idea of God's just recompense without favoritism.
* **[[James 2:1]]**: "My brothers and sisters, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism." This verse sets the stage for James's detailed condemnation of partiality.
* **ἀπροσωπολήπτως (aprosōpolēmptōs, `{{G678}}`):** The adverbial form, meaning "without partiality." It is used in [[1 Peter 1:17]] to describe God's judgment: "And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth." This further affirms God's equitable nature.
These related terms consistently highlight God's absolute impartiality and present it as the standard for believers, particularly in matters of judgment and interpersonal relations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of προσωποληπτέω (prosōpolēptéō, `{{G4380}}`) is profound and multifaceted:
* **Reflection of Divine Character:** The most critical theological point is that God Himself does not show partiality. This divine attribute is repeatedly affirmed (e.g., [[Romans 2:11]], [[Acts 10:34]]). God's justice is not swayed by human distinctions of wealth, status, race, or gender. He judges all equitably based on their deeds and the revelation they have received.
* **Ethical Imperative for Believers:** Because God is impartial, believers are commanded to reflect this attribute in their lives and within the community of faith. The condemnation of προσωποληptέω (prosōpolēptéō) in [[James 2:9]] elevates partiality from a social faux pas to a sin, a transgression of God's law. This means that favoritism and discrimination are not merely undesirable but are antithetical to the very nature of God and the gospel.
* **Foundation of Justice and Equity:** The prohibition against partiality is a cornerstone of biblical justice. It demands that all individuals be treated with dignity and fairness, recognizing that all are created in God's image and are equally recipients of His grace and judgment. It ensures that the church, as a reflection of God's kingdom, operates on principles of equity rather than worldly distinctions.
* **Unity in Christ:** In the early church, social stratification was a significant challenge. The teaching against προσωποληπτέω (prosōpolēptéō) directly addresses this by asserting that in Christ, all worldly distinctions (Jew/Gentile, slave/free, male/female, rich/poor) are transcended for the purpose of status and treatment within the body of believers ([[Galatians 3:28]]). Showing partiality undermines the unity and fellowship that Christ established.
### Summary
The Greek verb προσωποληπτέω (prosōpolēptéō, `{{G4380}}`) means "to show partiality" or "to discriminate," particularly based on superficial external factors like wealth or social status. Although it appears only once in the New Testament (in [[James 2:9]]), its significance is amplified by its cognates and the broader biblical emphasis on divine impartiality. God is consistently portrayed as one who shows no partiality ([[Romans 2:11]], [[Acts 10:34]]), judging all justly. Therefore, believers are called to mirror this divine attribute, ensuring that their actions and judgments within the church and the world are characterized by fairness, equity, and a complete absence of prejudice. To engage in προσωποληπτέω (prosōpolēptéō) is to commit sin, undermining the unity of the body of Christ and failing to reflect the righteous character of God. The concept serves as a powerful call to radical inclusion and impartial love within the Christian community.
TRV