### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The term προσωποληψία (prosōpolēpsía, `{{G4382}}`) is a compound noun derived from πρόσωπον (prosōpon, "face, appearance") and λαμβάνω (lambanō, "to take, receive"). It literally signifies "a taking of the face" or "respecting the face," and thus denotes the act of showing favoritism or partiality. Its core meaning refers to an unjust bias in judgment or treatment based on external considerations such as wealth, social status, outward appearance, or nationality, rather than on intrinsic merit, character, or justice. It carries a strong negative connotation, implying a perversion of justice and an unrighteous discrimination. While the specific noun προσωποληψία is unique to the New Testament, the concept it conveys is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God's impartiality is frequently emphasized (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 10:17]], [[2 Chronicles 19:7]]).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word προσωποληψία (prosōpolēpsía, `{{G4382}}`) appears four times in the New Testament, consistently used to condemn the practice of showing favoritism:
* **Romans 2:11**: "For there is no προσωποληψία with God." This foundational statement establishes God's impartial character as the ultimate standard. Paul asserts that God judges all people, Jew and Gentile alike, according to their deeds, not their ethnic background or religious privilege. This principle underscores the universality of sin and the need for grace.
* **Ephesians 6:9**: "And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your Master also is in heaven, and there is no προσωποληψία with Him." Here, the principle of divine impartiality is applied directly to social relations, specifically between masters and slaves. Masters are admonished to treat their slaves justly, remembering that both master and slave have the same impartial Master in heaven, who will judge without bias.
* **Colossians 3:25**: "For he who does wrong will receive back what he has done wrong, and there is no προσωποληψία." This verse reiterates the certainty and equity of divine recompense. It emphasizes that wrongdoing will be met with just consequences, without any partiality based on the perpetrator's social standing or influence.
* **James 2:1**: "My brothers, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with προσωποληψία." This is the most vivid and illustrative use. James condemns the practice of showing preferential treatment to the rich over the poor within the Christian assembly. He describes scenarios where a wealthy person is given a place of honor while a poor person is relegated to an inferior position, arguing that such behavior is inconsistent with the nature of the Christian faith and the royal law of love.
Across these passages, προσωποληψία is presented as a grave ethical failing, fundamentally incompatible with the character of God and the demands of Christian discipleship.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **προσωπολημπτέω (prosōpolēmptéō, `{{G4381}}`):** The verb form, meaning "to show partiality" or "to have respect of persons." It is used in [[Acts 10:34]] where Peter declares, "God shows no partiality," and in [[James 2:9]], where the author states, "if you show partiality, you are committing sin."
* **προσωπολήμπτης (prosōpolēmptēs, `{{G4380}}`):** The noun form referring to "one who shows partiality" or "a respecter of persons." This term is found in [[Acts 10:34]] when Peter proclaims, "God is no respecter of persons."
* **ἀπροσωπολήμπτως (aprosōpolēmptōs, `{{G678}}`):** The adverbial negation, meaning "without partiality" or "impartially." It appears in [[1 Peter 1:17]], emphasizing that God judges each person's work impartially.
* **Justice and Righteousness (δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosynē, `{{G1343}}`):** The concept of προσωποληψία stands in direct opposition to divine justice and righteousness. God's character is defined by His unwavering commitment to what is right and equitable, without bias.
* **Love (ἀγάπη, agapē, `{{G26}}`):** Showing προσωποληψία violates the principle of agapē love, which calls for treating all individuals with equal dignity and respect, recognizing their inherent worth as those created in God's image. James explicitly links favoritism to a failure to fulfill the "royal law" of love your neighbor as yourself ([[James 2:8-9]]).
* **Humility (ταπεινοφροσύνη, tapeinophrosynē, `{{G5012}}`):** Partiality often stems from pride or a desire to gain favor from those in power, contrasting with the humility that recognizes all are equally dependent on God's grace.
### Theological Significance
The condemnation of προσωποληψία is a profound theological statement, rooted in the very nature of God. Scripture consistently portrays God as utterly impartial ([[Deuteronomy 10:17]], [[Romans 2:11]]). His judgments are based on truth and righteousness, not on external appearances, human status, or any form of favoritism. This divine attribute serves as the ultimate ethical standard for humanity, particularly for believers.
For the Christian community, the prohibition against προσωποληψία is a direct implication of the Gospel. In Christ, all social, ethnic, and economic distinctions that typically divide humanity are transcended and broken down ([[Galatians 3:28]], [[Colossians 3:11]]). The church, as the body of Christ, is called to manifest this new reality, where every member is valued equally, reflecting the unity and equality found in Christ. Practicing προσωποληψία within the church is thus a serious theological inconsistency, undermining the unity of the Spirit and contradicting the very essence of the Gospel. James powerfully argues that it is a sin ([[James 2:9]]) and a failure to live out the "royal law" of love ([[James 2:8]]). It reveals a worldly mindset that prioritizes human status over divine principles. The concept highlights the radical nature of Christian ethics, which challenges prevailing societal norms that often privilege the wealthy and powerful, calling believers to a counter-cultural ethic of radical equality, dignity, and justice for all, mirroring the character of the impartial God they worship.
### Summary
προσωποληψία (prosōpolēpsía, `{{G4382}}`) denotes partiality or favoritism, literally "a taking of the face," where judgment or treatment is based on superficial, external factors rather than on intrinsic worth or justice. Appearing four times in the New Testament ([[Romans 2:11]], [[Ephesians 6:9]], [[Colossians 3:25]], [[James 2:1]]), this term consistently condemns such biased behavior. Its condemnation is fundamentally grounded in the immutable character of God, who is Himself utterly impartial in His dealings and judgments with humanity. For believers, showing προσωποληψία is a direct contradiction of divine justice, the unifying truth of the Gospel, and the royal law of love. It represents a failure to embody the radical equality and dignity that all persons possess in the eyes of God, and a dangerous conformity to worldly standards of status and privilege, rather than reflecting the impartial love and justice of the Kingdom of God.
TRV