### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb G5390 (φιλοφρόνως, transliterated as *philophrónōs*) is derived from the adjective φιλόφρων (*philophrōn*), which is a compound word formed from φίλος (*philos*, `{{G5384}}`), meaning "friend" or "loving," and φρήν (*phrēn*, related to `{{G5424}}` φρονέω), meaning "mind," "understanding," or "spirit." Thus, the root adjective φιλόφρων conveys the sense of having a "friendly mind" or a "loving disposition." As an adverb, philophrónōs describes an action performed *with* such a disposition. Its core meaning encompasses acting kindly, courteously, or with a friendly spirit. It signifies an inner benevolence that manifests in outward behavior, suggesting more than mere politeness but a genuine warmth and goodwill. The semantic range extends to actions characterized by graciousness, benevolence, and a welcoming demeanor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G5390 (φιλοφρόνως) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle of 1 Peter:
* **[[1 Peter 3:8]]**: "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous (philophrónōs)."
In this singular occurrence, philophrónōs is part of a series of exhortations from Peter to believers, urging them towards a life of unity and Christ-like character within the community. The context is crucial: Peter calls for a collective disposition of "one mind" (ὁμόφρων), followed by specific virtues that foster harmonious relationships: "compassion" (συμπαθής, *sympathēs*), "brotherly love" (φιλάδελφος, *philadelphos*), and "tenderheartedness" (εὔσπλαγχνος, *eusplagchnos*). The command to be philophrónōs ("courteous" or "kindly") immediately follows these, indicating that it is a practical, observable manifestation of the inner disposition of love and compassion. It is not a superficial nicety but an expression of a renewed inner self, deeply connected to the preceding virtues. This courtesy is to be extended to all, fostering peace and preventing strife, aligning with the broader theme of living honorably among Gentiles and within the household of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological roots of G5390 connect it to several significant biblical concepts:
* **φίλος (*philos*, `{{G5384}}`)**: This root signifies love, friendship, and affection. It connects philophrónōs to the broader theme of Christian love, particularly brotherly love (φιλαδελφία, *philadelphia*, `{{G5360}}`) and the love for humanity (φιλανθρωπία, *philanthrōpia*, `{{G5363}}`).
* **φρήν (*phrēn*)**: This component emphasizes the "mind" or "spirit" as the seat of understanding, will, and disposition. Thus, philophrónōs highlights that true courtesy stems from an internal, benevolent disposition, not merely external conformity to social norms. This links it to concepts of a renewed mind (ἀνακαίνωσις τοῦ νοός, *anakainōsis tou noos*, `{{G3561}}`) in Romans 12:2.
Other related concepts and virtues in the New Testament that resonate with philophrónōs include:
* **ἀγάπη (*agapē*, `{{G26}}`)**: The divine, unconditional love that undergirds all Christian ethics. philophrónōs is a practical outworking of *agapē* in interpersonal relations.
* **εὔσπλαγχνος (*eusplagchnos*, `{{G2155}}`)**: "Tenderhearted" or "compassionate," directly preceding philophrónōs in [[1 Peter 3:8]], underscoring the deep emotional empathy that should accompany kindness.
* **χρηστότης (*chrēstotēs*, `{{G5544}}`)**: "Kindness" or "goodness," often listed as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). philophrónōs describes the manner in which this kindness is expressed.
* **φιλοξενία (*philoxenia*, `{{G5381}}`)**: "Hospitality," literally "love of strangers." The practice of hospitality would inherently involve acting philophrónōs.
Conversely, philophrónōs stands in stark contrast to behaviors like rudeness, harshness, malice, and unkindness, which are condemned in Scripture.
### Theological Significance
The command to act philophrónōs carries significant theological weight for the Christian life.
1. **Reflection of God's Character**: God Himself is characterized by kindness, compassion, and love (e.g., [[Psalm 145:8]], [[Titus 3:4]]). Believers are called to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1), and expressing philophrónōs is a tangible way to reflect His benevolent nature to the world.
2. **Foundation for Christian Unity**: In [[1 Peter 3:8]], philophrónōs is presented as essential for fostering unity and harmony within the body of Christ. A "friendly mind" prevents strife, promotes understanding, and builds up the community, aligning with Christ's prayer for His followers' unity (John 17:21-23).
3. **Effective Witness**: Acting philophrónōs serves as a powerful testimony to those outside the faith. When Christians demonstrate genuine kindness and courtesy, even in challenging circumstances or towards those who are difficult, it sets them apart and can draw others to the gospel message (e.g., [[Matthew 5:16]]). It disarms hostility and opens doors for evangelism.
4. **Practical Outworking of Grace**: The ability to consistently act with a friendly and kind disposition is not inherent to fallen human nature but is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and a result of the transformative work of God's grace in a believer's life. It signifies a heart renewed by Christ, capable of extending grace to others as it has received grace from God.
5. **Ethical Imperative**: As part of a series of ethical commands in 1 Peter, philophrónōs underscores that Christian faith is not merely intellectual assent but requires a practical, ethical outworking in daily interactions. It calls believers to cultivate an inner disposition that naturally leads to courteous and kind behavior in all relationships.
### Summary
G5390 (φιλοφρόνως, *philophrónōs*) is a Greek adverb meaning "with a friendly mind," "kindly," or "courteously." Derived from roots signifying "love" and "mind/spirit," it denotes an action stemming from a genuine, benevolent disposition rather than superficial politeness. Its singular occurrence in [[1 Peter 3:8]] places it within a crucial list of virtues that promote unity and harmony among believers, following calls for compassion, brotherly love, and tenderheartedness. Theologically, philophrónōs is a vital expression of God's character, a cornerstone for Christian unity, a compelling witness to the world, and a practical manifestation of God's transforming grace in the life of a believer. It calls for an inner disposition of goodwill that manifests in outwardly kind and respectful behavior, reflecting the very heart of Christ.
TRV