ἰσόψυχος (isopsuchos)
isopsuchos
like-minded
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective isopsuchos describes a person who is "like-minded" or shares the same spirit as another. It combines words for "equal" and "soul," suggesting a deep alignment of inner life rather than just surface agreement. In Philippians 2:20, Paul uses it to praise Timothy, noting that Timothy genuinely cares about the believers' welfare in a way that matches Paul’s own heart.
This term goes beyond simple cooperation. It implies an equality of spirit where one person’s concerns become another’s. While often translated as "like-minded," the emphasis is on the shared soul or spirit that drives this unity. It paints a picture of relational harmony rooted in a common spiritual orientation, making it a powerful descriptor for Christian fellowship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word isopsuchos describes a rare and precious kind of unity. It combines ideas of equality and shared soul to show that true friendship goes beyond simple agreement on topics. Instead, it reflects a deep alignment where one person’s concerns naturally become another’s. This kind of connection requires humility and selflessness, qualities that Paul highlights when describing Timothy.
In Philippians 2:20, Paul notes that no one else cares for the believers as genuinely as Timothy does. This verse shows us that Christian fellowship is not just about working together on tasks, but about sharing a common spiritual heart. When we seek this kind of unity, we move past surface-level interactions to build relationships rooted in mutual care and shared purpose.
Such connections do not happen by accident. They grow when we prioritize others’ needs alongside our own. This word invites us to look for those who share our commitment to Christ’s mission. It reminds us that genuine community is built on a foundation of shared spirit, where love and concern flow freely between people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like-minded,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἰσόψυχον,1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 2:20
For I have no one else like-minded, who will truly care about you.
Paul uses this term to highlight Timothy’s unique ability to genuinely care for the believers in a way that matches his own heart.