πλησίον (plēsion)
plēsion
near/neighbor
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word plēsion literally means "near" or "close by," functioning as a noun to describe one’s neighbor. In the New Testament, it appears seventeen times, most frequently in the Gospels and Pauline letters. It serves as the direct equivalent of the Hebrew re’a, translating the command to love one’s neighbor as oneself found in Leviticus 19:18.
While Jewish tradition often restricted this term to members of the same nation or covenant community, Jesus radically expanded its scope. In passages like Matthew 5:43 and Luke 10:27, He redefines the neighbor not by ethnicity or religion, but by proximity and shared humanity. This shift is evident in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, where the term applies to anyone in need, regardless of social boundaries.
Paul later reinforces this universal application in Romans 13:10, stating that love does no harm to a neighbor. The word emphasizes relational closeness rather than abstract duty, grounding ethical behavior in the reality of those living nearby or crossing one’s path. Translators consistently render it as "neighbor," preserving its simple yet profound call to recognize the dignity in others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word plēsion simply means "near" or "close by." In Scripture, it becomes a noun for your neighbor. Jesus took this idea of physical proximity and turned it into a call for active love. He did not limit who counts as a neighbor to those who look like you or share your background. Instead, He showed that anyone you meet is worthy of care.
This changes how we see our daily interactions. When you encounter someone in need, they are not just a stranger; they are your plēsion. Jesus invites us to recognize the dignity in every person we cross paths with. This love is not about abstract duty but real connection. It asks us to look out for others as naturally as we look out for ourselves.
Living this out brings peace to our relationships and reflects God's heart. You do not need to earn the right to be loved; you simply need to offer it. Let this word guide your steps toward kindness, patience, and genuine concern for those around you today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- neighbour13×
- neighbour?2×
- nearby1×
- a neighbour1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πλησίον15×
- πλησίον;¶1×
- πλησίον;1×
Key Verses
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Luke 10:29
But he, desiring to justify himself, asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?”
This verse captures the human struggle to define boundaries, prompting Jesus to expand the concept of neighbor beyond traditional limits.
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Luke 10:36
Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?”
Here Jesus shifts the focus from identifying who deserves love to becoming a neighbor through merciful action.
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Romans 13:10
Love doesn’t harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.
Paul clarifies that true love for a neighbor never causes harm, fulfilling the ethical intent of the law.
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Ephesians 4:25
Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
This passage grounds truth-telling in our shared identity, showing that honesty strengthens our bonds as neighbors.