προθύμως (prothumōs)
prothumōs
eagerly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb prothumōs describes an attitude of eager readiness or willingness to act. It conveys a sense of alacrity, suggesting that the person involved is not reluctant but approaches their task with a cheerful and prompt spirit.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Peter 5:2, where elders are instructed to shepherd the flock willingly. The usage emphasizes that service should stem from an internal desire rather than external compulsion, reflecting a heart that is already prepared to give.
Its meaning derives from the root prothymos, which combines "before" with "mind" or "spirit." This etymology highlights a disposition that is mentally and emotionally aligned with a task before it even begins. Translators typically render it as "eagerly" or "willingly," capturing the voluntary nature of the action described.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prothumōs describes a heart that is ready before the work even begins. It comes from roots meaning 'before' and 'mind,' suggesting an internal alignment with a task rather than external pressure. When we serve, this eager readiness transforms duty into a joyous response to God's call.
In 1 Peter 5:2, elders are urged to shepherd not under compulsion but willingly. This reminds us that true service flows from a willing spirit, not obligation. It invites us to examine our own hearts, asking if we approach our daily responsibilities with the same cheerful eagerness.
May you find peace in knowing that God values the posture of your heart as much as the action itself. Let your service be marked by this quiet, eager willingness, reflecting a mind already prepared to love and serve others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- eagerly;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προθύμως·1×
Key Verses
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I Peter 5:2
shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily; not for dishonest gain, but willingly;
This verse uniquely applies prothumōs to spiritual leadership, contrasting willing service with forced duty to define the proper heart posture for elders.