πρόσκλισις (prosklisis)
prosklisis
partiality
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun prosklisis refers to a mental inclination or bias that leads to partiality. It describes the act of joining the side of one person over another, often implying an unfair preference. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in 1 Timothy 5:21, where Paul charges Timothy not to show favoritism.
The word is formed from a prefix meaning "toward" and a root related to leaning or inclining. This etymology paints a vivid picture of someone tilting their attention toward one party while neglecting another. Translators typically render it as "partiality" or "favoritism," capturing the sense of an unbalanced judgment that undermines justice. The sources highlight its use in contexts requiring impartiality, emphasizing the need for even-handedness in leadership and community life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prosklisis paints a vivid picture of our inner posture. It comes from roots meaning to lean or incline toward something. When we show partiality, we are tilting our attention and judgment toward one person while neglecting another. This mental bias undermines the fairness that God desires in our communities.
In 1 Timothy 5:21, Paul charges Timothy to act without this leaning. He does not ask for a lack of care, but for an even-handed approach that honors everyone equally. As Christians, we are called to examine our own hearts. We must ask if we are giving preferential treatment based on status, wealth, or appearance.
Living without partiality is a practical way to reflect God’s character. It invites us to treat every person with the dignity they deserve as image-bearers of God. This simple act of fairness strengthens trust and unity within the church. May we strive for this balanced view in our daily interactions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- partiality.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πρόσκλισιν.1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 5:21
I command you in the sight of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.
This is the only New Testament occurrence, where Paul explicitly commands leaders to avoid the bias described by this word.