προσφιλής (prosphilēs)
prosphilēs
lovely
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective prosphilēs describes something that is pleasing or agreeable, carrying a sense of being lovely in a way that wins favor. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Philippians 4:8, where Paul urges believers to focus on whatever is true, noble, and right.
Its meaning derives from roots indicating love or affection, suggesting that what is prosphilēs resonates deeply with the heart. In this context, it highlights qualities that are not just morally good but also spiritually attractive and delightful to God.
This rare word emphasizes the positive appeal of virtuous things, inviting readers to appreciate their inherent beauty rather than merely their duty. By using such language, Paul connects ethical living with a sense of joy and divine approval, showing that righteousness can be both satisfying and lovely.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prosphilēs appears just once in the New Testament, tucked into Paul’s famous list of virtues in Philippians 4:8. It translates to "lovely" or "pleasing," carrying a sense of being agreeable and attractive to the heart. Unlike a cold command to be good, this word invites us to see righteousness as something beautiful and delightful.
This shifts how we view our daily choices. We are not just following rules; we are cultivating a life that resonates with joy and divine approval. When we focus on what is pure and honorable, we find that these qualities have an inherent beauty that lifts the spirit. It reminds us that living well is not a burden, but a source of genuine satisfaction.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lovely,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσφιλῆ,1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
This is the only occurrence of the word in the New Testament, where Paul uses it to describe qualities that are spiritually attractive and pleasing to God.