φιλοφρόνως (philophronōs)
philophronōs
hospitably
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb philophronōs describes an attitude of genuine kindness and friendliness. It derives from roots meaning "love" and "mind" or "disposition," pointing to a heart that is well-disposed toward others. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Acts 28:7.
The context is significant: Paul, a prisoner, receives hospitality from Publius, the chief official of Malta. The sources note that Philophronōs captures the warm, welcoming spirit of that interaction. It is not merely polite behavior but a sincere expression of goodwill toward a stranger in need.
Translators often render this term as "hospitably" or "kindly." While "hospitably" highlights the action of hosting, "kindly" better reflects the internal disposition of the heart. The word reminds readers that true hospitality stems from a friendly mind and a loving spirit toward those we meet.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Paul arrived on Malta as a prisoner, he expected little kindness. Instead, Publius, the island’s leading official, welcomed him with genuine warmth. The Greek word used here describes a heart that is well-disposed toward others. It is not just polite behavior but a sincere expression of goodwill toward someone in need.
This kind of hospitality goes beyond offering a meal or a bed. It reflects a friendly mind and a loving spirit. In our daily lives, we are invited to show the same attitude. Whether dealing with neighbors, coworkers, or strangers, we can choose to be open-hearted and generous.
True kindness often starts with a simple willingness to see others as friends. When we extend this grace, we reflect the love of Christ in practical ways. May your heart always be ready to welcome others with sincerity and joy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- hospitably1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φιλοφρόνως1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 28:7
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and courteously entertained us for three days.
This verse shows Publius receiving Paul and his companions with a warm, welcoming spirit that goes beyond mere politeness.