ἰσόψυχος
isópsychos
G2473 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having an equal or similar disposition, being of like character or mind; in context, refers to sharing the same attitude, concern, or outlook as another, especially in relation to emotional or internal qualities. Also used to denote harmony or unity of inner life with another.
Semantic Range
having the same disposition, like-minded, sharing a similar spirit or temper, of similar concern, unified in feeling or attitude
Root / Etymology
Compound of ἴσος ('equal, same') and ψυχή ('soul, life, self'). Formed by joining these elements to denote 'equal-souled' or 'kindred in spirit.' No evidence for pre-Koine usage outside compound construction.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἰσόψυχος appears in Koine Greek primarily as an adjective describing people who are closely aligned in temperament, intention, or internal disposition—often in a context emphasizing unity or deep concord, as in Philippians 2:20, where Paul uses it to describe Timothy as having a genuinely shared concern. Unlike the simple adjective ὁμόφρων ('like-minded' in the sense of sharing viewpoints) or ὁμόψυχος ('one-souled'), ἰσόψυχος places emphasis on depth of personal commitment and affinity at the level of the psyche (inner person). Classical Greek has limited attestation of the term—it appears to be a post-classical or Hellenistic formation. Standard English translations such as 'likeminded' or 'of similar spirit' may not fully express the nuance of shared inward devotion or harmony of character conveyed by this compound. The term does not denote fleeting agreement, but a consistent, intrinsic unity of attitude and care. It is rare in extant Greek literature outside biblical and early Christian texts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἴσος and ψυχή; of similar spirit:--likeminded.
Root Family
ἰσοψυχ- (isópsychos) — equal in soul, like-spirited, sharing the same inner disposition
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2473-01 |
ἰσόψυχον | isopsuchon | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
likeminded | like-souled (masc. acc. sg.) | like-souled | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2473-01 |
Philippians 2:20 | ἰσόψυχον | isopsuchon | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
likeminded | like-souled (masc. acc. sg.) | like-souled |