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προθυμία

prothymía

G4288 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Eager readiness or willingness; a forward or prompt disposition toward an action or task. Denotes an inner eagerness, enthusiasm, or voluntary zeal in approaching something, as opposed to reluctance or compulsion. The term can describe both the attitude ('willingness') and the state of preparedness ('readiness') to undertake a responsibility, contribute, or respond supportively.

Semantic Range

eagerness, willingness, readiness, enthusiastic disposition, zeal, alacrity, promptness, forwardness

Root / Etymology

Derived from πρόθυμος ('eager, willing, ready'), which is a compound of πρό ('before, forth') and θυμός ('spirit, passion, temper'). προθυμία is the abstract noun form, signifying the quality or state pertaining to that which is willing or eager.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, προθυμία referred broadly to zeal, eager readiness, or a spirited willingness, whether in the context of action, service, or emotional disposition. In the Hellenistic and New Testament periods, the term retains this sense but often takes on moral or communal nuances, signifying a commendable, voluntary readiness to serve or contribute (e.g., 2 Corinthians 8:11–12, where it describes eager participation in a communal offering). The term can contrast with unwillingness, laziness, or grudging obligation (see ἀπροθυμία, 'unwillingness'). While English translations like 'readiness of mind' or 'willing mind' capture aspects of the meaning, they sometimes understate the active and positive enthusiasm implied by the word. In the Septuagint, it often translates Hebrew concepts of heartfelt willingness or voluntary action, especially in contexts of giving or service. The range of meaning is generally consistent across Koine Greek sources, though context may emphasize individual inner motivation or communal spirit of participation.

Translation Consistency

primary "willingness" 0 occurrences

Prothymía most often denotes voluntary readiness or eager disposition; 'willingness' is the natural, common English noun that captures both volition and readiness across typical NT contexts (covering eagerness, readiness, and voluntary zeal) and fits the SILEX range better than more formal or narrow terms like 'promptness.'

Alternatives (5 occurrences):
"eager readiness" (5x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from πρόθυμος; predisposition, i.e. alacrity:--forwardness of mind, readiness (of mind), ready (willing) mind.

Root Family

προθυμ- (prothymía) — to be willing, to be eager, to show zeal

Root προθυμ- to be willing, to be eager, to show zeal
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G4290 προθύμως with eager readiness

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4288-01 προθυμία prothumia N NOM F SG readiness eager readiness eager readiness 2
G4288-02 προθυμίαν prothumian N ACC F SG readiness eager readiness eager readiness 2
G4288-03 προθυμίας prothumias N GEN F SG readiness of eager readiness eager readiness 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4288-03 Acts 17:11 προθυμίας prothumias N GEN F SG readiness of eager readiness eager readiness
G4288-01 2 Corinthians 8:11 προθυμία prothumia N NOM F SG readiness eager readiness eager readiness
G4288-01 2 Corinthians 8:12 προθυμία prothumia N NOM F SG readiness eager readiness eager readiness
G4288-02 2 Corinthians 8:19 προθυμίαν prothumian N ACC F SG readiness eager readiness eager readiness
G4288-02 2 Corinthians 9:2 προθυμίαν prothumian N ACC F SG readiness eager readiness eager readiness
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