πρόθυμος
próthymos
G4289 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Eager, willing, or ready in spirit; describes a person's disposition as prompt, enthusiastic, or disposed to act without hesitation. In various contexts, refers to an inclination or willingness to do or endure something, often with a sense of active eagerness or cheerful readiness. Can also denote readiness of mind or spirit, not merely physical preparation.
Semantic Range
eager, willing, ready in spirit, disposed, enthusiastic, prompt, cheerful readiness, readiness of mind
Root / Etymology
From πρό ('before, in advance') and θυμός ('spirit, mind, temperament'), thus signifying someone whose spirit is 'beforehand' or 'in advance'—ready, eager.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, πρόθυμος described a quality of promptness, eagerness, or willingness, often praised in moral and ethical contexts as a virtue. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the New Testament and Septuagint, the term often qualifies a person’s disposition toward a task, command, or request, emphasizing zealous or enthusiastic compliance. The noun πρόθυμον (neuter) refers to the state of eagerness or readiness. Standard English translations as 'willing' or 'ready' often miss the nuance of eagerness and inner motivation; the term is stronger than passive willingness, implying positive, energetic desire to act. In contrast, ὀκνηρός ('reluctant,' 'sluggish') marks the opposite disposition. Difference from related terms: ἑτοίμος often stresses preparedness or availability, whereas πρόθυμος highlights eagerness of intent or spirit.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πρό and θυμός; forward in spirit, i.e. predisposed; neuter (as noun) alacrity:--ready, willing.
Root Family
προ-θυμ- (próthymos) — forward, spirit, eagerness, disposition
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4289-01 |
πρόθυμον | prothumon | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
eager | the eager readiness | eager readiness | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4289-01 |
Matthew 26:41 | πρόθυμον | prothumon | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
is willing | the eager readiness | the eager readiness |
G4289-01 |
Mark 14:38 | πρόθυμον | prothumon | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
willing | the eager readiness | eager readiness |
G4289-01 |
Romans 1:15 | πρόθυμον | prothumon | ADJ.S NOM N SG |
eager | the eager readiness | eager readiness |