προσφιλής
prosphilḗs
G4375 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having qualities that elicit affection, admiration, or approval; attractive or pleasing, especially in a way that inspires positive regard. Semantic range includes 'lovely,' 'pleasing,' 'agreeable,' or 'worthy of affection.' In broader contexts, may indicate something or someone held dear or esteemed for admirable qualities.
Semantic Range
lovely, pleasing, agreeable, admirable, worthy of affection, dear, esteemed, held in regard
Root / Etymology
Formed from πρός ('toward, to, with') and the stem φιλ- (from φιλέω, 'to love, have affection for'). The compound suggests 'that which moves one toward affection' or 'drawing forth regard or love.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, προσφιλής is rare but attested, typically describing something beloved or pleasing, including describing people, actions, or qualities deserving positive attention. In the New Testament (e.g., Philippians 4:8), it occurs in exhortative contexts denoting things or qualities seen as commendable or attractive, not necessarily in a physical sense but in the sense of being worthy of esteem or moral approval. The Septuagint uses the term infrequently, often reflecting positive moral or relational attributes. English translations often render as 'lovely,' 'pleasing,' or 'of good repute,' but these do not always convey the nuance of affection or regard embedded in the term. The semantic nuance includes an element of drawing positive feeling—personal, moral, or communal—distinct from more neutral terms for 'good' or 'useful' (e.g., ἀγαθός, χρήσιμος). Not generally used for 'friendly towards' in the sense of interpersonal relationships; more commonly describes the quality of being loveable or admirable.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a presumed compound of πρός and φιλέω; friendly towards, i.e. acceptable:--lovely.
Root Family
προσφιλής (prosphilēs) — lovely, pleasing, worthy of affection, admirable, esteemed
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4375-01 |
προσφιλῆ | prosphile | ADJ.P NOM N PL |
lovely | affection-worthy things | affection-worthy things | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4375-01 |
Philippians 4:8 | προσφιλῆ | prosphile | ADJ.P NOM N PL |
lovely | affection-worthy things | affection-worthy things |