προσωπολήπτης

one who shows partiality

Definition

προσωπολήπτης refers to a person who shows favoritism or partiality, especially based on external appearances, social status, or ethnicity. In the New Testament, it specifically denotes someone who discriminates unjustly, failing to judge with God's impartial standard. This concept is vividly illustrated in Acts 10:34, where Peter declares that God is not a 'respecter of persons' (προσωπολήπτης), meaning He does not show favoritism between Jews and Gentiles. The term encapsulates the idea of biased judgment that contradicts divine justice and the inclusive nature of the gospel.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 10:34. It is used in the context of Peter's revelation at Cornelius's house, where he recognizes that God accepts people from every nation who fear Him. The usage highlights a pivotal moment in early church history, transitioning from a Jewish-centric ministry to a universal one. The negative form ('not a προσωπολήπτης') emphasizes God's impartiality as a model for Christian conduct.

Etymology

Derived from πρόσωπον (prosōpon, G4383), meaning 'face' or 'person,' and λαμβάνω (lambanō, G2983), meaning 'to receive' or 'to take.' Thus, it literally means 'one who receives or judges based on face/person.' The compound implies making superficial judgments based on outward appearance or social standing, rather than on character or truth.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores God's impartial nature, a core attribute highlighted in both the Old and New Testaments (e.g., Deuteronomy 10:17, Romans 2:11). It challenges believers to reflect divine justice by avoiding prejudice in their interactions, especially within the church community. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying that biblical calls to fairness are rooted in God's own character, reinforcing themes of unity in Christ across ethnic and social barriers.

In the first-century Greco-Roman and Jewish contexts, showing partiality was common, often tied to honor-shame dynamics, wealth, or ethnic identity. For Jews, there was a traditional distinction between Jews and Gentiles, which the early church had to overcome. Peter's statement in Acts 10:34 directly confronts this cultural bias, affirming that in God's kingdom, such distinctions are irrelevant for salvation and acceptance.

διακρίνω (diakrinō, G1252) — to judge or discriminate, often in a negative sense of making distinctions that lead to division; κρίνω (krinō, G2919) — to judge or decide, broader in scope, not inherently negative like προσωπολήπτης.

Word Details

Scripture References