Original Word: πλησίον
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: plésion
Pronunciation: play-see'-on
Phonetic Spelling: (play-see'-on)
Definition: Neighbor
Meaning: near, nearby, a neighbor.

near, neighbor.

Neuter of a derivative of pelas (near); (adverbially) close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e. Fellow (as man, countryman, Christian or friend) -- near, neighbour.

Word Origin
adverb from plésios; from pelas (near)
Definition
near, neighboring
NASB Translation
near (1), neighbor (16).

STRONGS NT 4139: πλησίον

πλησίον (neuter of the adjective πλησίος, πλησια, πλησίον), adverb, from Homer down, near: with a genitive of place (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 54, 6), John 4:5; with the article, ὁ πλησίον namely, ὤν (cf. Buttmann, § 125, 10; Winers Grammar, 24) (the Sept. very often for רֵעַ ; sometimes for עָמִית), properly, Latinproximus (so Vulg. in the N. T.), a neighbor; i. e.

a. friend: Matthew 5:43.

b. any other person, and where two are concerned the other (thy fellow-man, thy neighbor) i. e., according to the O. T. and Jewish conception, a member of the Hebrew race and commonwealth: Acts 7:27; and Rec. in Hebrews 8:11; according to the teaching of Christ, any other man irrespective of race or religion with whom we live or whom we chance to meet (which idea is clearly brought out in the parable Luke 10:25-37): Matthew 19:19; Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31, 33; Luke 10:27; Romans 13:9, 10; (); Galatians 5:14; Ephesians 4:25; James 2:8 and L T Tr WH in ; πλησίον εἶναι τίνος, to be near one (one's neighbor), i. e. in a passive sense, worthy to be regarded as a friend and companion, Luke 10:29; actively, to perform the offices of a friend and companion, Luke 10:36; (on the omission of the article in the last two examples see Buttmann, § 129, 11; Winer's Grammar, § 19 at the end).

Word Origin: Derived from the adverbial form of the Greek word "πλησίος" (plēsios), meaning "near" or "close by."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek "πλησίον" corresponds to the Hebrew word "רֵעַ" (rea', Strong's Hebrew 7453), which also means "neighbor" or "friend." This Hebrew term is used in the Old Testament to describe social and moral relationships among individuals within the community of Israel, as seen in Leviticus 19:18 (BSB), "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Usage: The word "πλησίον" is used in the New Testament to refer to one's neighbor, emphasizing the relational aspect of proximity and moral obligation. It appears in contexts that discuss love, duty, and ethical conduct towards others.

Context: The term "πλησίον" is significant in the teachings of Jesus and the ethical instructions of the New Testament. It is most famously used in the context of the Great Commandment, where Jesus summarizes the law with the command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39, BSB). This commandment underscores the importance of selfless love and compassion towards others, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37, BSB), Jesus expands the definition of "neighbor" beyond the traditional Jewish understanding, illustrating that a neighbor is anyone in need, and love should be shown through acts of mercy and kindness. This parable challenges believers to transcend cultural and religious prejudices, embodying the universal love that Jesus taught.

The Apostle Paul reiterates this teaching in Romans 13:9 (BSB), where he states that all commandments are summed up in the command to "love your neighbor as yourself." This reflects the centrality of love in Christian ethics, where fulfilling the law is equated with loving one's neighbor.

The use of "πλησίον" in the New Testament highlights the transformative nature of Christian love, calling believers to a higher standard of interpersonal relationships that reflect the love of Christ.

πλήσιοι πλησιον πλησίον plesion plesíon plēsion plēsíonInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts