φιλανθρώπως
philanthrṓpōs
G5364 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
In a manner characterized by benevolence or goodwill toward people; with humaneness, kindness, or consideration; acting or behaving toward others in a humane or courteous way. The primary lexical meaning is 'with philanthropy'—expressing kindness, generosity, or courteous intent toward other humans. The term can imply actions motivated by a regard for the welfare of others or conducted in a way that reflects civil or humane values.
Semantic Range
humanely, benevolently, kindly, with regard to the welfare of others, with civility or courtesy
Root / Etymology
Formed from the adjective φιλάνθρωπος (philanthrōpos, 'loving mankind, humane, benevolent'), which itself is a compound of φίλος ('loving, friendly') and ἄνθρωπος ('human being, man'), plus the adverbial suffix -ως. The construction denotes 'in a philanthropic/humane manner.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Φιλανθρώπως is rare in extant Greek literature; its use is primarily post-classical and appears in contexts emphasizing humane, kind, or civil treatment—especially in contrast to harshness or severity. In Hellenistic and Roman literature, φιλανθρωπία (philanthropia) and its derivatives often described a virtue highly valued in rulers or benefactors—'benevolence' or 'affection for humanity.' In the New Testament (Acts 27:3), φιλανθρώπως describes kind or gracious treatment shown to Paul. The Septuagint does not use this adverb; its concept is usually conveyed by terms related to kindness (e.g., ἔλεος) or mercy (οἰκτιρμός). Standard English translations often render φιλανθρώπως as 'courteously,' 'kindly,' or 'humanely,' which reflects part, but not the full social and ethical nuance of philanthropic virtue in the Greco-Roman world. The term stands in contrast with more generic terms for kindness (ἀγαθῶς) or mercy; it specifically connotes a humanity-embracing disposition or action.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from a compound of φίλος and ἄνθρωπος; fondly to man ("philanthropically"), i.e. humanely:--courteously.
Root Family
φιλανθρωπ- (philanthrōpía) — love of humanity, kindness, benevolence, compassion
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G5363 | φιλανθρωπία | love of humanity |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5364-01 |
φιλανθρώπως | philanthropos | ADV |
kindly | humanely | kindly | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5364-01 |
Acts 27:3 | φιλανθρώπως | philanthropos | ADV |
kindly | humanely | kindly |