"can function as an improper prep., near, near by, Jn. 4:5; ὁ πλησίον, a neighbor, Mt. 19:19; Rom. 15:2; a friendly neighbor, Mt. 5:43"
Definition and meaning
can function as an improper prep., near, near by, Jn. 4:5; ὁ πλησίον, a neighbor, Mt. 19:19; Rom. 15:2; a friendly neighbor, Mt. 5:43
In the original Greek the word is written: πλησίον
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of plesion (G4139) across the King James Bible.
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?
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Common questions
Strong's G4139 (plesion) is a Greek word that means: can function as an improper prep., near, near by, Jn. 4:5; ὁ πλησίον, a neighbor, Mt. 19:19; Rom. 15:2; a friendly neighbor, Mt. 5:43 It appears 17 times in the King James Bible.
The word plesion (G4139) appears 17 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4139 is plesion, a Greek word defined as: can function as an improper prep., near, near by, Jn. 4:5; ὁ πλησίον, a neighbor, Mt. 19:19; Rom. 15:2; a friendly neighbor, Mt. 5:43. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
plesion is a Greek word found in the New Testament.