Strong's Lexicon eritheia: Selfish ambition, strife, rivalry Original Word: ἐριθεία Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word ἔριθος (erithos), meaning "a hireling" or "laborer for hire," which implies working for personal gain. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "eritheia," the concept of selfish ambition can be related to terms like "מַחֲלֹקֶת" (machaloketh) meaning "division" or "contention," and "רִיב" (riv) meaning "strife" or "dispute." Usage: In the New Testament, "eritheia" is used to describe a self-seeking attitude that leads to division and conflict. It denotes a spirit of rivalry and ambition that prioritizes personal gain over communal harmony and the well-being of others. This term is often associated with negative behaviors that disrupt unity within the Christian community. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, ambition and competition were often seen as virtues, especially in political and social contexts. However, the early Christian community, influenced by the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, viewed such self-centered ambition as contrary to the values of humility, service, and love. The term "eritheia" reflects a departure from the communal and sacrificial ethos that characterized the early church. HELPS Word-studies 2052 eritheía (from eritheuō, "work for hire") – properly, work done merely for hire (as a mercenary), referring therefore to carnal ambition (selfish rivalry). Ancient Greek uses 2052 /eritheía ("mercenary self-seeking") of acting for one's own gain, regardless of the discord (strife) it causes. 2052 /eritheía ("selfish ambition") places self-interest ahead of what the Lord declares right, or what is good for others. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom erithos (day-laborer) Definition rivalry, hence ambition NASB Translation disputes (2), selfish ambition (3), selfishly ambitious (1), selfishness (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2052: ἐριθείαἐριθεία (not ἐριθεία, cf. Winers Grammar, § 6, 1 g.; (Chandler § 99)) (ἐριθια WH; see Iota and Tdf. Proleg., p. 88), ἐριθείας, ἡ (ἐριθεύω to spin wool, work in wool, Heliodorus 1, 5; middle in the same sense, Tobit 2:11; used of those who electioneer for office, courting popular applause by trickery and low arts, Aristotle, polit. 5, 3; the verb is derived from ἔριθος working for hire, a hireling; from the Maced. age down, a spinner or weaver, a worker in wool, Isaiah 38:12 the Sept.; a mean, sordid fellow), electioneering or intriguing for office, Aristotle, pol. 5, 2 and 3 (pp. 1302b, 4 and 1303a, 14); hence, apparently, in the N. T. "a courting distinction, a desire to put oneself forward, a partisan and factious spirit which does not disdain low arts; partisanship, factiousness": James 3:14, 16; κατ' ἐριθείαν, Philippians 2:3; Ignatius ad Philadelph. § 8 [ET]; οἱ ἐξ ἐριθείας (see ἐκ, II. 7), Philippians 1:16 ( Strong's Exhaustive Concordance contention, strife. Perhaps as the same as erethizo; properly, intrigue, i.e. (by implication) faction -- contention(-ious), strife. see GREEK erethizo Forms and Transliterations ερίθεια ἐριθεία εριθείαι ερίθειαι ἐριθείαι ερίθειαν ἐριθείαν εριθείας ἐριθείας εριθια ἐριθία εριθιαι ἐριθίαι εριθιαν ἐριθίαν εριθιας ἐριθίας ερίθου ερικτά eritheia eritheía eritheiai eritheíai eritheian eritheían eritheias eritheíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 2:8 N-GFSGRK: δὲ ἐξ ἐριθείας καὶ ἀπειθοῦσι NAS: but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey INT: moreover of self-interest and who disobey 2 Corinthians 12:20 N-NFP Galatians 5:20 N-NFP Philippians 1:17 N-GFS Philippians 2:3 N-AFS James 3:14 N-AFS James 3:16 N-NFS Strong's Greek 2052 |
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