Lexical Summary eritheia: Selfish ambition, strife, rivalry Original Word: ἐριθεία 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 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 ( Topical Lexicon The Sin of Selfish AmbitionSelf-seeking rivalry is presented in Scripture as a moral disease that corrodes relationships, disrupts church unity, and hides the glory of Christ behind personal agendas. The word translated “selfish ambition” in the Berean Standard Bible consistently depicts a striving for prominence that disregards the good of others and the will of God. Though outwardly appearing energetic or visionary, it is inwardly driven by pride, jealousy, and a party-spirit. Occurrences in the New Testament • Romans 2:8 contrasts it with obedience to truth: “But for those who are self-seeking and reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.” Historical Background In the Greco-Roman world, political life was fueled by factional rivalry, and philosophers often warned against eristic contests for honor. The New Testament writers address churches planted in cities saturated with such values. Converts who once advanced themselves through patronage networks were now called to adopt the mind of Christ, whose exaltation came through self-emptying service (Philippians 2:5-11). Thus, selfish ambition represented a relapse into cultural norms that were incompatible with the new creation. Theological Significance 1. A Denial of the Gospel: The gospel proclaims justification by grace and unity in one body; selfish ambition implicitly trusts in personal merit and fractures the body. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Leadership Selection: Churches must discern motives, refusing to equate charisma with calling. Contrasts and Antidotes Selfish ambition Humility (Philippians 2:3) Factionalism Unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3) Envying Gifts Celebrating Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:26) Personal Glory God’s Glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) The chief antidote is embracing the servanthood of Jesus Christ: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Related Themes and Words • Jealousy (zelos) – often paired with selfish ambition in James 3:14-16. Reflection for Today Modern culture prizes personal branding and platform building, pressures that can infiltrate Christian service. Believers are called to examine motives, pursue the interests of others, and let Christ’s self-surrendering love govern every ambition. In doing so, the church displays a counter-cultural community where greatness is measured by servanthood and unity magnifies the Lord who prayed “that they may be one.” 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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