Lexical Summary philandros: Loving one's husband Original Word: φίλανδρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance love their husbandFrom philos and aner; fond of man, i.e. Affectionate as a wife -- love their husbands. see GREEK philos see GREEK aner HELPS Word-studies 5362 phílandros (from 5384 /phílos, "loving friend" and 435 /anḗr, "husband, the male companion of a wife") – properly, the special affection of a woman for her life-time mate (husband), embracing him as her "calling" (stewardship) from God (used only in Tit 2:4). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom philos and anér Definition loving men, (of a wife) loving her husband NASB Translation love their husbands (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5362: φίλανδροςφίλανδρος, φιλανδρον (φίλος and ἀνήρ) (from Aeschylus down (in other senses)), loving her husband: Titus 2:4 (φιλανδροι καί σώφρονες γυναῖκες, Plutarch, praec. conj. c. 28). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope Formed from the ideas of warm affection (philos) and husband (anēr), the term designates the heartfelt devotion of a wife to her spouse. It is not a sterile duty but a relational loyalty that blends friendship, respect, and covenant commitment. In the Greco-Roman world, marriage often centered on social contracts; Scripture elevates it to a sphere of mutual love in which the wife’s affection is as prominent as the husband’s self-sacrifice (Ephesians 5:25). Scriptural Setting The lone New Testament occurrence appears in Titus 2:4, where older women are charged “to train the young women to love their husbands”. The immediate context lists virtues that sustain a healthy household and, by extension, adorn “the doctrine of God our Savior” (Titus 2:10). Thus, philandros functions missiologically; affectionate marriages commend the gospel to an observing world. First-Century Marriage Context Cretan society, like much of the Roman Empire, permitted casual divorce, concubinage, and patriarchal excess. Against this backdrop Paul instructs Titus that Christian homes must exemplify a countercultural ethic. The call for wives to cherish their husbands signals a restoration of Edenic partnership (Genesis 2:24) in which mutual delight overrides exploitation or indifference. Theological Implications 1. Reflection of Covenant Love: As Israel is the bride of the LORD (Hosea 2:19) and the Church the bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7), marital affection mirrors redemptive union. Practical Ministry Applications • Discipleship: Mature women are instructed to mentor younger wives, demonstrating that marital love can be learned, nurtured, and modeled. Interrelated Virtues The pairing of philandros with philoteknos (“loving their children,” Titus 2:4) underscores the holistic nature of domestic love. Additional companion virtues include: – Fidelity (Hebrews 13:4) – Kindness (Colossians 3:12-14) – Respect (1 Peter 3:1-2) – Unity of purpose (Philippians 2:2) Witness Throughout Church History Early apologists such as Tertullian defended Christian marriage as marked by “inseparable companionship,” reflecting the very concept of philandros. Reformers reaffirmed the household as a “little church,” while modern evangelical movements continue to elevate the affectionate bond of husband and wife as central to family discipleship. Conclusion Strong’s 5362 depicts more than a feeling; it is a Spirit-enabled devotion that anchors the Christian home and amplifies the credibility of the gospel in every generation. Forms and Transliterations φιλανδρους φιλάνδρους philandrous philándrousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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