Lexical Summary philautos: Self-loving, selfish Original Word: φίλαυτος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lover of self. From philos and autos; fond of self, i.e. Selfish -- lover of own self. see GREEK philos see GREEK autos HELPS Word-studies 5367 phílautos (an adjective, derived from 5384 /phílos, "lover" and 846 /autós, "of self") – properly, a lover of self, describing someone preoccupied with their own selfish desires (self-interests). It is only used in 2 Tim 3:2. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom philos and autos Definition loving oneself NASB Translation lovers of self (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5367: φίλαυτοςφίλαυτος, φιλαυτον. (φίλος and αὐτός), loving oneself; too intent on one's own interests, selfish: 2 Timothy 3:2. (Aris. tot. ((cf. φιλάγαθος); rhet. 1, 11, 26 (where cf. Cope) ἀνάγκη πάντας φιλαυτους αἰναι ἐ μᾶλλον ἤ ἧττον; Philo, legg. alleg. 1, 15; Plutarch, (Epictetus), Lucian, Sextus Empiricus; διά τό φύσει πάντας εἶναι φιλαυτους, Josephus, Antiquities 3, 8, 1.) (Cf. Trench, Synonyms, § xciii.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Conceptual Background Strong’s Greek 5367 denotes an orientation of heart that places the self at the center of affection, priority, and decision-making. While love for one’s own life can be a natural instinct (Ephesians 5:29), Scripture consistently distinguishes between proper self-care under God’s authority and the self-absorption that crowds out love for God and neighbor. Biblical Occurrence The term appears once in the Greek New Testament. In 2 Timothy 3:2 Paul warns that in the last days people will be “lovers of themselves” (BSB: “For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive…”). The plural form signals a widespread social condition, not an isolated vice. It stands first in a catalogue of sins, suggesting that self-love is the root from which the others grow. Theological Significance 1. Idolatry of Self. Scripture teaches that disordered love is the essence of idolatry (Romans 1:25). When the self is enthroned, the worship that belongs to God is diverted inward. Historical Context and Early Church Reflection Early Christian writers identified φίλαυτος with the “old man” crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6). Chrysostom spoke of it as “the root of all evil, for when each seeks his own, all things are turned upside down.” Monastic rules often began with renunciations of self-will, echoing Christ’s call to “deny himself” (Luke 9:23). The patristic consensus located true freedom not in self-assertion but in self-forgetful love modeled by the Incarnate Son (Philippians 2:5-8). Pastoral and Discipleship Implications 1. Spiritual Diagnosis. Teachers and counselors should help believers discern whether pursuits that appear harmless are actually expressions of inordinate self-love. Contemporary Applications Modern Western culture often sanctifies self-focus under the banners of autonomy and self-esteem. The biblical warning invites critical evaluation of media, advertising, and even therapeutic language that normalizes narcissism. Christian families can cultivate gratitude and generosity as practical correctives. Churches should present a compelling vision of identity anchored in union with Christ rather than in personal achievement or image. Related Biblical Themes and Contrasts • Sacrificial Love: John 15:13 contrasts self-protective love with laying down one’s life for friends. Summary Strong’s Greek 5367 encapsulates the peril of an inward-turned heart that eclipses devotion to God and love for others. Recognizing and resisting this impulse is essential for faithful discipleship, robust community life, and credible gospel witness in every generation. Forms and Transliterations φιλαυτοι φίλαυτοι φιλεχθρήσης philautoi phílautoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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