5372. Philétos

Lexical Summary

Philétos: Philetus

Original Word: Φιλητός
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Philétos
Pronunciation: fee-LAY-tos
Phonetic Spelling: (fil-ay-tos')
KJV: Philetus
NASB: Philetus
Word Origin: [from G5368 (φιλέω - love)]

1. amiable
2. Philetus, an opposer of Christianity

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Philetus.

From phileo; amiable; Philetus, an opposer of Christianity -- Philetus.

see GREEK phileo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from phileó
Definition
"worthy of love," Philetus, an erring Christian at Ephesus
NASB Translation
Philetus (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 5372: Φίλητος

Φίλητος ((Chandler § 325; but) R L T Tr Φίλητος, see Τυχικός (Tdf. Proleg., p. 103)), Φιλητου, ὁ, Philetus, a heretic: 2 Timothy 2:17.

Topical Lexicon

Identity and Biblical Occurrence

Philetus appears once in Scripture, in Paul’s final letter: “and their message will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some” (2 Timothy 2:17-18). His name, meaning “beloved” or “amiable,” stands in stark contrast to the spiritual harm he caused.

Historical Setting

2 Timothy was penned while Paul awaited execution in Rome (circa A.D. 67). Timothy was shepherding the churches around Ephesus, a region already troubled by speculative teachings (1 Timothy 1:3-7). Philetus, partnered with Hymenaeus, emerges as a chief propagator of error within that milieu. Their doctrine had begun to infiltrate congregations, threatening the purity of apostolic teaching during a formative stage of church life.

Nature of the Error

1. Content: They claimed “the resurrection has already occurred,” reducing the future bodily resurrection to a past, purely spiritual event.
2. Consequence: This doctrine “undermined the faith of some,” because bodily resurrection is inseparable from the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). If believers’ hope is located only in an unseen, already-fulfilled event, motivation for holiness, perseverance, and even confidence in Christ’s own bodily resurrection is eroded.
3. Spread: Paul likens their teaching to “gangrene” (2 Timothy 2:17)—a vivid warning that doctrinal corruption, left untreated, becomes lethal to the body of Christ.

Theological Implications

• Undermining the bodily resurrection strikes at Christology (Romans 1:4) and soteriology (Romans 10:9).
• It distorts eschatology, robbing believers of the “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13).
• It illustrates how error often masquerades as deeper insight, re-defining biblical terms rather than openly denying them.

Paul’s Pastoral Response

• Guard the gospel: “Retain the standard of sound teaching” (2 Timothy 1:13).
• Correctly handle the word: “Present yourself to God… rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
• Separate from persistent error: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness” (2 Timothy 2:19). The swift, decisive language assumes church discipline when repentance is refused (cf. 1 Timothy 1:20 regarding Hymenaeus).

Lessons for Ministry Today

1. Doctrinal vigilance remains essential; subtle redefinitions of core truths can cripple faith.
2. The bodily resurrection is non-negotiable; it anchors hope, holiness, and evangelistic proclamation (Acts 17:31).
3. Reputation and charisma (an “amiable” Philetus) never substitute for truth. Leaders must be evaluated by fidelity to Scripture, not personal appeal.
4. The church, like a surgeon dealing with gangrene, must excise teaching that denies foundational doctrines while pursuing restoration of the erring if repentance occurs (Galatians 6:1).

Related Scriptures

• Matthew 22:29-32 – Jesus affirms resurrection against the Sadducees.
• John 5:28-29 – A future, bodily resurrection promised by Christ.
• 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 – Christ the firstfruits, guaranteeing believers’ resurrection.
• 2 Peter 3:3-4 – Mockers questioning promised future realities.
• Revelation 20:4-6 – The resurrection culminating in millennial reign.

Summary

Philetus stands as a solemn reminder that heresy can spring from within, clothed in winsome garb yet corrosive to the faith. Paul’s firm opposition underscores the church’s enduring duty: preserve the gospel, proclaim the bodily resurrection, and protect the flock from teachings that steal their hope in Christ’s promised future glory.

Forms and Transliterations

Φιλητος Φίλητος Philetos Philētos Phíletos Phílētos

Englishman's Concordance

2 Timothy 2:17 N-NMS
GRK: Ὑμέναιος καὶ Φίλητος
NAS: Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
KJV: Hymenaeus and Philetus;
INT: Hymenaeus and Philetus

Strong's Greek 5372
1 Occurrence

Φίλητος — 1 Occ.