Lexical Summary philotheos: Loving God, God-loving Original Word: φιλόθεος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lover of God. From philos and theos; fond of God, i.e. Pious -- lover of God. see GREEK philos see GREEK theos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom philos and theos Definition loving God NASB Translation lovers of God (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5377: φιλόθεοςφιλόθεος, φιλοθεον (φίλος and Θεός), loving (A. V. lovers of) God: 2 Timothy 3:4. ((Aristotle, rhet. 2, 17, 6), Philo, Lucian, others.) Topical Lexicon Context in 2 Timothy 3:1–5 Paul warns Timothy that in the “last days” perilous times will come. Within the long catalogue of distorted affections stands the single use of φιλόθεοι, translated “lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:4). The phrase is set in sharp antithesis to “lovers of pleasure,” exposing the decisive choice every generation faces: affectionate devotion to God or self-gratification. Contrast: Lovers of Pleasure versus Lovers of God • Priority of Desire – The Greek structure places “rather than” between the two loves, underscoring mutually exclusive allegiances (Matthew 6:24). Old Testament Foundations Deuteronomy 6:5 establishes full-orbed love for God—heart, soul, and strength—as Israel’s central ethic. The prophets repeatedly indict the people for misdirected loves (Hosea 4:11-12; Jeremiah 2:13). Thus the Pauline contrast echoes the covenantal call to exclusive devotion. Jesus and the Great Commandment Jesus affirms the Shema as the “first and greatest commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38). His life integrates perfect obedience with whole-hearted affection (John 8:29). Followers are invited into the same orientation, where love for God eclipses family ties (Luke 14:26), possessions (Mark 10:21), and even life itself (John 12:25). Apostolic Witness beyond 2 Timothy • Romans 8:28 – God works all things for those “who love Him,” linking affection with providential security. While φιλόθεοι appears only once, the concept permeates the New Testament, revealing continuity with Paul’s warning. Historical Witness in the Early Church Early martyrs such as Polycarp and Perpetua testified that love for God outweighed the emperor’s demands and even family appeals. Patristic writers (e.g., Augustine, Confessions X) identified disordered loves as the root of sin, echoing Paul’s diagnosis of last-days culture. Pastoral and Ministry Significance 1. Diagnostic Tool – Leaders can evaluate ministries by asking whether activities cultivate deeper love for God or merely cater to consumer-style preferences (Revelation 2:4). Practical Exhortations • Guard the Heart – Intentionally redirect affections through meditation on God’s character (Philippians 4:8). Related Passages for Further Study Deuteronomy 6:5; Joshua 23:11; Psalm 31:23; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27; John 14:21; Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Ephesians 6:24; James 1:12; 1 John 4:19. Summary Strong’s 5377 surfaces once yet exposes a timeless fault line: human beings will either become lovers of pleasure or lovers of God. Scripture, redemptive history, and pastoral experience corroborate that true life, holiness, and mission flow from affectionate devotion to the Triune God. Forms and Transliterations φιλοθεοι φιλόθεοι philotheoi philótheoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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