Lexical Summary philopróteuó: To love to be first; to desire preeminence Original Word: φιλοπρωτεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to wish to be firstFrom a compound of philos and protos; to be fond of being first, i.e. Ambitious of distinction -- love to have the preeminence. see GREEK philos see GREEK protos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a comp. of philos and prótos Definition to strive to be first NASB Translation loves to be first (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5383: φιλοπρωτεύωφιλοπρωτεύω; (φιλόπρωτος, fond of being first, striving after the first place; from φίλος and πρῶτος: Artemidorus Daldianus, oneir. 2, 32; Plutarch (Alcib. 2, 2); mor., p. 471 e. (i. e. de tranquil. an. 12; p. 793 e. i. e. an seni sit etc. 18, 8)); to aspire after pre-eminence, to desire to be first: 3 John 1:9. (Several times in ecclesiastical writings.) Topical Lexicon Definition in Context Strong’s Greek 5383 occurs once in the New Testament (3 John 1:9) and characterizes an attitude rather than merely an action: a self-pleasing craving to occupy the foremost position among believers. Biblical Setting (3 John 1:9–10) The Apostle John writes to the beloved Gaius, praising his hospitality to traveling brothers, then contrasting that gracious spirit with Diotrephes, “who loves to be first” (φιλοπρωτεύων). Diotrephes not only rejects John’s apostolic correspondence but “refuses to welcome the brothers himself, and he also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church” (3 John 10). The term therefore exposes a heart posture that manifests in five observable behaviors: 1. Rejecting apostolic authority. Historical Background By the close of the first century, itinerant teachers circulated among the congregations. Letters of commendation (cf. Acts 18:27; 2 Corinthians 3:1) normally secured them food, lodging, and the assembly’s ear. Diotrephes appears to have occupied a leading position—perhaps an elder or host of a house-church—yet his craving for prominence eclipsed both apostolic instruction and Christian charity. His conduct illustrates one of the earliest documented church power-struggles after the death of the first-generation apostles. Theological Significance 1. Authority in the Church. John writes as an eyewitness apostle. Diotrephes’ resistance shows that ecclesiastical titles, charisma, or local influence never supersede Christ-delegated authority mediated through Scripture. Related Themes and Supporting Scriptures • Humility: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Discern Leadership Candidates. Churches should value proven humility, hospitality, and submission to Scripture above charisma or assertiveness. Warnings for Contemporary Believers 1. Spiritual Pride can emerge in any role—pastor, committee chair, small-group host. Christ’s True Preeminence While φιλοπρωτεύων describes sinful aspiration, Scripture presents a righteous preeminence in the exalted Christ: “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place” (Philippians 2:9). Jesus obtains first place not by grasping but by giving His life. Believers combat Diotrephes-like tendencies by fixing their eyes on the One who “came not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). Summary Strong’s Greek 5383 exposes a perennial temptation: loving to be first. Embodied in Diotrephes, it contradicts apostolic authority, undermines fellowship, and robs Christ of the honor due His name. Scripture answers with the humility of Jesus, the servant-leadership ethic of the apostles, and pastoral vigilance within the local assembly. As believers submit to these timeless principles, the church remains a place where Christ alone holds the rightful preeminence. Forms and Transliterations φιλοπρωτευων φιλοπρωτεύων φιλοπρώτευων philoproteuon philoproteúon philoprōteuōn philoprōteúōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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