Lexical Summary philoteknos: Loving one's children Original Word: φιλότεκνος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance love their children. From philos and teknon; fond of one's children, i.e. Maternal -- love their children. see GREEK philos see GREEK teknon NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom philos and teknon Definition loving one's children NASB Translation love their children (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5388: φιλότεκνοςφιλότεκνος, φιλοτεκνον (φίλος and τέκνον), loving one's offspring or children: joined with φίλανδρος (as in Plutarch, mor., p. 769 c.), of women, Titus 2:4. (4 Macc. 15:3-5; Herodotus 2, 66; Aristophanes, Euripides, Aristotle, Plutarch, Lucian, others.) Topical Lexicon Scriptural Context in Titus 2:4 Paul exhorts older women “to train the younger women to love their husbands and children” (Titus 2:4). The single New Testament use of φιλοτέκνους underscores a deliberate, cultivated affection rather than mere instinct. Within the household code of Titus 2, this child-loving disposition is paired with other virtues (self-control, purity, domestic care, kindness, submission) to display the beauty of sound doctrine in everyday family life (Titus 2:1-5). Theological Significance Love for children is rooted in the covenantal vision of Scripture where the family is a primary arena for transmitting faith (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psalm 78:5-7). Children are declared a “heritage from the LORD” (Psalm 127:3), and parental love includes affectionate nurture, protection, instruction, and discipline “in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). By enjoining younger mothers to be φιλοτέκνους, Paul reinforces continuity between Old Testament family piety and the new-covenant household shaped by the gospel. The term also reflects the character of God, who “as a father has compassion on his children” (Psalm 103:13) and of Christ, who welcomed little ones and blessed them (Mark 10:14-16). Parental love thus mirrors divine love and participates in God’s redemptive purpose, as children are raised to know and trust Him. Historical Background and Early Church Witness In first-century Greco-Roman culture, child exposure, abortion, and low valuation of female infants were common. Christian teaching that magnified the worth of every child and prohibited exposure (Didache 2.2) starkly contrasted prevailing norms. Testimonies from the second-century Apology of Aristides and the Letter to Diognetus note believers’ distinctive care for offspring. By cultivating φιλοτέκνους, Christian mothers and the wider church offered a countercultural witness that protected vulnerable life and expanded the church through both biological and spiritual offspring. Implications for Family Discipleship 1. Generational Faith Transfer: Loving children entails intentional discipleship—reading Scripture, prayer, worship, and modeling obedience (Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15). Practical Ministry Applications • Mentoring Networks: Establish Titus 2 groups where seasoned mothers guide new parents in biblical child-rearing. Related Biblical Themes and Cross-References Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psalm 127:3-5; Proverbs 1:8-9; Proverbs 14:26; Isaiah 40:11; Malachi 4:6; Matthew 18:5-6; Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:20-21; 1 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 1:5; 1 John 3:1. Summary φιλοτέκνους captures the God-honoring affection and commitment parents, especially mothers, are called to display toward their children. Rooted in Scripture, exemplified in church history, and vital for contemporary ministry, this love nurtures the next generation in truth and testifies to the gospel’s transforming power within the family. Forms and Transliterations φιλοτεκνους φιλοτέκνους philoteknous philotéknousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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