Berean Strong's Lexicon philopróteuó: To love to be first; to desire preeminence Original Word: φιλοπρωτεύω Word Origin: From the Greek words φίλος (philos, meaning "loving" or "fond of") and πρῶτος (protos, meaning "first" or "foremost"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for φιλοπρωτεύω, the concept of pride and the desire for preeminence can be related to Hebrew words such as גָּאוֹן (ga'on, meaning "pride" or "arrogance") and רָאשׁ (rosh, meaning "head" or "chief"). Usage: The verb φιλοπρωτεύω (philopróteuó) is used to describe a person who has an excessive desire to be first or to hold a position of preeminence. It conveys the idea of someone who seeks to dominate or to be in control, often at the expense of others. This term is used in a negative context, highlighting the dangers of pride and self-promotion. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, social status and honor were highly valued, and many individuals sought to elevate their status through various means. The desire for preeminence was not uncommon, and it often led to conflicts and power struggles. In the early Christian communities, such attitudes were contrary to the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized humility and servanthood. 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.) 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 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 |