Original Word: φιλόθεος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: philotheos
Pronunciation: fee-LOH-theh-os
Phonetic Spelling: (fil-oth'-eh-os)
Definition: loving God.
Meaning: Loving God; one who is devoted or affectionate towards God.

Word Origin: Derived from φίλος (philos, meaning "loving" or "friend") and θεός (theos, meaning "God").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • 157 אָהֵב (ahav): To love; often used in the Hebrew Bible to describe love for God, as in Deuteronomy 6:5, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (BSB).
• 160 אַהֲבָה (ahavah): Love; used to denote the love of God and the love commanded towards God and others.

The concept of φιλόθεος is integral to understanding the relational dynamics between God and believers, emphasizing a life oriented towards divine love and devotion.

Usage: The term φιλόθεος is used to describe a person who has a deep love and devotion for God. It is a compound word that emphasizes the relational aspect of love towards the divine.

Context: The Greek term φιλόθεος appears in the context of early Christian writings to describe individuals who exhibit a profound love and commitment to God. This love is not merely emotional but is demonstrated through actions, obedience, and a lifestyle that reflects God's commandments and teachings. The concept of loving God is central to the Christian faith, as it encapsulates the greatest commandment as taught by Jesus: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37, BSB).

In the New Testament, the idea of being φιλόθεος is closely associated with the call to live a life that is pleasing to God, characterized by faith, worship, and service. This love for God is often contrasted with love for the world or material things, as seen in passages that warn against idolatry and the pursuit of earthly desires.

The term also implies a reciprocal relationship, where God's love for humanity is met with a responsive love from believers. This mutual love is foundational to the covenant relationship between God and His people, as seen throughout the biblical narrative.

Word Origin
from philos and theos
Definition
loving God
NASB Translation
lovers of God (1).

STRONGS NT 5377: φιλόθεος

φιλόθεος, φιλοθεον (φίλος and Θεός), loving (A. V. lovers of) God: 2 Timothy 3:4. ((Aristotle, rhet. 2, 17, 6), Philo, Lucian, others.)

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

Forms and Transliterations

φιλοθεοι φιλόθεοι philotheoi philótheoi

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts