Summary
Quick facts
- Strong’s Number
- G5366
- Original Word
- φιλάργυρος
- Transliteration
- philárgyros
- Pronunciation
- fil-ar'-goo-ros
- Part of Speech
- adjective
- Category
- Warnings in Love
- Root / Etymology
- from G5384 (φίλος) and G696 (ἄργυρος);
- Frequency
- 2×
- Gematria
- 1414
Where it appears
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Commentary
Contributors: · · · ·
Strong's G5366: A compound adjective combining philos (loving) and arguros (silver/money), meaning "money-loving" or "avaricious." In New Testament usage, it describes those whose hearts are captivated by material wealth, representing a spiritual condition opposed to genuine faith and godly contentment.
U - Unveiling the Word
φιλάργυρος represents more than just a casual interest in money—it reveals a heart condition where the love of wealth has become a consuming passion. This compound word powerfully combines the concept of deep affection (philos) with silver/money (arguros), painting a vivid picture of someone whose primary love and loyalty is directed toward material gain. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts warning about the spiritual dangers of materialism. The early church fathers frequently used this term to contrast genuine faith with superficial religiosity motivated by financial gain. Today, this word remains deeply relevant as we navigate a culture increasingly defined by materialism and consumerism, challenging believers to examine where their true treasures lie, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:21.
N - Necessary Information
Etymology:
D - Defining Meanings
For compound words:
Translation Options:
E - Exploring Similar Words
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
Morphological Features:
The word follows standard second-declension adjectival patterns:
Related forms:
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S - Studying Lexicon Insights
The major lexicons provide nuanced insights into φιλάργυρος. BDAG emphasizes its connection to character rather than mere possession of wealth, suggesting it describes an orientation of the heart. Thayer's highlights its usage in classical Greek to describe those whose primary pursuit is material gain. LSJ notes its frequent appearance in moral discourse, often paired with other vices. Vine's emphasizes the active nature of the term—not just having money but actively loving and pursuing it. Strong's connects it to the broader semantic domain of greed and avarice. LEH notes its usage in the Septuagint to translate Hebrew terms for greed. Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence showing its use in common discourse to describe those whose financial pursuits override other concerns.
T - Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
Luke 16:14: "The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed Him."
Additional References:
2 Timothy 3:2
A - Analyzing Classical Usage
N - Noteworthy Summary
φιλάργυρος serves as a powerful warning about the spiritual danger of allowing money to capture our hearts. The word doesn't merely describe someone who has wealth, but rather someone whose heart is oriented toward the pursuit and love of money above all else. This orientation stands in direct opposition to the good news of King Jesus, who calls us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. The gospel liberates us from the enslaving love of money by offering us the supreme treasure of knowing and serving our Lord, whose riches in glory far surpass any earthly wealth.
D - Did You Know?
Strong's G5366: A compound adjective combining philos (loving) and arguros (silver/money), meaning "money-loving" or "avaricious." In New Testament usage, it describes those whose hearts are captivated by material wealth, representing a spiritual condition opposed to genuine faith and godly contentment.
Part of speech: Adjective
Tags: money, greed, materialism, wealth, Pharisees, moral character, vice, worldliness, spiritual dangers, heart condition, attachment, values