Strong's Lexicon philagathos: Lover of good, loving what is good Original Word: φιλάγαθος Word Origin: From φίλος (philos, meaning "loving" or "fond of") and ἀγαθός (agathos, meaning "good" or "virtuous") Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "philagathos," the concept of loving goodness can be related to Hebrew terms such as טוֹב (tov, meaning "good") and חֶסֶד (chesed, meaning "loving-kindness" or "steadfast love"). Usage: The term "philagathos" is used to describe someone who has a love for what is inherently good, virtuous, or beneficial. It implies an affection or preference for goodness and moral excellence. In the context of Christian character, it denotes a person who not only recognizes what is good but also actively cherishes and promotes it. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, virtues such as goodness and moral excellence were highly esteemed. The concept of loving what is good would resonate with both Jewish and Gentile audiences familiar with philosophical and ethical teachings. In the early Christian context, this love for goodness was not merely an abstract ideal but was to be lived out in practical ways, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. HELPS Word-studies 5358 philágathos (from 5384 /phílos, "a friend" and 18 /agathós, "inherently good") – properly, personal affection for what is intrinsically good, referring to "a lover (friend) of what God loves." 5358 /philágathos ("a lover of God's good") only occurs in Tit 1:8 where it is listed as an essential quality for the elder-overseer. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom philos and agathos Definition loving that which is good NASB Translation loving what (1), loving what is good (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5358: φιλάγαθοςφιλάγαθος, φιλάγαθον (from φίλος and ἀγαθός), loving goodness: Titus 1:8. (Sap. vii. 22; Plutarch, praec. conjug. c. 17; also compound Thes. c. Rom c. 2; (φιλάγαθος οὐ φίλαυτος, Aristotle, magn. mor. ii. 14, p. 1212b 18; Polybius 6, 53, 9; Philo de vit. Moys. ii., § 2).) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance love of good From philos and agathos; fond to good, i.e. A promoter of virtue -- love of good men. see GREEK philos see GREEK agathos Forms and Transliterations φιλαγαθον φιλάγαθον philagathon philágathonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |