Brief Overview of ἀφιλάργυρος (G866: aphilargyros)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: aphilargyros

Root Words: From a- (a prefix indicating negation) and philargyros (lover of silver), meaning “not loving money.”

Primary Meanings:

• Not loving money: Describes an individual or a trait characterized by a lack of greed or avarice.
• Free from the love of money: Often used in moral or ethical contexts to describe a virtue, particularly in religious texts.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: Highlights its ethical implications, particularly in Christian contexts, as a virtue of contentment without the need for wealth.

Thayer’s: Describes it as an essential characteristic of Christian leaders, emphasizing a disinterest in accumulating wealth.

Vines: Notes its usage in the pastoral epistles as a key trait for bishops and deacons, illustrating its importance in early Christian community leadership.

LSJ: Discusses its rare but significant usage in secular Greek literature, mostly in philosophical contexts discussing virtues.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Points out its occurrences and the contexts in which it appears in the New Testament.

Bible Verses:

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• 1 Timothy 3:3 (NASB): “Not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money.”
• Hebrews 13:5 (ESV): “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Philosophical Works by Plato: Used in discussions on ideal states and leaders, where virtue is prioritized over wealth.
• Aristotelian Ethics: Aristotle may reference this trait in his discussions on virtues, comparing it to other forms of temperance.
• Stoic Texts: Stoic philosophers praised the disinterest in wealth as part of living a virtuous life in accordance with nature.

4. Summary:

ἀφιλάργυρος (aphilargyros) encapsulates a profound ethical principle, particularly revered in Christian doctrine and philosophical discussions, suggesting a life not led by the pursuit of material wealth but by higher moral and spiritual goals. It is considered a fundamental virtue, especially for those in positions of influence or authority, emphasizing that true leadership and character are not swayed by monetary gains. Lexical references like BDAG and Thayer’s provide deep insights into its implications for personal conduct and community ethics, marking it as a pivotal character trait in both religious and secular narratives of the ancient world.