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Introduction
In Biblical studies, the understanding of personal names, especially those with theological significance, provides insight into the culture, beliefs, and message of early Christian writings. The Greek word Θεόφιλος (Theophilos) is particularly significant as it directly translates to “friend of God” or “loved by God.” This name appears in the New Testament and is addressed in both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, providing a window into early Christian communities and their relationship with divine concepts. Understanding Θεόφιλος allows for a deeper appreciation of how personal names in the Bible carry both personal and theological messages.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Θεόφιλος (Theophilos), [theh-OH-fee-los]
- Etymology: Composed of two root words: θεός (theos), meaning “God,” and φίλος (philos), meaning “friend” or “loved one.” Together, they form Θεόφιλος, meaning “friend of God” or “loved by God.”
- Part of Speech: Proper noun, masculine
- Grammatical Details: Second declension noun
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Friend of God
- Loved by God
Similar Words: Θεόφιλος is closely related to words like φίλος (philos, [FEE-los]), meaning “friend,” and θεός (theos, [THEH-os]), meaning “God.” While φίλος focuses on the aspect of friendship or love, and θεός refers to divinity, Θεόφιλος uniquely combines these concepts to signify a person in a special relationship with God.
Further Insights: The name Θεόφιλος follows the pattern of second declension nouns in Greek. It is a masculine noun and is typically used in a vocative or nominative case in Biblical texts. Below is the declension of Θεόφιλος:
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | Θεόφιλος | Θεόφιλοι |
| Genitive | Θεοφίλου | Θεοφίλων |
| Dative | Θεοφίλῳ | Θεοφίλοις |
| Accusative | Θεόφιλον | Θεοφίλους |
| Vocative | Θεόφιλε | Θεόφιλοι |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Identifies Θεόφιλος as a personal name meaning “loved by God” or “friend of God.” The name is specifically used to address the recipient of Luke’s Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, indicating a potentially honorable and high-status individual or symbolic representation of all believers.
- Thayers: Defines Θεόφιλος as “friend of God” and notes that this name is attributed to a person mentioned in Luke 1:3 and Acts 1:1. It suggests the possibility that this name was symbolic or a title, as well as an actual person.
- Vines: Explains Θεόφιλος as a combination of θεός (God) and φίλος (friend), indicating a person who is “beloved of God” or a “friend of God.” Vines mentions its unique occurrence in the context of Luke’s writings.
- LSJ: Mentions Θεόφιλος primarily as a personal name found in inscriptions and literature, with the etymological meaning of “friend of God.”
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists Θεόφιλος as “friend of God,” confirming that the name is addressed in both Luke and Acts, highlighting its significance in the early Christian community or as a literary device.
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Related Scripture References
- Luke 1:3 – “It seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus.”
- Acts 1:1 – “The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plutarch | Moralia | “Plutarch discusses the virtues of Theophilus (Θεόφιλος) as one beloved by both gods and men.” |
| Lucian | Dialogues of the Gods | “The gods spoke of their human followers, praising Theophilus (Θεόφιλος) for his devoutness.” |
| Philo | On the Life of Moses | “Philo uses the term Theophilus (Θεόφιλος) to describe those who are closest to God in their love.” |
| Septuagint | 2 Esdras 3:1 | “Now in the thirty-seventh year of the kingdom of Theophilus (Θεόφιλος)…” |
| Septuagint | Psalm 92:15 | “They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing (Theophilus).” |
| Septuagint | Isaiah 1:26 | “And I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning (Theophilus).” |
Summary of Θεόφιλος (G2321)
Θεόφιλος (Theophilos), meaning “friend of God” or “loved by God,” is a significant term in both Biblical and classical Greek literature. In the New Testament, it refers to a person (or symbolic figure) who is addressed directly in Luke’s Gospel and Acts, potentially representing a specific person or all believers who are in a loving relationship with God. The term embodies both a personal connection and a theological statement about the nature of friendship with God. It also appears in classical Greek writings to denote individuals who are particularly favored by the divine, showing its broad and significant use across different contexts.
Did You Know?
Did you know? The name Θεόφιλος might not only refer to a single individual but could also symbolize every believer who is “loved by God.” This is why some scholars think that Luke’s use of “Theophilus” could be a clever literary device that addresses all readers who desire a deeper relationship with God.
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