Ambitious Love: φιλοτιμέομαι (Strong’s G5389: philotimeomai) Strives for Kingdom Excellence

Strong’s G5389: From φίλος (loving) and τιμή (honor), φιλοτιμέομαι expresses an ambitious striving motivated by love of honor. In Christian context, it reflects earnest devotion to expanding God’s kingdom, particularly evident in Paul’s mission to preach where the Messiah was unknown.

U- Unveiling the Word

φιλοτιμέομαι beautifully captures the essence of holy ambition in service to King Jesus. This compound verb combines the concepts of loving (φίλος) and honor (τιμή) to express an earnest striving that’s motivated by deep devotion rather than mere self-promotion. In Pauline usage, it reflects a passionate commitment to expanding God’s kingdom, particularly in unreached areas. The word carries cultural resonance from Greek society, where honor-driven achievement was highly valued, but Paul transforms this concept to reflect kingdom values. This holy ambition continues to inspire believers today, challenging us to channel our aspirations toward advancing the gospel with similar zeal and strategic focus.

Save with code – FOG20

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φιλοτιμέομαι, philotimeomai, fil-ot-im-eh’-om-ahee
• Pronunciation Guide: phi (as in “fee”) + lo (as in “low”) + ti (as in “tea”) + me (as in “may”) + o (as in “oh”) + mai (as in “my”)
• Part of Speech: Verb (Deponent)

Etymology:

• φίλος (philos) – prefix meaning “loving, fond of”
• τιμή (timē) – root noun meaning “honor, value, price”
• -εομαι (-eomai) – middle/passive verbal suffix indicating personal involvement

D – Defining Meanings

• To strive earnestly, make it one’s ambition
• To labor with love of honor as the motivating force
• To aspire eagerly with focused determination

For compound words:

• φίλος (philos) contributes the sense of loving devotion
• τιμή (timē) adds the concept of honor and worth
• -εομαι (-eomai) makes it a personal, reflexive action

Translation Options:

• “Make it one’s ambition” – captures the goal-oriented nature
• “Strive earnestly” – emphasizes the intense effort involved
• “Aspire zealously” – reflects both the passion and the purpose

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σπουδάζω (spoudazō, spoo-dad’-zo) – to make haste, be diligent See G4704
• ζηλόω (zēloō, dzay-lo’-o) – to be zealous, eagerly desire See G2206
• προθυμέομαι (prothymeomai, proth-oo-meh’-om-ahee) – to be ready, willing See G4290

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a deponent verb, φιλοτιμέομαι has middle/passive form but active meaning:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Middle/Passive (Deponent)
• Mood: Indicative/Subjunctive
• Person: First, Second, or Third
• Number: Singular or Plural
• Aspect: Continuous/Progressive

The word would transform in English as:

• I make it my ambition
• You make it your ambition
• He/she/it makes it their ambition
• We make it our ambition
• You all make it your ambition
• They make it their ambition

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into φιλοτιμέομαι’s semantic range. BDAG emphasizes its connection to honor-loving ambition, while Thayer’s highlights its evolution from secular Greek usage to Paul’s spiritualized application. LSJ documents its classical meaning of “loving honor” and “striving for distinction.” Vine’s notes its transformation from mere ambition to holy aspiration in New Testament usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyri evidence shows its common usage in formal contexts of earnest striving. The word consistently carries connotations of determined effort motivated by higher purposes rather than mere self-advancement.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Romans 15:20 “Yes, I have made it my ambition [φιλοτιμέομαι] to preach the gospel, not where the Messiah has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation.”

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 5:9
1 Thessalonians 4:11

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

φιλοτιμέομαι represents a remarkable transformation of classical Greek values into kingdom purposes. While the Greeks understood it as striving for honor and recognition, Paul redirects this ambitious energy toward advancing God’s kingdom. This word teaches us that ambition itself isn’t wrong – it’s the motivation and goal that matter. The good news of King Jesus calls us to channel our aspirations toward eternal purposes, making it our ambition to please Him and expand His kingdom, especially in places where He isn’t yet known.

D – Did You Know?

1. φιλοτιμέομαι was considered one of the highest virtues in ancient Greek society
2. Paul uses this word only three times in his letters, each time relating to kingdom advancement
3. The concept influenced early church fathers’ understanding of holy ambition in ministry

Strong’s G5389: From φίλος (loving) and τιμή (honor), φιλοτιμέομαι expresses an ambitious striving motivated by love of honor. In Christian context, it reflects earnest devotion to expanding God’s kingdom, particularly evident in Paul’s mission to preach where the Messiah was unknown.

Part of speech: Deponent Verb

Tags: ambition, honor, striving, mission, evangelism, zeal, purpose, kingdom-advancement, pauline-epistles, ministry, holy-ambition, unreached-peoples​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​