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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is vital in Biblical studies because it enables us to uncover the deeper meanings behind scriptural texts and the intentions of the original authors. The Greek word ἐριθεία (eritheía) is particularly significant because it deals with themes of selfish ambition and contentious behavior, which are important for interpreting New Testament teachings on Christian conduct and morality. This word also provides insight into ancient Greek culture, where such behavior was often criticized in both political and philosophical contexts.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐριθεία (eritheía) [eh-ree-THAY-ah]
- Etymology: Likely derived from ἔριθος (erithos), meaning “a hireling” or “one who works for wages,” and carries the connotation of self-seeking labor for gain.
- Part of Speech: Noun (feminine); first declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Selfish ambition: The pursuit of personal gain, often at the expense of others or in a way that causes division.
- Contentiousness: A tendency to stir up quarrels or disputes, especially for personal advantage.
- Rivalry: Engaging in competition driven by self-interest rather than communal or altruistic goals.
Similar Words: ἔρις (éris) [EH-ris] means “strife” or “discord” and is closely related to ἐριθεία (eritheía). While ἔρις focuses more on conflict and dispute, ἐριθεία carries the idea of contention that arises specifically from selfish ambition or partisan rivalry.
Further Insights: The noun ἐριθεία (eritheía) is a first-declension feminine noun, indicating its grammatical behavior in Greek. It reflects a more abstract concept of ambition, as opposed to concrete action. Below is the full declension chart of ἐριθεία:
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | ἐριθεία | ἐριθεῖαι |
| Genitive | ἐριθείας | ἐριθειῶν |
| Dative | ἐριθείᾳ | ἐριθείαις |
| Accusative | ἐριθείαν | ἐριθείας |
| Vocative | ἐριθεία | ἐριθεῖαι |
Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Defines ἐριθεία as “selfish ambition, strife, contentiousness,” and notes that it is often used in contexts involving factions or divisions caused by personal ambition rather than community-oriented goals.
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Thayer’s: Describes ἐριθεία as “a desire to put oneself forward, a partisan and fractious spirit.” It is closely associated with unethical or self-serving behavior, particularly within a community.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Highlights that ἐριθεία is typically used to denote “self-seeking,” especially in matters that lead to discord and division. The term is contrasted with humility and selflessness, which are virtues promoted in the New Testament.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Provides insight into its use in classical Greek to describe “rivalry” or “ambition,” particularly in political or competitive contexts. It notes that the term often carried a negative connotation.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἐριθεία as “faction” or “selfish ambition,” emphasizing its association with conflict and division, particularly in early Christian writings where it is contrasted with unity and love.
Related Scripture References
- Philippians 1:17: “The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition [ἐριθεία], not sincerely, but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.”
- James 3:16: “For where jealousy and selfish ambition [ἐριθεία] exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”
- Galatians 5:20: “Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries [ἐριθεία], dissensions, divisions.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Aristotle | Politics | “When statesmen act out of selfish ambition (ἐριθεία), the city falls into ruin.” |
| Plutarch | Lives of the Noble Greeks | “Selfish ambition (ἐριθεία) often led to the downfall of once-great leaders.” |
| Polybius | Histories | “The rivalry (ἐριθεία) among generals led to internal conflict and weakened the state.” |
Septuagint Examples:
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Proverbs | Book of Proverbs | “Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife (ἐριθεία).” |
| Sirach | Wisdom of Sirach | “Do not let selfish ambition (ἐριθεία) lead you astray from the path of righteousness.” |
| Psalms | Book of Psalms | “Deliver me, O Lord, from the strife (ἐριθεία) of tongues.” |
Summary of ἐριθεία (G2052)
In summary, ἐριθεία (eritheía) is a Greek noun that embodies the concepts of selfish ambition, rivalry, and contentious behavior. It is primarily used in the New Testament to caution against divisive behaviors within the Christian community that stem from personal gain rather than unity. The word also appears in classical Greek literature, where it is similarly associated with self-serving actions that lead to discord and societal breakdown. Understanding this word provides a clearer perspective on the ethical teachings of the New Testament, as well as a broader view of how ambition and rivalry were perceived in the ancient world.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the term ἐριθεία (eritheía) evolved from its original meaning related to a “day-laborer” or “hireling” to encompass the broader idea of selfish ambition? This evolution reflects how labor, competition, and self-interest were closely linked in ancient Greek culture.
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