φιλάργυρος
fond of silver (money), i.e. avaricious
Everything you need to know.
of Completion
This certifies that
Is on track to complete the Bible for the 1st time in 240 days.
Paul's Handkerchief is Bible study with a difference — going word-by-word through Scripture to reclaim the Ancient Near East context, romance, and mystery that modern translations often leave behind.
Only about 3% of people around the world who start the Bible ever finish it. The 3% Club is for those ready to break that cycle — reading the entire Bible at their own pace, backed by community and tools built to make finishing not just possible, but inevitable. You also get a certificate to celebrate your achievement.
Bible Cafe isn't just Bible study — it's a personal, intimate conversation with Him. Think less classroom, more kitchen table. It combines the original Coffee with Jesus experience with activities like quizzes, crosswords, journaling and more, all designed to let the Word shape your heart, not just your head.
Most English Bibles can't carry the full weight of what's in the original Hebrew and Greek. The F.O.G Bible Project exists to change that — three new translations built publicly (a Study Bible, a Reader's Bible, and F.O.G Jr. for younger readers), plus a word-by-word renewal of Strong's Concordance restoring the depths most translations leave behind. It is Jean Paul's lifelong work, unfolding in public — and you're invited in.
Jean Paul Joseph is the lead editor of the F.O.G Bible Project. He works from a personal encounter with Jesus first, then draws on the scholarship of respected Jewish and Christian scholars — because the church was Jewish before it was anything else, and those roots change everything about how you read Scripture.
Simply create an account and choose your preferred Bible and reading style. The app will track your progress and help keep you accountable to the rhythm of daily Scripture engagement.
fond of silver (money), i.e. avaricious
φιλάργυρος(philárgyros)
Strong’s Definition
fond of silver (money), i.e. avaricious
from G5384 (φίλος) and G696 (ἄργυρος);
“And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
Strong's G5366: A compound adjective combining philos (loving) and arguros (silver/money), meaning "money-loving" or "avaricious." In New Testament usage, it describes those whose hearts are captivated by material wealth, representing a spiritual condition opposed to genuine faith and godly contentment.
U - Unveiling the Word
φιλάργυρος represents more than just a casual interest in money—it reveals a heart condition where the love of wealth has become a consuming passion. This compound word powerfully combines the concept of deep affection (philos) with silver/money (arguros), painting a vivid picture of someone whose primary love and loyalty is directed toward material gain. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts warning about the spiritual dangers of materialism. The early church fathers frequently used this term to contrast genuine faith with superficial religiosity motivated by financial gain. Today, this word remains deeply relevant as we navigate a culture increasingly defined by materialism and consumerism, challenging believers to examine where their true treasures lie, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:21.
N - Necessary Information
Etymology:
D - Defining Meanings
For compound words:
Translation Options:
E - Exploring Similar Words
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
Morphological Features:
The word follows standard second-declension adjectival patterns:
Related forms:
Send a Gift
This website is 100% donor-funded. Your generosity allows someone else to access this content for free.
Give a gift of $100 to sponsor a verse or page of your choice.
S - Studying Lexicon Insights
The major lexicons provide nuanced insights into φιλάργυρος. BDAG emphasizes its connection to character rather than mere possession of wealth, suggesting it describes an orientation of the heart. Thayer's highlights its usage in classical Greek to describe those whose primary pursuit is material gain. LSJ notes its frequent appearance in moral discourse, often paired with other vices. Vine's emphasizes the active nature of the term—not just having money but actively loving and pursuing it. Strong's connects it to the broader semantic domain of greed and avarice. LEH notes its usage in the Septuagint to translate Hebrew terms for greed. Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence showing its use in common discourse to describe those whose financial pursuits override other concerns.
T - Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
Luke 16:14: "The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed Him."
Additional References:
2 Timothy 3:2
A - Analyzing Classical Usage
N - Noteworthy Summary
φιλάργυρος serves as a powerful warning about the spiritual danger of allowing money to capture our hearts. The word doesn't merely describe someone who has wealth, but rather someone whose heart is oriented toward the pursuit and love of money above all else. This orientation stands in direct opposition to the good news of King Jesus, who calls us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. The gospel liberates us from the enslaving love of money by offering us the supreme treasure of knowing and serving our Lord, whose riches in glory far surpass any earthly wealth.
D - Did You Know?
Strong's G5366: A compound adjective combining philos (loving) and arguros (silver/money), meaning "money-loving" or "avaricious." In New Testament usage, it describes those whose hearts are captivated by material wealth, representing a spiritual condition opposed to genuine faith and godly contentment.
Part of speech: Adjective
Tags: money, greed, materialism, wealth, Pharisees, moral character, vice, worldliness, spiritual dangers, heart condition, attachment, values