### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word φιλάργυρος (philárgyros, `{{G5366}}`) is a compound adjective formed from two distinct elements: φίλος (philos, meaning "dear," "friend," "loving," or "fond of") and ἄργυρος (argyros, meaning "silver" or, by extension, "money"). Literally, therefore, φιλάργυρος signifies "fond of silver" or "loving money." In its biblical usage, this literal meaning carries a strong negative connotation, describing an individual who is excessively devoted to the acquisition and hoarding of wealth. It denotes a state of avarice, greed, or covetousness, where material possessions become an object of inordinate affection and pursuit, often at the expense of spiritual values or ethical conduct. The semantic range thus extends from a simple "love of money" to the more pejorative "greedy" or "avaricious."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term φιλάργυρος appears twice in the New Testament, each instance serving to highlight its negative and dangerous nature.
1. **[[Luke 16:14]]**: "Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they scoffed at Him." Here, φιλάργυρος directly characterizes the Pharisees. Jesus has just concluded the parable of the shrewd manager and delivered the weighty teaching that "You cannot serve God and money" ([[Luke 16:13]]). The Pharisees' response of scoffing (ἐξεμυκτήριζον, literally "turned up their nose at," "derided") reveals their spiritual blindness and resistance to Jesus' truth, directly attributed to their being "lovers of money." Their avarice made them unreceptive to a message that challenged their material priorities and exposed the idolatry of their hearts.
2. **[[2 Timothy 3:2]]**: "For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy..." In this passage, Paul enumerates a list of vices that will characterize people in the "last days." Being φιλάργυρος is listed immediately after "lovers of self" (φίλαυτοι, philautoi, `{{G5361}}`), indicating its deep connection to self-centeredness and its prominence as a sign of moral decay. The inclusion of "lovers of money" in such a comprehensive list of societal and spiritual ills underscores its destructive power and its role in the breakdown of godly character and community.
In both contexts, φιλάργυρος is presented as a detrimental characteristic, a spiritual impediment, and a symptom of a fallen and ungodly disposition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept expressed by φιλάργυρος is further illuminated by its relationship to several other key Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **φιλαργυρία (philargyria, `{{G5365}}`)**: This is the abstract noun form, meaning "love of money" or "avarice." Its most famous occurrence is in [[1 Timothy 6:10]], where Paul declares, "For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and eager for it some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." This verse provides the theological underpinning for the danger inherent in being φιλάργυρος.
* **πλεονεξία (pleonexia, `{{G4124}}`)**: Translated as "covetousness" or "greed," this term often overlaps with φιλαργυρία but is broader, encompassing an insatiable desire for more, not limited to money but extending to possessions, power, or status. Paul explicitly equates πλεονεξία with idolatry in [[Colossians 3:5]] and [[Ephesians 5:5]].
* **ἀφιλάργυρος (aphilargyros, `{{G866}}`)**: This is the antonym, meaning "not loving money" or "free from the love of money." It is a positive quality required of overseers/elders ([[1 Timothy 3:3]]) and deacons ([[1 Timothy 3:8]]), as well as a general Christian virtue ([[Hebrews 13:5]]). This highlights that freedom from avarice is a mark of spiritual maturity and fitness for leadership.
* **Idolatry**: The New Testament frequently links the love of money and covetousness to idolatry. Serving money (Mammon) is presented as an alternative master to God ([[Matthew 6:24]], [[Luke 16:13]]), implying that inordinate desire for wealth constitutes a form of worship directed away from the one true God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of φιλάργυρος is profound, underscoring a core tension in Christian discipleship. The "love of money" is not merely a minor character flaw but a deeply rooted spiritual malady with far-reaching consequences.
1. **Rival to God**: The most fundamental theological implication is that the love of money directly competes with and often supplants the love of God. Jesus' teaching in [[Matthew 6:24]] and [[Luke 16:13]] clearly states that one cannot serve both God and Mammon. To be φιλάργυρος is to have one's ultimate allegiance divided or, more accurately, misplaced.
2. **Root of Evil**: As articulated in [[1 Timothy 6:10]], φιλαργυρία is a "root of all sorts of evil." This indicates that the inordinate desire for wealth can lead to a multitude of sins, including dishonesty, exploitation, injustice, betrayal, and even violence. It corrupts individuals and societies.
3. **Spiritual Blindness and Apostasy**: The Pharisees' scoffing in [[Luke 16:14]] illustrates how the love of money can harden the heart and blind one to spiritual truth. Furthermore, [[1 Timothy 6:10]] warns that those who eagerly pursue wealth can "wander away from the faith" and suffer "many pangs," implying spiritual shipwreck and severe personal distress.
4. **Barrier to the Kingdom**: While not explicitly stated with φιλάργυρος, the related concept of πλεονεξία (covetousness) is listed among vices that exclude one from the kingdom of God ([[1 Corinthians 6:10]], [[Ephesians 5:5]]). This suggests that an unrepentant love of money is incompatible with genuine salvation and eternal life.
5. **Eschatological Warning**: Its inclusion in [[2 Timothy 3:2]] as a characteristic of the "last days" serves as a prophetic warning. It signifies a pervasive moral corruption that will mark humanity as the age draws to a close, highlighting the enduring spiritual battle against materialism.
### Summary
φιλάργυρος (philárgyros, `{{G5366}}`) fundamentally describes one who is "fond of money" or "a lover of money," leading to avarice and covetousness. The New Testament consistently portrays this characteristic in a negative light, highlighting its destructive spiritual implications. In [[Luke 16:14]], it explains the Pharisees' rejection of Jesus' teachings, while in [[2 Timothy 3:2]], it is listed as a prominent vice of the "last days." The theological significance of being φιλάργυρος is profound: it represents a rival allegiance to God, serves as a "root of all sorts of evil" ([[1 Timothy 6:10]]), can lead to spiritual blindness and apostasy, and stands as a barrier to the Kingdom of God. The biblical witness calls believers to be ἀφιλάργυρος (free from the love of money), cultivating contentment and trust in divine providence rather than pursuing material wealth as an ultimate goal.
TRV