### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G5367 (φίλαυτος, *phílautos*) is a compound adjective formed from φίλος (*phílos*), meaning "dear," "beloved," or "friend," and αὐτός (*autós*), meaning "self." Literally, it translates to "self-loving" or "fond of oneself." However, its semantic range in biblical and classical Greek contexts typically carries a negative connotation, denoting an excessive, unhealthy, or distorted form of self-love that manifests as selfishness, egoism, and self-centeredness. It is not simply self-respect or proper self-care, but rather a preoccupation with one's own desires, interests, and welfare to the exclusion or detriment of others and God. This overweening self-regard is often seen as the root of many other vices.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G5367 (φίλαυτος) appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul's second letter to Timothy. In [[2 Timothy 3:2]], it is the very first characteristic listed in a sobering catalogue of vices that will define humanity in the "last days": "For men will be lovers of themselves (φίλαυτοι), lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy..."
Its prominent position at the beginning of this list is highly significant. Paul places "lovers of themselves" (φίλαυτοι) as the foundational or primary vice, suggesting that an inordinate love for self is the wellspring from which many other sins flow. The subsequent vices, such as "lovers of money" (φιλάργυροι) and "lovers of pleasure" (φιλήδονοι, [[2 Timothy 3:4]]), can be seen as specific manifestations or extensions of this fundamental self-love. If one's ultimate affection and devotion are directed inward, toward the self, then all other relationships—with God, with family, and with community—become distorted and subservient to personal gratification. This passage paints a bleak picture of a society consumed by self-interest, where the absence of genuine love for God and neighbor is replaced by a destructive narcissism.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of G5367 (φίλαυτος) stands in stark contrast to the biblical commands concerning love.
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:**
* The unconditional, self-sacrificial love (ἀγάπη, *agapē*, `{{G25}}`) commanded by Christ, which prioritizes God and neighbor above self ([[Matthew 22:37-39]]).
* The concept of self-denial and taking up one's cross, as taught by Jesus ([[Matthew 16:24]]), which involves subordinating one's own will and desires to God's.
* Brotherly love (φιλάδελφος, *philadelphos*), love for humanity (φιλάνθρωπος, *philanthrōpos*), and love for strangers (φιλόξενος, *philoxenos*), all of which involve outward-directed affection.
* **Synonyms/Related Vices:**
* φιλάργυρος (*philargyros*, "lover of money," also in [[2 Timothy 3:2]]) and φιλήδονος (*philēdonos*, "lover of pleasure," [[2 Timothy 3:4]]), which are specific manifestations of self-love.
* ὑπερήφανος (*hyperēphanos*, "proud," "arrogant," [[2 Timothy 3:2]]) and ἀλαζών (*alazōn*, "boastful," [[2 Timothy 3:2]]), which are often direct expressions of an inflated self-regard stemming from φίλαυτος.
* The broader concept of pride (ὑπερηφανία, *hyperēphanía*), which is repeatedly condemned throughout Scripture (e.g., [[Proverbs 16:18]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G5367 (φίλαυτος) is profound. It represents a fundamental perversion of the divine order and the very nature of love.
1. **Root of Sin:** Inordinate self-love is often understood as the foundational sin, as it elevates the created self above the Creator. If one is supremely devoted to oneself, then God's commands, the needs of others, and the pursuit of righteousness become secondary to personal gain or comfort. This directly opposes the Great Commandment to love God with all one's being and to love one's neighbor as oneself.
2. **Antithesis of Christ:** The concept of φίλαυτος stands in stark opposition to the example of Jesus Christ. Christ, though God, "emptied himself" (ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν, *heauton ekénōsen*) and took on the form of a servant, even to the point of death on a cross ([[Philippians 2:7-8]]). His life was the ultimate demonstration of selfless, sacrificial love (ἀγάπη). The φίλαυτος individual is fundamentally anti-Christ in spirit, prioritizing self-preservation and self-exaltation over humble service and self-giving.
3. **Moral Decay:** As depicted in [[2 Timothy 3]], a society dominated by φίλαυτος individuals is destined for moral and spiritual decay. Such a society will lack genuine compassion, gratitude, and reverence, leading to widespread conflict, injustice, and a breakdown of social and familial bonds. It is a world where relationships are transactional and exploitative, driven by what one can gain rather than what one can give.
### Summary
The Greek term G5367 (φίλαυτος, *phílautos*) denotes an unhealthy, excessive, and self-centered love of self, leading to selfishness and egoism. Its singular but prominent appearance in [[2 Timothy 3:2]] places it at the forefront of the vices characterizing humanity in the "last days," suggesting it is a foundational sin from which many other forms of moral decay spring. Theologically, φίλαυτος represents a profound distortion of love, directly opposing the divine commands to love God and neighbor above oneself. It stands as the antithesis of Christ's self-emptying love and serves as a critical indicator of spiritual and societal decline when self-interest usurps the place of God-centered and other-centered devotion.
TRV