### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **philía**, represented by `{{G5373}}`, is defined as **friendship** or fondness. It is derived from the word φίλος (phílos). Despite the importance of the concept, this specific noun appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the biblical text. Its singular use serves to deliver a powerful and uncompromising theological statement about loyalty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G5373}}` is in [[James 4:4]]. The verse uses the term to present a stark choice, stating that "the **friendship** of the world is enmity with God." This passage begins by addressing its audience as "adulterers and adulteresses," immediately framing worldly **friendship** as an act of spiritual unfaithfulness. The text posits that a person cannot simultaneously maintain a friendship with the world and a right relationship with God; choosing one makes you an enemy of the other.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the immediate context of [[James 4:4]] clarify the meaning of `{{G5373}}`:
* `{{G5384}}` **phílos**: This word for **friend** is the root of **philía**. In the same verse, it describes the person who makes this choice, warning that whoever wants to be a **friend** of the world becomes an enemy of God [[James 4:4]].
* `{{G2189}}` **échthra**: Defined as **hostility** or **enmity**, this is the direct antonym of **philía**. The Bible states that **friendship** with the world is **enmity** with God [[James 4:4]].
* `{{G2190}}` **echthrós**: Meaning an **enemy** or **foe**, this word describes the status of one who chooses the world. To be a **phílos** of the world is to be an **echthrós** of God [[James 4:4]].
* `{{G3432}}` **moichós** and `{{G3428}}` **moichalís**: These terms for **adulterer** and **adulteress** establish the figurative context for [[James 4:4]]. The definition of **moichós** as a figurative apostate shows that this worldly friendship is a betrayal of one's relationship with God.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5373}}` is concentrated in its single, impactful use.
* **Exclusive Allegiance:** The word is used to teach that spiritual loyalty is indivisible. The verse presents friendship with the world and a relationship with God as mutually exclusive states.
* **Spiritual Adultery:** By addressing the audience as **adulterers** `{{G3432}}` and **adulteresses** `{{G3428}}`, the passage defines worldly **friendship** as a form of spiritual infidelity, equating it with being an apostate.
* **A State of Opposition:** The choice of **friendship** with the world is not a neutral act; it actively places a person in a state of **enmity** `{{G2189}}` with God, making them his **enemy** `{{G2190}}`.
### Summary
In summary, while the Greek word **philía** `{{G5373}}` appears only once, its use in scripture is pivotal. It is used not to describe a positive bond, but as a solemn warning in [[James 4:4]]. The term encapsulates a fundamental spiritual principle: one's allegiance cannot be divided. The choice for **friendship** with the world is presented as an act of spiritual adultery that results in a state of enmity with God.
TRV