### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term φιλοπρωτεύω (philoprōteúō, `{{G5383}}`) is a compound word derived from φίλος (philos, `{{G5384}}`), meaning "loving" or "fond of," and πρῶτος (prōtos, `{{G4413}}`), meaning "first" or "foremost." Literally, it signifies "to love to be first" or "to be fond of preeminence." The base definition provided encapsulates this, describing one who is "ambitious of distinction" or "loves to have the preeminence." While the components themselves are neutral or positive, their combination here carries a decidedly negative connotation. It implies a self-seeking desire for status, authority, or recognition that is not rooted in a genuine desire to serve, but rather in personal ambition and pride. The semantic range thus extends from a mere desire for prominence to an active pursuit of control and a disregard for the well-being of others in favor of one's own elevated position.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word φιλοπρωτεύω (philoprōteúō, `{{G5383}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, making it a *hapax legomenon*. This singular occurrence is found in the Third Epistle of John:
* [[3 John 1:9]]: "I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us."
In this critical context, the Apostle John identifies Diotrephes' desire "to have the preeminence" as the root cause of his disruptive and unchristian behavior. Diotrephes is depicted as rejecting John's apostolic authority, refusing to welcome traveling missionaries, and even excommunicating those who did show hospitality. His philoprōteúō is not merely a passive preference but an active, destructive force that leads to insubordination, division, and a breach of Christian fellowship. The term powerfully characterizes a leader whose primary motivation is self-exaltation rather than humble service to the church. John's strong condemnation of Diotrephes highlights the severe consequences of such a disposition within the Christian community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of φιλοπρωτεύω (philoprōteúō, `{{G5383}}`) naturally relate to other terms:
* φίλος (philos, `{{G5384}}`): While often positive ("friend," "loved"), its combination here demonstrates how even "love" can be misdirected towards selfish ends.
* πρῶτος (prōtos, `{{G4413}}`): "First" or "chief." The desire to be πρῶτος is not inherently wrong if it means excelling in service, but it becomes problematic when it is φιλοπρωτεύω—a love for the *position* of being first, rather than the *function* of serving.
Concepts that stand in stark contrast to philoprōteúō include:
* ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosyne, `{{G5012}}`): humility, lowliness of mind, a key virtue emphasized by Christ and the apostles.
* δουλος (doulos, `{{G1401}}`): servant, slave. Jesus redefined leadership by stating, "whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave" [[Matthew 20:27]].
* διακονία (diakonia, `{{G1248}}`): service, ministry. True leadership is defined by diakonia, not by a desire for philoprōteúō.
Related negative concepts include ὑπερηφανία (hyperēphania, `{{G5243}}`), pride or arrogance, and κενόδοξος (kenodoxos, `{{G2755}}`), vainglorious.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of φιλοπρωτεύω (philoprōteúō, `{{G5383}}`) is profound, particularly in its singular New Testament appearance. It serves as a stark warning against a corrupt form of leadership within the church.
1. **Distortion of Christian Leadership:** Christ fundamentally redefined leadership as humble service ([[Mark 10:43-45]]; [[John 13:1-17]]). Diotrephes' philoprōteúō stands in direct opposition to this paradigm, embodying a worldly desire for power and status rather than the self-sacrificial posture of a servant. This self-exalting ambition undermines the very nature of the Body of Christ.
2. **Source of Division and Conflict:** As seen in 3 John, the desire for preeminence leads to insubordination, rejection of legitimate apostolic authority, and the expulsion of faithful believers. It fosters an environment of disunity and hostility, hindering the mission and health of the church.
3. **Contrast with Divine Humility:** The very nature of God, supremely revealed in Christ's incarnation and crucifixion, is one of self-emptying humility ([[Philippians 2:5-8]]). To "love to have the preeminence" is to embrace a spirit antithetical to the character of God and the example of His Son.
4. **Warning Against Worldly Ambition:** The term highlights the constant temptation for individuals within the church to import worldly patterns of power dynamics and personal ambition, which are anathema to the kingdom of God. It calls believers to examine their motives for seeking influence or position.
### Summary
Philoprōteúō (`{{G5383}}`) precisely describes a self-serving desire for preeminence or the love of being first. Its sole appearance in [[3 John 1:9]] powerfully illustrates the destructive impact of such a disposition, personified by Diotrephes, whose ambition led to insubordination, rejection of apostolic authority, and division within the church. This term stands in direct theological opposition to the New Testament's consistent teaching on humble, servant-hearted leadership, exemplified supremely by Jesus Christ. It serves as a potent and enduring warning against the corrupting influence of worldly ambition and pride within the Christian community, emphasizing that true spiritual authority is found not in seeking personal prominence, but in self-sacrificial service to others.
TRV