### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **philósophos**, represented by `{{G5386}}`, is defined as being fond of wise things, or a "philosopher." It appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its single usage highly specific. The term identifies a particular group of intellectuals who engaged with the apostle Paul in Athens.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole context for `{{G5386}}` is [[Acts 17:18]], where Paul encounters "certain **philosophers** of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks." This interaction in Athens, a center of classical thought, highlights a direct engagement between the gospel and secular wisdom. The reaction of the **philosophers** was divided: some derisively called Paul a "babbler" `{{G4691}}`, while others suggested he seemed to be a "setter forth" `{{G2604}}` of strange "gods" `{{G1140}}`. Their response was prompted by the fact that he "preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection" [[Acts 17:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words from this encounter illuminate the context:
* `{{G1946}}` **Epikoúreios** (an Epicurean or follower of Epicurus): This identifies one of the two specific schools of **philosophers** who confronted Paul [[Acts 17:18]].
* `{{G4770}}` **Stōïkós** (a "Stoic"): This term names the second group of **philosophers** present during the discourse in Athens [[Acts 17:18]].
* `{{G4820}}` **symbállō** (to combine, i.e. (in speaking) to converse, consult, dispute... encounter): This verb describes the action taken by the philosophers, as they "encountered" Paul to dispute with him [[Acts 17:18]].
* `{{G4691}}` **spermológos** (a seed-picker... i.e. ...a babbler): This derogatory term shows the contempt some of the philosophers had for Paul's message, dismissing him as a mere trifler in talk [[Acts 17:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5386}}` comes from the pivotal encounter it describes.
* **Confrontation of Worldviews:** The appearance of **philosophers** marks a direct meeting between human wisdom and the proclaimed gospel. The intellectual traditions of the Epicureans and Stoics are brought face-to-face with the message of a resurrected savior.
* **The Gospel's Reception:** The varied reactions of the **philosophers**—from dismissal to curiosity—demonstrate the challenge of preaching the gospel to a learned pagan audience. They perceived the message of **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` and the **resurrection** `{{G386}}` as the introduction of "strange gods" `{{G1140}}`, filtering it through their existing philosophical frameworks.
* **Mission to Intellectuals:** This event underscores the apostolic mission to **preach** `{{G2097}}` to all people, including the intellectual elites of the Gentile world, presenting the core tenets of Christian faith as a direct challenge to prevailing philosophies.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5386}}` is not a common biblical term, but its single use in Acts is significant. It defines the specific intellectual audience—Epicurean and Stoic **philosophers**—who engaged with Paul in Athens. This encounter serves as a powerful illustration of the introduction of Christian revelation into the heart of classical learning, highlighting the clash, misunderstanding, and engagement that occurred when the message of **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` and the **resurrection** `{{G386}}` met the world of human philosophy.
TRV