The Greek word philotiméomai, represented by G5389, describes a focused ambition or earnest striving. Derived from the concepts of being "fond of honor," it is translated as to labour, strive, or study. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, each instance highlighting a goal-oriented eagerness to achieve a specific purpose.
In its biblical usage, G5389 is applied to three distinct spiritual ambitions. Paul explains that he strived to preach the gospel G2097 not where Christ was already named, desiring to lay a new foundation Romans 15:20. He also uses the term to express a deep-seated goal: "we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted G2101 of him" 2 Corinthians 5:9. Finally, it is used to exhort believers to study (or make it their ambition) "to be quiet G2270" and to attend to their own business G2398, a command focused on humble and diligent living 1 Thessalonians 4:11.
Several related words clarify the object and nature of the ambition described by G5389:
- G2270 hēsycházō (to keep still... be quiet, rest): This is the paradoxical goal of the "study" or ambition in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, directing believers to seek a quiet and peaceful life rather than worldly prominence.
- G2097 euangelízō (to announce good news... preach the gospel): This word defines the specific mission Paul strived G5389 to accomplish, channeling his ambition into the spread of the gospel to new territories Romans 15:20.
- G2101 euárestos (fully agreeable... acceptable(-ted), wellpleasing): This term reveals the ultimate motivation for the believer's "labour," which is to be found wellpleasing in God's sight 2 Corinthians 5:9.
Theologically, G5389 redefines worldly ambition, directing it toward godly pursuits:
- A Redirected Ambition: The term takes the natural desire for honor and channels it away from self-glory toward spiritual goals. This is exemplified in the exhortation to "study to be quiet" G2270, a complete inversion of worldly striving 1 Thessalonians 4:11.
- The Labor of Pleasing God: The highest aim of this spiritual striving is to be accepted G2101 by God. The use of labour G5389 in 2 Corinthians 5:9 frames the entire Christian life as an earnest effort to be wellpleasing to Him.
- Pioneering for the Gospel: Paul's ambition was not merely to preach, but specifically to preach the gospel G2097 where it had not been heard, so as not to build G3618 upon another's foundation Romans 15:20.
In summary, G5389 is more than a simple aspiration; it is a dedicated and purposeful striving. It channels the human desire for honor toward goals that are spiritual in nature. Whether applied to the pioneering ambition to preach the gospel in new fields Romans 15:20, the foundational desire to be accepted by God 2 Corinthians 5:9, or the disciplined effort to live a quiet and productive life 1 Thessalonians 4:11, philotiméomai defines a uniquely Christian form of ambition focused on divine approval and service.
TRV