### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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