### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἀφιλάγαθος (aphilágathos, `{{G865}}`) is a compound adjective, revealing its meaning through its constituent parts. It is formed by the alpha privative (α-), which serves as a negative particle, negating the meaning of the word it precedes, and φιλάγαθος (philágathos). The latter term itself combines φίλος (philos), meaning "loving" or "dear," and ἀγαθός (agathos, `{{G18}}`), meaning "good" or "virtuous." Therefore, φιλάγαθος means "loving good" or "lover of good."
Consequently, ἀφιλάγαθος literally translates to "not loving good" or "hostile to good." Its semantic range extends beyond a simple lack of affection for virtue; it implies an active aversion, antagonism, or even contempt for what is inherently good, righteous, or morally upright. It describes a disposition that finds no delight in goodness and may actively scorn those who embody it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀφιλάγαθος (aphilágathos, `{{G865}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in [[2 Timothy 3:3]]. In this pivotal passage, the Apostle Paul is providing a solemn warning to Timothy regarding the moral climate of the "last days." He presents a comprehensive list of negative characteristics that will define people during this challenging period.
The specific context reads: "ἀσπονδοι, διάβολοι, ἀκρατεῖς, ἀνήμεροι, ἀφιλάγαθοι, προδόται, προπετεῖς, τετυφωμένοι, φιλήδονοι μᾶλλον ἢ φιλόθεοι" (implacable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despising good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God). Its inclusion in this grim catalog of vices highlights its profound seriousness. To be "despiser of those that are good" (as rendered in some translations) or "hostile to good" indicates a deep-seated moral corruption. It suggests a rejection not merely of abstract goodness but of the very people who strive to live righteously, revealing a spiritual blindness and an antagonistic posture toward virtue itself. This stands in stark opposition to the divine nature, which is the ultimate source and embodiment of all goodness.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Antonym: φιλάγαθος (philágathos, `{{G5358}}`):** The direct opposite, "lover of good," is used in [[Titus 1:8]] as a positive qualification for an overseer. This sharp contrast underscores the moral chasm between godly leadership and the depraved character described in [[2 Timothy 3:3]].
* **ἀγαθός (agathos, `{{G18}}`):** The foundational word for "good," which signifies inherent moral excellence, beneficence, and alignment with God's will. The ἀφιλάγαθος person is fundamentally opposed to this divine standard of goodness.
* **φίλος (philos, `{{G5384}}`):** Meaning "loving" or "friend," its absence in relation to "good" points to a severe spiritual malady. The affections of the ἀφιλάγαθος individual are either misdirected or entirely absent for what is righteous.
* **Other Vices in 2 Timothy 3:** The surrounding terms in Paul's list illuminate the multifaceted nature of this depravity:
* **ἀνήμεροι (anēmeroi, `{{G434}}`):** Brutal or savage, which naturally aligns with a despising of good, as cruelty is antithetical to virtue.
* **φιλήδονοι (philēdonoi, `{{G5367}}`):** Lovers of pleasure, explicitly contrasted with "φιλόθεοι" (philotheoi, `{{G5377}}`), lovers of God. This highlights a misdirection of love and desire away from God, the source of all good, towards self-gratification. The ἀφιλάγαθος individual finds satisfaction not in goodness but in its opposition or neglect.
### Theological Significance
The characteristic of being ἀφιλάγαθος carries profound theological weight. Since God Himself is the ultimate good (cf. [[Mark 10:18]]), to despise good is, in essence, to despise the very nature and character of God. This signifies a deep alienation from divine truth and an embrace of moral corruption.
This term points to a severe spiritual blindness where moral distinctions are not only blurred but actively inverted. Those who are ἀφιλάγαθος are unable to perceive, appreciate, or desire what is truly virtuous, indicating a heart hardened against God's truth and a mind darkened by sin. It is a manifestation of spiritual depravity, where the will is enslaved to evil and finds no delight in righteousness.
For the believer, the call is to be transformed into the likeness of Christ, who perfectly embodies goodness. Christians are exhorted to "hate what is evil; cling to what is good" ([[Romans 12:9]]). The ἀφιλάγαθος person stands in direct opposition to this biblical mandate, representing the unregenerate heart that actively resists the Holy Spirit's work of sanctification and righteousness. Paul's inclusion of ἀφιλάγαθος in his prophetic list for the "last days" serves as a stark warning, suggesting that as humanity drifts further from God, there will be an increasing prevalence of those who not only fail to love good but actively despise it, leading to profound societal and spiritual decay.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀφιλάγαθος (aphilágathos, `{{G865}}`) is a unique and potent term appearing solely in [[2 Timothy 3:3]]. Etymologically, it combines the alpha privative with "lover of good," yielding the meaning "hostile to virtue" or "despiser of those that are good." This term describes a disposition that goes beyond mere indifference, indicating an active aversion or antagonism towards what is morally upright and virtuous. Its singular New Testament occurrence within Paul's catalogue of vices characteristic of the "last days" underscores its gravity, pointing to a profound moral and spiritual corruption. The ἀφιλάγαθος individual fundamentally rejects the very nature of God, who is the source of all good, and stands in stark contrast to the Christian ideal of loving and pursuing righteousness. This characteristic serves as a solemn warning about the progressive moral decay that can occur when hearts are hardened against divine truth and goodness.
TRV