ἀφιλάργυρος (aphilarguros)
aphilarguros
not greedy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective aphilarguros describes a person who is not greedy or avaricious. It combines a negative prefix with words for "love" and "money," literally meaning "not loving silver." In the New Testament, this term appears only twice: in 1 Timothy 3:3 as a qualification for overseers, and in Hebrews 13:5 within a command to keep life free from the love of money.
Its usage highlights contentment rather than mere poverty. The context in Hebrews links this trait directly to trust in God’s provision, suggesting that freedom from greed stems from confidence in divine care. This stands as a practical virtue for leaders and believers alike, marking a heart that is secure enough to resist the pull of wealth.
Translators typically render it as "not greedy" or "free from the love of money." The word’s rarity in Scripture underscores its specific weight; it is not a general moral suggestion but a clear standard for integrity. By defining character through what one does not crave, the text emphasizes inner freedom over external accumulation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aphilarguros literally means "not loving silver." It appears only twice in the New Testament, marking it as a specific standard for integrity rather than a general moral suggestion. In 1 Timothy 3:3, Paul lists this trait as a requirement for church leaders. This shows that spiritual authority is not just about knowledge or charisma, but about a heart that is secure enough to resist the pull of wealth. A leader who does not crave money is free to serve others without hidden agendas.
In Hebrews 13:5, this concept shifts from a leadership qualification to a personal command for all believers. The text links being free from the love of money directly to contentment and trust in God’s provision. It suggests that greed often stems from insecurity, while freedom from it comes from confidence in divine care. This is not about poverty, but about inner peace.
For your daily life, this word invites you to examine what you truly value. When we stop chasing silver, we make room for deeper trust. God promises never to leave or forsake those who rely on Him. This assurance allows us to live with generosity and calm, knowing our security rests in His faithfulness, not in our bank accounts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- not loving money,1×
- [Let be] without covetousness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἀφιλάργυρος1×
- ἀφιλάργυρον,1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 3:3
not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;
This occurrence establishes aphilarguros as a non-negotiable character trait for church overseers, linking spiritual leadership to financial integrity.
-
Hebrews 13:5
Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.”
Here the term is paired with a promise of God's constant presence, showing that freedom from greed is rooted in trust rather than self-control alone.