ἐριθεία (eritheia)
eritheia
rivalry
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun eritheia describes a spirit of selfish ambition or partisan rivalry. In the New Testament, it carries a negative connotation, referring to the desire to advance one’s own status through intrigue or factionalism rather than serving others. It is not merely healthy competition but a divisive attitude that prioritizes personal gain over communal harmony.
This term appears in several key passages where Paul and James address church conduct. In Philippians 1:17, Paul notes that some preach Christ from eritheia, seeking to stir up trouble against him. Similarly, in James 3:14–16, he warns that bitter envy and selfish ambition are not from above but are earthly and demonic. The word also appears in Galatians 5:20 as a work of the flesh, linked with discord and hatred.
Etymologically, eritheia may relate to the idea of day laborers or hired hands, suggesting a mercenary mindset where actions are driven by self-interest rather than genuine care. Translators often render it as “selfish ambition” or “rivalry,” capturing its essence as a corrosive force within Christian communities.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eritheia describes a spirit of rivalry that seeks personal advancement at the expense of others. It is not healthy competition but a divisive attitude driven by self-interest. When we act this way, we prioritize our own status over the harmony of the community. This kind of behavior often stems from a mercenary mindset, where actions are motivated by gain rather than genuine care for those around us.
Scripture warns us that this spirit creates confusion and harm within the church. Instead of striving to be seen, we are called to humility. By counting others as more significant than ourselves, we break the cycle of rivalry. This shift in perspective allows relationships to flourish without the pressure of constant competition or the fear of being overlooked.
Recognizing these tendencies in our own hearts is the first step toward healing. We can choose to serve quietly and sincerely, finding joy in the success of others rather than feeling threatened by it. This approach fosters a environment where everyone feels valued and respected, reflecting the true nature of Christian love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- self-interest3×
- self-interest [exist],1×
- contentions,1×
- contentions1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐριθείαν2×
- ἐριθεῖαι,1×
- ἐριθείας1×
- ἐριθείαι,1×
- ἐριθεία,1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 2:3
doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself;
This verse directly contrasts rivalry with humility, showing that counting others as better than oneself is the practical antidote to selfish ambition.
-
James 3:16
For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.
Here the word links selfish ambition to confusion and evil deeds, highlighting its destructive impact on community stability.
-
Galatians 5:20
idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies,
Paul lists rivalry among the works of the flesh, placing it alongside idolatry and hatred to show its spiritual danger.