φίλανδρος (philandros)
philandros
husband-loving
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective philandros literally means "husband-loving." It is a rare word in the New Testament, appearing only once in Titus 2:4. In this context, Paul uses it to describe the quality older women should encourage in younger wives. The term combines the root for love with the word for man, specifically indicating a devoted affection toward one’s own spouse.
Lexical sources note that this specific compound was common in ancient Greek epitaphs and inscriptions honoring faithful wives. This background suggests the word carries a weight of public virtue and personal fidelity. It is not merely romantic affection but a steadfast commitment to the marital bond, viewed as a mark of character worthy of remembrance.
Translators typically render this term as "loving their husbands" or similar phrases that emphasize active care. The usage highlights the mutual responsibilities within Christian households. By selecting such a specific term, the text underscores that love in marriage is a distinct and valued virtue, integral to the orderly witness of the community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word philandros appears just once in the New Testament, found in Titus 2:4. Paul uses this specific term when instructing older women to guide younger wives. It literally means "husband-loving," combining the Greek roots for love and man. This was a common phrase in ancient inscriptions to honor faithful wives, suggesting it carries a weight of public virtue and personal fidelity.
For your Christian life, this word reminds us that love in marriage is a distinct and valued virtue. It is not just a fleeting romantic feeling but a steadfast commitment. By choosing this specific term, the text highlights active care for one’s spouse as integral to the orderly witness of the community. It invites you to view marital devotion as a mark of character worthy of remembrance.
When you reflect on this passage, consider how this love shapes your daily interactions. It is a call to faithful affection that strengthens the household and honors God. May you find encouragement in knowing that such love is seen as a significant part of your spiritual walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lovers of [their] husbands1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φιλάνδρους1×
Key Verses
-
Titus 2:4
that they may train the young wives to love their husbands, to love their children,
This verse uniquely uses philandros to specify the active, devoted affection older women should encourage in younger wives, distinguishing it from general love.