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Φίλητος (Philētos)

Philētos

Philetus

G5372 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The name Philetus appears only once in the New Testament, recorded in 2 Timothy 2:17 as one of two men who had strayed from the truth about the resurrection. Derived from the verb phileō, meaning "to love," the name literally translates to "beloved." This etymology highlights a stark contrast between his personal designation and his spiritual condition.

Thayer’s Lexicon identifies him as a disciple of Hymenaeus, another figure mentioned in the same passage who had also departed from sound teaching. The sources note that Philetus was a Christian at Rome, yet he is grouped with those whose teaching spread like gangrene. His name serves as a historical marker for early Christians who held erroneous views about the resurrection, illustrating how even those known by names of affection could lead others astray.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Philetus means "beloved," yet Scripture records him as one who led others away from the truth about the resurrection. This contrast reminds us that affection or a good reputation does not guarantee spiritual stability. Even those known for love can drift if they do not hold firmly to sound teaching.

In 2 Timothy, Paul warns that such errors spread like gangrene, affecting the whole community. We are encouraged to examine our own foundations. Love must be grounded in truth. When we stand firm in what is real and eternal, we protect ourselves and those around us from confusion.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Philetus,1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Φίλητος,1×

Key Verses

  • II Timothy 2:17
    and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus:

    This verse identifies Philetus alongside Hymenaeus as individuals whose teachings caused spiritual harm by distorting the truth of the resurrection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Philetus mean?

Philetus is a Greek name derived from the verb phileō, meaning "to love." It literally translates to "beloved" or "loving one." The name appears only once in the New Testament.

Who was Philetus?

Philetus was a man mentioned in 2 Timothy 2:17. He is described as someone who had strayed from the truth concerning the resurrection. Paul groups him with Hymenaeus, noting that their teachings spread like gangrene.

Why is Philetus significant in the Bible?

His significance lies in the warning he provides. Despite a name meaning "beloved," he led others astray. This shows that spiritual error can come from those within the community, emphasizing the need for sound doctrine.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

II Timothy 1 verse
II Timothy 2:17

and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus: