φιλόστοργος (philostorgos)
philostorgos
affectionate
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective philostorgos describes a deep, familial affection rooted in natural kinship. It combines the word for love with storge, which specifically denotes the tender bond between parents and children or among close relatives. This is not merely polite friendliness but an instinctive, warm devotion that characterizes intimate family life.
In Scripture, this rare term appears only once, in Romans 12:10, where Paul instructs believers to "be devoted to one another in brotherly love." By using this specific word, he elevates Christian community beyond casual association. He calls for a mutual care that mirrors the unconditional tenderness found in the closest human relationships, urging the church to treat each other with the same instinctive loyalty and warmth as family members.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word philostorgos paints a picture of family life where care is instinctive rather than forced. It combines love with the tender bond found between parents and children. When Paul uses this rare term in Romans 12:10, he asks Christians to treat each other with that same natural warmth. This shifts our view of church from a casual club to a spiritual home.
You do not need to manufacture deep affection for everyone you meet. Instead, let the shared life in Christ foster a genuine tenderness. This kind of love does not rely on perfect behavior from others. It simply chooses to honor and care for fellow believers as if they were your own blood relatives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- devoted1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φιλόστοργοι,1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 12:10
In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor prefer one another,
Paul uses this unique adjective to define the specific quality of affection believers should show one another, moving beyond general kindness to familial devotion.