φιλότεκνος (philoteknos)
philoteknos
child loving
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective philoteknos describes a person who is deeply affectionate toward their own children. Formed from roots meaning "love" and "child," it captures a natural, familial bond rather than a spiritual or abstract devotion. This specific term appears only once in the New Testament, in Titus 2:4.
In that passage, Paul instructs older women to teach younger ones to be philoteknoi. The word is paired with philandros, meaning "lover of husbands," creating a picture of domestic virtue grounded in genuine care for one’s family. It reflects a positive cultural value where nurturing offspring was seen as a mark of good character and responsible living.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word philoteknos captures a simple, beautiful reality: the deep affection parents feel for their children. It is not an abstract duty but a natural warmth that binds families together. In Titus 2:4, Paul encourages older women to help younger wives cultivate this love, showing that caring for your family is a vital part of living well.
When you see your children growing and learning, that instinctive care is exactly what this word describes. It reminds us that home life is not just about routine tasks but about genuine connection. Let this truth encourage you to cherish those quiet moments with your little ones, knowing they matter deeply to God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- loving [their] children,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φιλοτέκνους,1×
Key Verses
-
Titus 2:4
that they may train the young wives to love their husbands, to love their children,
This is the only New Testament occurrence, where Paul links loving children directly to training young wives in domestic virtue.