φιλοτιμέομαι (philotimeomai)
philotimeomai
to aspire
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb philotimeomai describes a deep-seated ambition to earn honor or distinction. Derived from roots meaning "love" and "honor," it captures the drive to be seen as worthy by others. In the New Testament, this aspiration is not inherently negative; rather, it reflects a earnest desire to please God and live in a way that brings glory to His name.
This word appears only three times in the New Testament, consistently linked to personal conduct. Paul uses it to express his goal of preaching where Christ was unknown (Romans 15:20) and his determination to be pleasing to the Lord in all circumstances (2 Corinthians 5:9). He also encourages believers to aspire to live quietly and mind their own affairs (1 Thessalonians 4:11). In each case, the focus is on a disciplined effort to align one’s life with divine expectations.
Translators often render this word as "make it our aim" or "aspire," which helps convey its active nature. It suggests that seeking honor before God requires intentional effort and self-control. The term highlights how Christian motivation can include a healthy desire for recognition, provided that recognition is sought in alignment with God’s will rather than personal pride.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word philotimeomai points to a deep desire for honor, but in Scripture it is redirected toward pleasing God rather than gaining human applause. When Paul uses this term, he is not speaking of selfish ambition or pride. Instead, he describes a focused intention to live in a way that honors the Lord. This shifts our motivation from seeking recognition by others to seeking approval from Heaven.
In 2 Corinthians 5:9, Paul says he makes it his aim to be well pleasing to God, whether he is present in the body or absent from it. This offers a stable anchor for your daily life. You do not need to chase fleeting praise from people who may change their minds. By aiming to please God, you find a purpose that remains constant regardless of your circumstances.
This aspiration also calls for practical discipline. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11, Paul encourages believers to aspire to live quietly and mind their own affairs. This is not about isolation, but about integrity in the ordinary tasks of life. It invites you to bring your same devotion to God into your work, your home, and your relationships. Let this desire guide your steps with humility and steady faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- we are ambitious,1×
- to strive earnestly1×
- being ambitious1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φιλοτιμούμενον1×
- φιλοτιμούμεθα,1×
- φιλοτιμεῖσθαι1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 5:9
Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him.
This verse defines the ultimate goal of the aspiration: to be well pleasing to God in every state of existence, shifting focus from human approval to divine acceptance.
-
Romans 15:20
yes, making it my aim to preach the Good News, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build on another’s foundation.
Here the ambition is directed outward toward evangelism, showing that seeking honor means reaching people where Christ has not yet been named rather than building on another's work.
-
I Thessalonians 4:11
and that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we instructed you,
This occurrence applies the concept to daily conduct, urging believers to aspire to a quiet life and personal responsibility as an act of faithful obedience.