φιλία
philía
G5373 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Affection or fond regard toward another, particularly the bond or state of being friends (friendship); the feeling of mutual goodwill or esteem that arises from personal connection or association. In philosophical contexts, also denotes benevolence based on personal relationship or affinity, sometimes extending to broader interpersonal solidarity. In rare contexts, the term may reflect favor or alliance, especially between political entities or groups.
Semantic Range
friendship, affection, fondness, benevolence based on relationship, alliance, mutual regard
Root / Etymology
From φίλος (phílos, 'beloved, dear, friend'), formed with the abstract noun suffix -ία, indicating a state or quality. Thus, φιλία is the quality or state associated with being φίλος: friendship, affection.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Classically attested in Greek literature (e.g., Aristotle, Plato) as the principal term for 'friendship' or affectionate bond apart from erotic love (ἔρως, érōs) and familial affection (στοργή, storgē). In philosophical texts, φιλία can emphasize disinterested benevolence and loyalty between individuals, as well as ethical virtues related to friendship and community cohesion (Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics VIII-IX). In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, including the Septuagint and New Testament usage, φιλία generally maintains the primary sense of personal or mutual friendship, often contrasting with forms of love with other connotations (ἀγάπη, agapē; ἔρως, érōs). Occurrences in the New Testament are rare (cf. James 4:4, φιλία τοῦ κόσμου, 'friendship with the world'), where it can carry the nuance of alliance or close association, sometimes with moral implications. English 'friendship' generally captures the central sense, but may not convey the full philosophical and affective range known in ancient usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from φίλος; fondness:--friendship.
Root Family
φιλία (philia) — friendship, affection, fond regard, mutual goodwill, alliance
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5373-01 |
φιλία | philia | N NOM F SG |
friendship | friendship | friendship | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5373-01 |
James 4:4 | φιλία | philia | N NOM F SG |
friendship | friendship | friendship |