φιλονεικία
philoneikía
G5379 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A disposition or attitude marked by contentiousness or rivalry; eagerness for dispute or competition, particularly when accompanied by a spirit of antagonism or striving for superiority. In various contexts, may signify an inclination toward contentious debate, rivalry, or persistent striving to outdo others.
Semantic Range
spirit of rivalry, contentiousness, quarreling, ambition driven by competition, eager disputation, pursuit of victory in dispute, self-assertive rivalry
Root / Etymology
Derived from φιλόνεικος (philoneikos), itself composed of φιλέω (to love) and νεῖκος (strife, rivalry). The term literally means 'love of strife' or 'fondness for contention.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
φιλονεικία appears in Hellenistic and later Greek literature with the meaning of contentiousness, rivalry, or an argumentative spirit. In classical Greek, similar terms (such as νεῖκος and ἔρις) denote strife or quarrel, but φιλονεικία specifically implies a proactive or habitual disposition toward quarrels, as opposed to a singular dispute. In philosophical texts, it could refer to a character defect, where a person seeks strife for its own sake. In the New Testament and Hellenistic Jewish writings, φιλονεικία denotes a destructive tendency toward faction and conflict within a group. Standard English translations (such as 'strife' or 'selfish ambition') may underrepresent its nuance of competitive or contentious eagerness. Its use is rare in the NT but significant for understanding ethical vice lists and descriptions of communal discord.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from φιλόνεικος; quarrelsomeness, i.e. a dispute:--strife.
Root Family
φιλονεικία (philoneikia) — love of strife, contentious rivalry, eagerness to contend
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5379-01 |
φιλονικία | philonikia | N NOM F SG |
a dispute | love of strife | a dispute | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5379-01 |
Luke 22:24 | φιλονικία | philonikia | N NOM F SG |
a dispute | love of strife | a dispute |