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φίλος

phílos

G5384 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Root φιλ- to love, to have affection for, to befriend

Definition

One who is beloved or held dear; a friend with whom there is affection, esteem, or personal attachment. In broader contexts, refers to one who is regarded with favor or affection, not necessarily implying deep intimacy but a positive and personal relationship. In adjectival use, denotes one who is loving or affectionate, or describes the nature of that relationship. Extends metaphorically to favored relationships, close associates, or those who act as allies.

Semantic Range

friend, beloved, associate, favored one, ally, loved one, one regarded with affection or esteem

Root / Etymology

From the root φιλ- (phil-), which conveys the sense of love, affection, or fondness. Related to the verb φιλῶ (to love, to regard with affection). Cognate with other Greek terms built on the φιλ- root (e.g., φιλία 'friendship', φίλιος 'friendly'). The root underlies a family of terms denoting positive relationships and affinity.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, φίλος primarily denotes a friend in a personal or political sense—sometimes suggesting intimacy, but also describing public, political, or familial alliances. In post-classical and Koine Greek, particularly in the Septuagint and New Testament, φίλος can denote both close personal friendship (as with Lazarus in John 11:11) and broader associations. The term does not always convey deep emotional intimacy; it may describe allies, patrons, or those with whom one has political or social bonds. The distinction between φίλος and ἐταῖρος ('companion', often less emotionally charged) can be significant, with φίλος highlighting affection or chosen bonds. English translations typically use 'friend', but the word's range extends from intimate companion to favored associate or ally, context determining nuance. Compared to ἀγαπάω/ἀγάπη, φιλ- words emphasize affection and attachment but are less abstract than ἀγάπη. The title φίλοι ('friends') could designate formal relationships, such as members of a king's close council or court, not exclusively personal friendships. In the New Testament, φιλο- compounds (e.g., φιλάδελφος, 'loving brother') also reflect the breadth of the φιλ- root. The translation 'neighbor' is contextually rare, and usually found in paraphrastic interpretation rather than direct rendering.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

properly, dear, i.e. a friend; actively, fond, i.e. friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.):--friend.

Root Family

φίλος (philos) — to love, to have affection for, beloved one, friend, favored associate

Word Forms

7 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G5384-06 φίλος philos ADJ.S NOM M SG friend beloved friend 8
G5384-07 φίλους philous ADJ.S ACC M PL friends beloved ones 8
G5384-05 φίλον philon ADJ.S ACC M SG friends the one loving 5
G5384-03 φίλοι philoi ADJ.P NOM M PL friends beloved friends 4
G5384-02 φίλε phile ADJ.S VOC M SG Friend Beloved friend 2
G5384-04 φίλοις philois ADJ.S DAT M PL friends to beloved friends 1
G5384-01 φίλας philas ADJ.S ACC F PL friends beloved women 1

Occurrences in Scripture

29 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G5384-06 Matthew 11:19 φίλος philos ADJ.S NOM M SG beloved friend
G5384-07 Luke 7:6 φίλους philous ADJ.S ACC M PL friends beloved ones
G5384-06 Luke 7:34 φίλος philos ADJ.S NOM M SG a friend beloved friend
G5384-05 Luke 11:5 φίλον philon ADJ.S ACC M SG a friend the one loving
G5384-02 Luke 11:5 φίλε phile ADJ.S VOC M SG Friend Beloved friend
G5384-06 Luke 11:6 φίλος philos ADJ.S NOM M SG friend beloved friend
G5384-05 Luke 11:8 φίλον philon ADJ.P ACC M SG friend the one loving
G5384-04 Luke 12:4 φίλοις philois ADJ.S DAT M PL friends to beloved friends
G5384-02 Luke 14:10 φίλε phile ADJ.S VOC M SG Friend Beloved friend
G5384-07 Luke 14:12 φίλους philous ADJ.S ACC M PL friends beloved ones
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