φιλήδονος
philḗdonos
G5369 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Fond of/inclined toward pleasure; characterized by the pursuit of pleasure, especially sensual or physical enjoyment. The term denotes a person whose primary inclination is toward pleasurable experiences, with an emphasis on enjoyment and gratification, particularly of the senses. In context, the word often carries a negative moral connotation—referring to someone self-indulgent or excessively hedonistic.
Semantic Range
fond of pleasure, devoted to pleasure, self-indulgent, hedonistic, voluptuous, pleasure-loving, characterized by sensual enjoyment
Root / Etymology
Compound formed from φίλος ('loving,' 'fond of') and ἡδονή ('pleasure,' 'delight'). The construction literally means 'fond of pleasure.' The root elements are common in Greek and frequently combined to express disposition.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in Hellenistic Greek as an adjective describing people devoted to physical pleasure or self-indulgence. Used in philosophical and moral literature (e.g., Plutarch, Philo) to contrast with those who value virtue or self-restraint. In the New Testament, appears in 2 Timothy 3:4 to describe those 'lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,' with an implicitly negative judgment on their character. The LXX does not use this term, but its root components and related words (especially ἡδονή, pleasure) occur in both philosophical and everyday Greek. English translations such as 'lover of pleasure' or 'voluptuous' may not fully express the negative, morally charged sense it often has in ancient sources.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from φίλος and ἡδονή; fond of pleasure, i.e. voluptuous:--lover of pleasure.
Root Family
φιλήδονος (philēdonos) — loving, fond of, pleasure, delight
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5369-01 |
φιλήδονοι | philedonoi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
lovers of pleasure | pleasure-loving ones | pleasure-loving ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5369-01 |
2 Timothy 3:4 | φιλήδονοι | philedonoi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
lovers of pleasure | pleasure-loving ones | pleasure-loving ones |