Philotimo (also spelledfilotimo;Greek:φιλότιμο) is a Greek noun that has the literaltranslation of "love of honor". However,philotimo is difficult to translate as it describes a complex array ofvirtues.[1]
The word is used in early writings, sometimes in a bad sense;Plato'sRepublic usesphilotimon (φιλότιμον) ironically: "covetous of honor";[2] other writers usephilotimeomai (φιλοτιμέομαι) in the sense of "lavish upon".[3] However, later uses develop the word in its more noble senses. By the beginning of the Christian era, the word was firmly positive in its implications and its use in the Bible probably cemented its use in modern Greek culture.
The wordphilotimon is used extensively inHellenistic period literature.
The word appears three times in the text ofletters written by theApostle Paul. Paul was a fluent Greek speaker and his writing shows he was well educated inHellene literature. His letters were originally written in Greek and therefore the choice of the word was deliberate and the sophisticated choice of an educated man.
It is a difficult word to translate into English and is rendered variously depending on theBible translation. Valid alternatives include;ambition,endeavour earnestly,aspire,being zealous,strive eagerly,desire very strongly, orstudy.[5] In each case Paul is conveying a desire to do a good thing and his choice of word gives this honourable pursuit extra emphasis.
Philotimo is still used today. In its simplest form, the term means conscientiously honoring one's responsibilities and duties, and not allowing one's honor, dignity, and pride to be sullied.[6]
In Orthodox Christian ethos,philotimo has a deep spiritual dimension. SaintPaisios of Mount Athos described it as "The reverent distillation of goodness, the love shown by humble people, from which every trace of self has been filtered out. Their hearts are full of gratitude towards God and their fellow men; and out of spiritual sensitivity, they try to repay the slightest good others do for them."[7]