φιλανθρωπία

From the study of Titus 3:4

Range of meaning

Literally "love of humanity" (philos, "friend, fond of" + anthrōpos, "human being"). It covers: (1) the benevolence of gods toward mortals; (2) the clemency, generosity and fair dealing of kings and officials toward their subjects. Ptolemaic royal decrees were called philanthrōpa, "benefits," meaning grants of amnesty, tax relief and privileges; (3) ordinary humane courtesy, such as hospitality to strangers or decent treatment of prisoners. It is a disposition that shows itself in deeds, not mainly a feeling.

Against the English

"Love for mankind" (BSB, NASB) and "love toward man" (KJV) keep the word's built-in object, which is humanity. "Love" alone (NIV) loses it and blends the word into the more common Greek agapē. "Loving kindness" (ESV) leans toward the Hebrew covenant word ḥesed, which is a different word with a different background.

How it drifted

The English word "philanthropy" comes from this word but has narrowed, since the 1800s or so, to organised charitable giving, usually money from the wealthy to causes. The Greek word was wider and more personal: the goodwill of a greater party toward lesser ones, shown in mercy, help and humane treatment.

Used elsewhere in the period

Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound (lines 11, 28) speaks of Prometheus' "human-loving ways" in helping mortals against the gods' will. Hellenistic and Roman writers list philanthrōpia among the core royal virtues. Hellenistic Jewish writers applied it to God and to good conduct: Wisdom of Solomon 1:6 and 7:23 (wisdom is "a kindly spirit," philanthrōpon), 12:19 (God taught his people that "the righteous must be humane," philanthrōpon); 2 Maccabees 9:27; 14:9; 3 Maccabees 3:15, 18. Philo has a whole treatise section "On Philanthropy" (On the Virtues 51–174) and calls God philanthrōpos. In the NT the noun appears only here and in Acts 28:2, where the islanders of Malta show shipwrecked prisoners "unusual kindness." The adverb appears in Acts 27:3, where a Roman centurion treats Paul "kindly."

From the study of Acts 28:2

Range of meaning

'Love of humankind.' In practice: humane treatment, kindness, benevolence, generous courtesy, especially toward people who have no claim on you, such as strangers, prisoners or subjects. It was used for the clemency and gifts of kings and the generosity of benefactors, and also for ordinary decency toward the unfortunate.

Against the English

English versions say 'kindness,' which is accurate but plain. The Greek word adds the idea that this is the humane, civilized way to treat a fellow human being, given freely. The English derivative 'philanthropy' (organized charitable giving of money) is a much later and narrower sense and is not in view.

How it drifted

Not a translation drift. The risk is only for readers who know the derivative 'philanthropy' and imagine donations.

Used elsewhere in the period

Hellenistic honorific inscriptions and papyri praise rulers' and benefactors' philanthrōpia. Josephus and Philo use it often as a high civic and moral virtue. In the NT it appears only here and Titus 3:4, where it describes 'the kindness and philanthrōpia of God our Savior.' The adverb philanthrōpōs appears in Acts 27:3, where the centurion Julius treats Paul humanely at Sidon.