There are two different words in
the New Testament Greek for the
English word, friend.
The first one is a more casual or a
civil type of greeting to another.
This generally was used when one
asked another a question or better
yet, defining a broad social category
of friends in the marketplace. It has
been listed as Strong's G2083:Hetairos.
Matthew 11:16
But whereunto shall I liken this generation?
It is like unto children sitting in the markets
and calling unto their fellows/friends [G2083].
There is another Greek word that takes a much
closer step towards a more personal relationship
as a friend or a close companion. It was listed
as Strong's G5384 - Philos.
John 15:13-15
"Greater love has no one than this, that one
lay down his life for his friends. [G5384].
[v14] You are My friends [G5384] if you
do what I command you. [v15] No longer
do I call you servants, for the servant does
not know what his master is doing; but I
have called you friends [G5384] for all
things that I have heard from My Father
I have made known to you."
Strong's G5384 - Philos = friend, to be friendly
to(ward) one; wish him well; he who associates
familiarly with one, a (close) companion.
Friends come in all sizes, shapes and colors,
figuratively speaking, as relationships rapidly
move through our experiences. Friends can come
out of our relationships with neighbors, even family
members, spouses, co-workers, business contacts, or
just about any other classification. Friends, in this
manner, speaks to us about the other person's heart
and of the specific level of trust that we feel towards
them as our friends. Such friendships form a type of
personal intimacy can can not be faked. Real friendship
is real genuine to us.
A related Greek word to Philos is 'Phileo' which is
listed as Strong's G5368. You may know this word
as one of the descriptions used for 'love.' Phileo is used
to describe friendships that express brotherly love.
Therefore, 'Philos Phileo' describes love between intimate
friends that is neither casual nor market-driven but heartfelt,
personal and provides for close companionship. This is the
upgrade from servant to friends in the family of faith.
