a. to be fond of honor; to be actuated by love of honor; from a love of honor to strive to bring something to pass;

b. followed by an infinitive, to be ambitious to etc., 1 Thessalonians 4:11; Romans 15:20; to strive earnestly, make it one's aim, 2 Corinthians 5:9.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for φιλοτιμέομαι, the concept of ambition or striving earnestly can be related to Hebrew terms that convey similar ideas of diligence and pursuit, such as חָפֵץ (chaphets, Strong's Hebrew 2654) meaning "to delight in" or "to desire," and שָׁאַף (sha'aph, Strong's Hebrew 7602) meaning "to pant after" or "to long for." These terms reflect a similar earnestness and dedication in pursuit of a goal.

Usage: The verb φιλοτιμέομαι is used in the New Testament to describe a person's earnest ambition or endeavor to achieve a particular goal, often with a sense of honor or duty.

Context: The Greek verb φιλοτιμέομαι appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize a noble or honorable ambition. It conveys the idea of striving earnestly or making it one's aim to achieve something commendable. This term is used in a positive sense, reflecting a pursuit that is aligned with virtuous or godly objectives.

In Romans 15:20, the Apostle Paul uses φιλοτιμέομαι to describe his ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that he would not build on someone else's foundation: "In this way I aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation."

In 2 Corinthians 5:9, Paul again employs this term to express his ambition to be pleasing to the Lord, whether in the body or away from it: "So we aspire to please Him, whether we are here in this body or away from it."

Additionally, in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, believers are encouraged to make it their ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind their own business, and to work with their hands: "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, just as we instructed you."

These passages illustrate the use of φιλοτιμέομαι in the context of pursuing goals that are aligned with Christian values and responsibilities, emphasizing a life of integrity, service, and dedication to God's calling.