Brief Overview of αἰσχροκερδῶς (G147)

The Greek word αἰσχροκερδῶς (aischrokerdōs) means “greedily” or “for base gain.” It describes behavior characterized by an excessive or unethical pursuit of profit or material gain. This adverbial form conveys the manner in which actions are driven by sordid or dishonorable motives.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G147 αἰσχροκερδῶς (aischrokerdōs): Strong’s defines this term as “greedily” or “for base gain.” It is used to describe actions motivated by a desire for dishonorable or unethical profit. The term appears in contexts where someone is criticized for their greedy or morally questionable pursuit of financial gain, emphasizing the base nature of their motivations (e.g., 1 Peter 5:2).

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, αἰσχροκερδῶς means “greedily” or “for base gain.” Thayer’s explains that this adverb describes conduct that is driven by an excessive or unscrupulous desire for material profit. It highlights the unethical nature of such behavior, reflecting the moral condemnation of actions motivated by sordid gain (e.g., 1 Peter 5:2). The term conveys the manner in which greed influences actions and decisions.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• BDB describes αἰσχροκερδῶς as “greedily” or “for base gain.” The lexicon emphasizes that this term characterizes behavior that seeks unethical or dishonorable profit. It is used to highlight actions driven by covetous desires, reflecting a negative moral judgment (e.g., 1 Peter 5:2). BDB’s explanation focuses on the nature of the greed that motivates such conduct.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon defines αἰσχροκερδῶς as “greedily” or “for base gain.” It notes that this adverb describes actions or behavior motivated by a desire for unethical or sordid profit. The term is used to criticize the manner in which someone pursues gain driven by dishonorable intentions (e.g., 1 Peter 5:2). LSJ underscores the term’s connotation of morally reprehensible greed.

In summary, αἰσχροκερδῶς refers to behavior characterized by greed or a pursuit of base gain, describing actions influenced by dishonorable or unethical motives, as reflected in New Testament passages.