greed

Is Gambling a Sin? Biblical Wisdom on Games of Chance and God’s View of Risk-Taking

The question of whether gambling constitutes a sin reflects a deep desire to understand how our financial choices align with God’s will. As we explore this topic, it’s crucial to recognize that while the Bible doesn’t explicitly mention modern gambling,…

Understanding γλωσσόκομον (glōssokomon) Strong’s G1101: The Sacred Money Box that Reveals Judas’s Betrayal and Heart Motives

Pronunciation Guide: glō-so’-ko-mon (with emphasis on the second syllable) Basic Definition Strong’s G1101: The γλωσσόκομον (glōssokomon) was originally a case designed to hold the mouthpieces of wind instruments, but in biblical times evolved to mean a small portable box or…

Understanding Βοσόρ (Bosor) Strong’s G1007: The Biblical City that Reveals Prophetic Warnings and Divine Judgments

Pronunciation Guide: boh-SOHR (with emphasis on the second syllable) Basic Definition Strong’s G1007: Βοσόρ (Bosor) refers to a place name mentioned in the New Testament, specifically the father of Balaam. It represents a variant form of the Hebrew name “Beor”…

Understanding βλαβερός (blaberos) Strong’s G983: The Harmful Desires that Ensnare Souls and Undermine Faith

Pronunciation Guide: blah-beh-ROS (βλαβερός) Basic Definition Strong’s G983: βλαβερός (blaberos) refers to that which is harmful, injurious, or detrimental—particularly to one’s spiritual wellbeing. It describes desires or influences that damage a person’s relationship with God and others. In its singular…

Understanding Βαλαάμ (Balaam) Strong’s G903: The Prophetic Voice That Warns of Spiritual Compromise

Pronunciation Guide: bah-lah-ÁM Basic Definition Strong’s G903: Βαλαάμ (Balaam) refers to the controversial prophet from Pethor who appears in both Testaments as a cautionary figure. Though he recognized and spoke the words of יהוה (Yahweh), his heart was compromised by…

Understanding ἀφιλάργυρος (aphilargyros) Strong’s G866: The Christ-like Freedom from the Love of Money

Pronunciation Guide: ah-fee-LAR-gee-ross Basic Definition Strong’s G866: ἀφιλάργυρος (aphilargyros) describes a person who is “not loving money” or “free from the love of money.” This compound word literally means “without love of silver/money.” In biblical contexts, it refers to a…

Understanding ἅρπαξ (harpax) Strong’s G727: The Predatory Nature that Reveals Divine Protection

Pronunciation Guide: har-pax (ˈhɑrpæks) Basic Definition Strong’s G727: ἅρπαξ describes a ravenous predator or one who lives by plunder, characterizing both literal predatory animals and metaphorically describing people who greedily take advantage of others through deception or force. The word…

Understanding ἁρπαγή (harpagē) Strong’s G724: The Divine Force Behind Plundering, Seizing, and Spiritual Warfare in Scripture

Pronunciation Guide: har-pa-GAY Basic Definition Strong’s G724: ἁρπαγή refers to the act of plundering, seizing by force, or robbery. It carries the connotation of violent taking or extortion, often implying both the act of seizing and that which is seized.…

Understanding αἰσχροκερδῶς (aischrokerdōs) Strong’s G147: The Spiritual Danger of Greed in Ministry Leadership

Pronunciation Guide: eye-skrok-er-DOCE Basic Definition Strong’s G147: An adverb describing actions motivated by shameful or dishonest gain, particularly in the context of spiritual leadership. It combines the concepts of “shameful” (αἰσχρός) and “gain” (κέρδος) to describe someone serving in ministry…

Understanding αἰσχροκερδής (aischrokerdēs) Strong’s G146: The Shameful Pursuit of Dishonest Gain That Corrupts Leadership

Pronunciation Guide: ice-khrok-er-DACE Basic Definition Strong’s G146: αἰσχροκερδής describes someone who is greedy for dishonest gain or shamefully profit-minded, particularly in contexts of spiritual leadership. This compound word powerfully combines the concepts of shameful behavior with an excessive desire for…