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 material gain. The term specifically appears in pastoral epistles as a negative character trait that disqualifies one from church leadership.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Compound word from αἰσχρός (shameful) and κέρδος (gain)
• Primary usage in teaching/pastoral contexts
• Appears exclusively in leadership qualification lists
• Classical Greek origin

αἰσχροκερδής Morphology:

• αἰσχροκερδής (nominative singular) – one who is greedy for gain
• αἰσχροκερδεῖς (nominative plural) – those who are greedy for gain
• αἰσχροκερδῆ (accusative singular) – the one who is greedy for gain

Origin & History

αἰσχροκερδής emerges from classical Greek economic and ethical discourse, where it was used to criticize those who pursued wealth through dishonorable means. Aristotle, in his “Nicomachean Ethics,” employs related terms when discussing the relationship between character and the acquisition of wealth, particularly condemning those who prioritize profit over honor.

The term gained particular significance in Hellenistic literature, where it was used to critique both political and religious leaders who exploited their positions for financial advantage. This usage naturally influenced its adoption in New Testament writings.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• One who is eager for dishonest gain
• A person motivated by shameful greed
• Someone who pursues profit through dishonorable means

αἰσχροκερδής Translation Options:

• “Greedy for dishonest gain” – Emphasizes the motivation behind the behavior
• “Fond of sordid gain” – Highlights the shameful nature of the profit-seeking
• “Money-grubbing” – Modern equivalent capturing the disapproving tone
• “Profiteering” – Focuses on the exploitative aspect of the behavior

Biblical Usage

αἰσχροκερδής appears exclusively in the context of leadership qualifications in the Pastoral Epistles. Its strategic placement in these passages emphasizes the critical importance of financial integrity in Christian leadership. The word serves as a stark warning against those who might view ministry as a means of personal enrichment.

The concept, while appearing in noun form (αἰσχροκέρδεια) in broader contexts, is specifically used as an adjective to describe potential leaders who must not possess this characteristic. This usage pattern reveals the early church’s concern for maintaining high ethical standards in leadership selection.

• “Not greedy for dishonest gain [αἰσχροκερδής]” – 1 Timothy 3:3
• “Not greedy for filthy lucre [αἰσχροκερδής]” – Titus 1:7
• “Not for filthy lucre [αἰσχροκερδῶς]” – 1 Peter 5:2

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, religious leadership often provided opportunities for financial exploitation. Temples served as banks, and religious officials frequently managed substantial resources. The term αἰσχροκερδής would have resonated particularly strongly with first-century readers familiar with corrupt temple practices where religious leaders enriched themselves through their positions.

The presence of this term in leadership qualifications reflects the early church’s determination to distinguish itself from contemporary religious institutions that often operated as profit-making enterprises. This commitment to financial integrity marked a significant departure from common religious practices of the time.

Theological Significance

The use of αἰσχροκερδής in Scripture reveals God’s heart for pure, selfless leadership within His church. Its inclusion in leadership qualifications demonstrates that financial integrity is not merely a practical consideration but a spiritual imperative. This connects to Jesus’s teachings about the impossibility of serving both God and money (Matthew 6:24).

This term stands in stark contrast to the character of Christ, who though He was rich, became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9). It emphasizes that genuine spiritual leadership must reflect the sacrificial nature of Christ’s ministry rather than worldly profit-seeking.

Personal Application

Examining αἰσχροκερδής challenges us to evaluate our motivations in service and leadership. While it specifically addresses church leadership, its principle applies to all believers: our relationship with money reveals much about our spiritual condition. This word calls us to examine whether we view ministry opportunities as platforms for service or as means for personal gain.

Related Words

• πλεονεξία (pleonexia) – greediness, avarice, covetousness – Emphasizes excessive desire for more See G4124
• φιλάργυρος (philarguros) – money-loving, avaricious – Focuses specifically on love of money See G5366
• αἰσχρός (aischros) – shameful, base – The root word emphasizing moral disgrace See G150
• κέρδος (kerdos) – gain, advantage – The neutral term for profit See G2771

Did you Know?

• The compound structure of αἰσχροκερδής (combining “shameful” with “gain”) was a linguistic innovation that precisely targeted a specific type of corruption in leadership, making it particularly effective in ecclesiastical contexts.
• Archaeological evidence from first-century temples reveals elaborate banking systems and profit-making schemes, providing concrete historical context for why this qualification was crucial for early church leaders.
• Modern Greek still uses derivatives of this term in financial ethics discussions, particularly in corporate governance contexts.

Remember This

αἰσχροκερδής stands as a powerful reminder that leadership in God’s kingdom measures wealth not by material gain but by spiritual impact and faithful service.