Brief Overview of πλεονεκτέω (Strong’s G4122: pleonekteō)
Strong’s G4122: A compound verb meaning to take advantage of, defraud, or gain at another’s expense. From πλέον (more) and ἔχω (to have). In ancient Greek culture, it described exploitative business practices. In New Testament usage, it warns against both financial and spiritual exploitation.
U- Unveiling the Word
πλεονεκτέω represents more than simple greed—it embodies the active exploitation of others for personal gain. In the New Testament, Paul uses this term to warn against both financial exploitation among believers and Satan’s attempts to take advantage of spiritual vulnerabilities. The early church recognized it as describing not just economic abuse but any form of taking advantage of others, including spiritual manipulation. Today, it continues to challenge believers about ethical conduct in business, relationships, and ministry.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: πλεονεκτέω, pleonekteō, /pleh-on-ek-TEH-oh/
- Detailed pronunciation: pleh-on-ek-TEH-oh (emphasis on third syllable)
- Part of Speech: Verb
Etymology:
- Prefix: πλεον- (pleon-) meaning “more”
- Root: ἔχω (echō) meaning “to have”
- Combined meaning: “to have more through taking from others”
D – Defining Meanings
- To take advantage of
- To defraud
- To exploit for gain
For compound words: Combines πλέον (more) with ἔχω (to have), creating the concept of gaining more by taking from others through unfair means
Translation Options:
- To take advantage of – Best captures the manipulative aspect
- To defraud – Emphasizes the financial aspect
- To exploit – Highlights the abuse of power or position
E – Exploring Similar Words
- ἀδικέω (adikeō) /ah-dee-KEH-oh/ – to wrong or injure
See G91 - ἀποστερέω (apostereō) /ap-os-ter-EH-oh/ – to deprive or rob
See G650
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Verb Features:
- Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
- Voice: Active, Passive
- Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
- Person: First, Second, Third
- Number: Singular, Plural
Examples:
Present: πλεονεκτέω (I take advantage)
Future: πλεονεκτήσω (I will take advantage)
Aorist: ἐπλεονέκτησα (I took advantage)
Perfect: πεπλεονέκτηκα (I have taken advantage)
- Cross-references to noun πλεονέκτης and adjective πλεονεκτικός
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of exploitation. Thayer’s notes its development from financial to broader contexts. LSJ documents extensive usage in business contexts. Vine’s highlights its spiritual applications. Strong’s connects it to greedy acquisition. LEH provides Septuagint usage in economic contexts. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from business documents showing fraudulent practices.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” 2 Corinthians 2:11
Additional References:
2 Corinthians 7:2, 2 Corinthians 12:17, 1 Thessalonians 4:6
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Thucydides: History | “The stronger cities took advantage of their weaker neighbors” |
| Xenophon: Cyropaedia | “The merchants defrauded their customers through false weights” |
| Isocrates: Against Callimachus | “He exploited the confusion of war to seize others’ property” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
πλεονεκτέω reminds us that exploitation has no place in God’s kingdom. While the world often operates on principles of taking advantage, Christ’s way is self-giving love. The gospel transforms our relationships from exploitation to edification, calling us to protect rather than take advantage of others’ vulnerabilities.
D – Did You Know?
- Ancient Greek courts had special procedures for cases involving this type of exploitation.
- Early Christian communities developed specific protocols to prevent financial πλεονεκτέω.
- The term influenced medieval church law regarding usury and fair trade.
Strong’s G4122: A compound verb describing the act of taking advantage or exploiting others for personal gain. In New Testament usage, it warns against both financial and spiritual exploitation, emphasizing the incompatibility of such behavior with Christian ethics.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: exploitation, fraud, advantage-taking, business ethics, Paul’s epistles, Corinthians, Satan’s schemes, biblical Greek, financial ethics, spiritual warfare, Christian conduct, manipulation
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
