Brief Overview of πλουτίζω (Strong’s G4148: ploutizō)

Strong’s G4148: A causative verb meaning “to make rich” or “to enrich,” from πλοῦτος (wealth). In ancient Greek, it described the act of bestowing wealth. In New Testament usage, it primarily describes God’s action of spiritually enriching believers through Christ.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλουτίζω represents active enrichment or bestowal of wealth, particularly in spiritual contexts. In the New Testament, Paul uses it to describe God’s action of enriching believers with spiritual gifts and knowledge in Christ. This causative form emphasizes God as the source of enrichment. Early church fathers employed this term to discuss divine grace and spiritual abundance. Today, it reminds us that all spiritual enrichment comes from God’s gracious action.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλουτίζω, ploutizō, /ploo-TID-zo/
• Detailed pronunciation: ploo-TID-zo (emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: πλουτ- (plout-) meaning “wealth”
• Suffix: -ίζω (-izō) causative verb ending
• Related to πλοῦτος (ploutos), “wealth”

D – Defining Meanings

• To make rich
• To enrich
• To bestow abundance

For compound words: Not a compound word, but contains causative suffix

Translation Options:

• To enrich – Best captures causative nature
• To make wealthy – Emphasizes process
• To bestow riches – Highlights giving aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πλήθω (plēthō) /PLAY-tho/ – to fill, make full
  See G4130
• αὐξάνω (auxanō) /ow-KSAN-oh/ – to increase, grow
  See G837

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: πλουτίζω (I enrich)
Future: πλουτίσω (I will enrich)
Aorist: ἐπλούτισα (I enriched)
Perfect: πεπλούτικα (I have enriched)

• Cross-references to noun πλοῦτος and verb πλουτέω

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its spiritual applications. Thayer’s notes its causative force. LSJ documents secular usage patterns. Vine’s highlights its theological significance. Strong’s connects it to divine enrichment. LEH provides Septuagint context. Moulton and Milligan cite examples of benefaction.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge” 1 Corinthians 1:5

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 6:10, 2 Corinthians 9:11

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλουτίζω powerfully expresses God’s gracious action in enriching His people through Christ. While the world seeks material enrichment, God enriches us with spiritual gifts, knowledge, and grace. This reminds us that true wealth comes from God’s generous giving in Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. The causative form emphasizes divine initiative in spiritual enrichment.
2. Early Christian writers used it to describe martyrs enriching the church through their testimony.
3. The term influenced ecclesiastical language about divine grace.

Strong’s G4148: A causative verb expressing the act of making rich or enriching, particularly used in New Testament contexts of God’s spiritual enrichment of believers through Christ. Emphasizes divine initiative in bestowing spiritual wealth.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: enrichment, spiritual gifts, divine grace, Paul’s epistles, Corinthians, biblical Greek, spiritual wealth, divine provision, causative verbs, spiritual abundance, God’s initiative, blessing​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​