Brief Overview of πλεονέκτης (Strong’s G4123: pleonektēs)

Strong’s G4123: A compound noun describing a person who greedily desires more than their share, a covetous person, or one who defrauds others for gain. In ancient Greek culture, it described exploitative individuals. In New Testament usage, it appears in lists of serious sins incompatible with kingdom inheritance.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλεονέκτης embodies more than simple greed—it describes someone whose desire for more leads them to exploit others. In the New Testament, Paul lists this characteristic among serious sins that exclude one from God’s kingdom, placing it alongside idolatry and sexual immorality. The early church recognized πλεονέκτης as particularly dangerous because it represented not just personal vice but active harm to the community. Today, this term challenges us to examine our attitudes toward wealth and success, particularly how our pursuit of these might impact others.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλεονέκτης, pleonektēs, /pleh-on-EK-tace/
• Detailed pronunciation: pleh-on-EK-tace (emphasis on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• First component: πλέον (pleon) meaning “more”
• Second component: ἔχω (echō) meaning “to have”
• Suffix: -της (-tēs) indicating the agent
• Combined meaning: “one who has more through taking from others”

D – Defining Meanings

• Covetous person
• Exploiter
• Greedy defrauder

For compound words: πλεονέκτης combines πλέον (more) and ἔχω (to have) with the agent suffix -της, literally meaning “one who takes more than their share”

Translation Options:

• Exploiter – Emphasizes the active harm to others
• Covetous person – Highlights the internal disposition
• Defrauder – Focuses on the dishonest means of gain

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἅρπαξ (harpax) /HAR-paks/ – swindler or robber, emphasizes violent taking
  See G727
• φιλάργυρος (philargyros) /fil-AR-gee-ros/ – lover of money
  See G5366

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: First

Examples of forms:
Nominative: πλεονέκτης
Genitive: πλεονέκτου
Dative: πλεονέκτῃ
Accusative: πλεονέκτην

• Cross-references to verb πλεονεκτέω and adjective πλεονεκτικός

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to active exploitation. Thayer’s notes its use in vice lists. LSJ documents its frequent appearance in legal contexts. Vine’s highlights its connection to idolatry. Strong’s connects it to greedy acquisition. LEH provides Septuagint usage describing oppressors. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from business disputes.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“not at all meaning the sexually immoral people of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.” 1 Corinthians 5:10

Additional References:
1 Corinthians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 6:10, Ephesians 5:5

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλεονέκτης serves as a powerful warning against letting greed corrupt our relationships and community. The gospel transforms our hearts from grasping for more to finding contentment in Christ and caring for others. Jesus’s self-giving love stands in stark contrast to the exploitative nature of the πλεονέκτης, showing us a better way of living in God’s kingdom.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient Greek courts had special procedures for prosecuting πλεονέκται (plural).
2. Early church fathers saw this sin as particularly dangerous because it harmed both perpetrator and victim.
3. The term influenced medieval economic theory regarding just prices and fair trade.

Strong’s G4123: A compound noun describing one who greedily desires and takes more than their share, often through exploitation. In New Testament usage, it represents a serious sin that Paul lists among behaviors incompatible with inheriting God’s kingdom.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: greed, exploitation, covetousness, vice lists, Paul’s epistles, Corinthians, kingdom inheritance, biblical Greek, business ethics, Christian conduct, community life, idolatry​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​