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 for wrong financial motives rather than from genuine spiritual conviction.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adverb
• Root Words: αἰσχρός (disgraceful) + κέρδος (gain)
• Language Origin: Compound Classical Greek word
• Primary Usage: Teaching and pastoral contexts
• Frequency: Hapax legomenon (appears only once in NT)

αἰσχροκερδῶς Morphology:

• αἰσχροκερδῶς (adverbial form) – for the sake of shameful gain
• αἰσχροκερδής (adjective form) – greedy for shameful gain
• αἰσχροκέρδεια (noun form) – shameful greed

Origin & History

The term αἰσχροκερδῶς emerges from classical Greek economic and ethical discourse. In Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics,” he discusses the concept of αἰσχροκέρδεια (aischrokerdeia) when examining various forms of injustice and unethical profit-seeking behavior.

The compound structure reflects Greek society’s strong cultural aversion to gaining wealth through dishonorable means. Ancient Greek writers like Xenophon used related terms to criticize those who pursued profit at the expense of honor and civic virtue.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Serving with motives of financial gain rather than spiritual calling
• Acting in leadership for personal profit instead of community benefit
• Pursuing ministry opportunities for shameful material advantage

αἰσχροκερδῶς Translation Options:

• “For shameful gain” – Emphasizes the dishonorable nature of the profit motive
• “From fondness for dishonest gain” – Highlights the emotional attachment to improper profit
• “Out of greed for money” – Simplifies the concept for modern readers while maintaining core meaning
• “For sordid profit” – Captures both the financial and moral dimensions

Biblical Usage

The term appears in 1 Peter 5:2 within a crucial passage addressing church elder conduct. Peter explicitly contrasts proper and improper motivations for pastoral ministry, warning against serving αἰσχροκερδῶς (for shameful gain) rather than προθύμως (eagerly/willingly).

This usage connects to broader New Testament teachings about financial integrity in ministry leadership, as seen in similar warnings in Titus 1:7 and 1 Timothy 3:3.

• “shepherd the flock of God… not for shameful gain [αἰσχροκερδῶς]” 1 Peter 5:2

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Mediterranean world, religious leadership roles often provided opportunities for financial exploitation. Traveling teachers and religious figures commonly received financial support from their followers, creating potential for abuse. The term αἰσχροκερδῶς specifically addressed this cultural context where some religious leaders viewed ministry as a means to wealth rather than service.

The presence of this warning in 1 Peter suggests that financial exploitation by religious leaders was a recognized problem in early Christian communities, much as it had been in broader Greco-Roman religious practice.

Theological Significance

The use of αἰσχροκερδῶς in pastoral instruction reveals God’s concern for pure motives in spiritual leadership. It reflects the biblical principle that ministry leadership should mirror Christ’s servant heart rather than worldly ambition.

This word powerfully contrasts with Jesus’ teaching about true shepherding in John 10:11-13, where He distinguishes between the hireling who serves for payment and the true shepherd who serves out of love. The prohibition against αἰσχροκερδῶς ministry aligns with Christ’s warning that we cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24).

Personal Application

Modern believers, especially those in ministry leadership, must regularly examine their motivations for service. The warning against αἰσχροκερδῶς remains relevant in today’s context where ministry can become professionalized and commercialized.

This word challenges us to serve with pure motives, seeking first God’s kingdom rather than personal gain. It calls us to cultivate contentment and trust in God’s provision rather than viewing ministry as a means to financial advancement.

Related Words

• φιλάργυρος (philarguros) – lover of money, covetous – Highlights the emotional attachment to wealth rather than the shameful methods of acquiring it. See G5366
• πλεονεξία (pleonexia) – greediness, covetousness – Emphasizes the desire for more rather than the shameful nature of the gain. See G4124
• κέρδος (kerdos) – gain, advantage – The neutral term for profit without moral connotation. See G2771
• αἰσχρός (aischros) – shameful, base – The moral component of the compound word. See G150

Did you Know?

• The word αἰσχροκερδῶς appears only once in the entire New Testament, making it a hapax legomenon, yet its principle appears throughout Scripture’s teachings on leadership integrity.
• Ancient Greek banking documents use related terms to describe unethical financial practices, suggesting this word had specific connotations in financial contexts beyond just religious leadership.
• The compound structure of αἰσχροκερδῶς was particularly powerful in Greek culture where the pursuit of honor (τιμή) was paramount, making “shameful gain” a particularly striking contradiction.

Remember This

αἰσχροκερδῶς stands as a divine warning beacon against the corruption of sacred ministry through mercenary motives, calling leaders to serve with pure hearts focused on eternal rather than temporal gain.