Brief Overview of πλεονεξία (Strong’s G4124: pleonexia)

Strong’s G4124: A compound noun meaning greediness, covetousness, or the desire to have more. From πλέον (more) and ἔχω (to have). In ancient Greek culture, it represented destructive avarice. In New Testament usage, it’s identified as a root sin that Jesus and the apostles strongly condemned.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλεονεξία represents more than simple desire for wealth—it embodies an insatiable craving for more that corrupts both individual and community. In the New Testament, it appears in Jesus’s list of internal corruptions that defile a person and in Paul’s warnings about sins that characterize the old life. The early church saw πλεονεξία as particularly dangerous because it often masquerades as ambition or prudence while actually representing a form of idolatry. Today, this word powerfully challenges our materialistic culture and calls for contentment in Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλεονεξία, pleonexia, /pleh-on-ex-EE-ah/
• Detailed pronunciation: pleh-on-ex-EE-ah (emphasis on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• First component: πλέον (pleon) meaning “more”
• Second component: ἔχω (echō) meaning “to have”
• Suffix: -ία (-ia) forming abstract noun
• Combined meaning: “the state of desiring to have more”

D – Defining Meanings

• Greediness
• Covetousness
• Insatiable desire

For compound words: πλεονεξία combines the concept of “more” (πλέον) with “having” (ἔχω), with the abstract noun ending -ία indicating the state or condition

Translation Options:

• Greed – Emphasizes the internal disposition
• Covetousness – Highlights the desire for others’ possessions
• Avarice – Captures the excessive nature of the desire

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φιλαργυρία (philargyria) /fil-ar-goo-REE-ah/ – love of money specifically
  See G5365
• ἐπιθυμία (epithymia) /ep-ee-thoo-MEE-ah/ – strong desire or lust
  See G1939

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

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

Examples:
Nominative: πλεονεξία
Genitive: πλεονεξίας
Dative: πλεονεξίᾳ
Accusative: πλεονεξίαν

• Cross-references to verb πλεονεκτέω and noun πλεονέκτης

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to idolatry. Thayer’s notes its broader meaning beyond financial greed. LSJ documents its use in political and economic contexts. Vine’s highlights its representation of desire for material gain. Strong’s connects it to covetousness. LEH provides Septuagint usage describing oppressive behavior. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from business documents showing its negative connotations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.” Mark 7:22

Additional References:
Luke 12:15, Romans 1:29, 2 Corinthians 9:5, Ephesians 4:19, Ephesians 5:3, Colossians 3:5

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλεονεξία reveals the destructive nature of unchecked desire for more. The gospel offers freedom from this insatiable craving through finding our satisfaction in Christ. Jesus’s teaching about storing up treasures in heaven provides the antidote to πλεονεξία, showing us that true wealth lies in knowing and serving God.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient Greek philosophers considered πλεονεξία the primary cause of social decay.
2. Early Christian monasticism developed partly as a radical rejection of πλεονεξία.
3. The term influenced modern economic discussions about ethical wealth accumulation.

Strong’s G4124: A compound noun denoting insatiable desire for more, particularly material gain. In New Testament usage, it represents a serious sin often equated with idolatry, demonstrating how unchecked greed replaces God as the object of trust and devotion.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: greed, covetousness, idolatry, materialism, vice lists, Jesus’s teachings, Paul’s epistles, biblical Greek, moral corruption, heart issues, contentment, wealth​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​