Brief Overview of πλουτέω (Strong’s G4147: plouteō)

Strong’s G4147: A verb meaning “to be rich” or “to become wealthy,” from πλοῦτος (wealth). In ancient Greek, it described material prosperity. In New Testament usage, it appears in both literal contexts and metaphorically to describe spiritual wealth and God’s provision.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλουτέω represents both material and spiritual enrichment. In its first appearance in Mary’s Magnificat, it carries implications about God’s reversal of worldly fortune. Throughout the New Testament, it transitions between warning about the dangers of pursuing material wealth and celebrating true spiritual riches in Christ. Early church fathers emphasized this dual nature, particularly contrasting worldly and spiritual wealth. Today, it challenges believers to pursue true riches in Christ rather than material abundance.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλουτέω, plouteō, /ploo-TEH-oh/
• Detailed pronunciation: ploo-TEH-oh (emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

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

D – Defining Meanings

• To be rich
• To become wealthy
• To abound in resources

For compound words: Not a compound word, but forms basis for compounds

Translation Options:

• To be rich – Static state
• To become wealthy – Process
• To abound – Broader application

E – Exploring Similar Words

• περισσεύω (perisseuō) /per-is-SYOO-oh/ – to abound, overflow
  See G4052
• εὐπορέω (euporeō) /yoo-por-EH-oh/ – to prosper
  See G2141

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: πλουτέω (I am rich)
Future: πλουτήσω (I will be rich)
Aorist: ἐπλούτησα (I became rich)
Perfect: πεπλούτηκα (I have become rich)

• Cross-references to adjective πλούσιος and noun πλοῦτος

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both material and spiritual applications. Thayer’s notes its development from material to spiritual wealth. LSJ documents extensive secular usage. Vine’s highlights its theological significance. Strong’s connects it to abundance concepts. LEH provides Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from financial documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.” Luke 1:53

Additional References:
Romans 10:12, 1 Corinthians 4:8, 2 Corinthians 8:9, 1 Timothy 6:9, Revelation 3:17

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλουτέω challenges our understanding of true wealth. While the world seeks material riches, Christ became poor that we might become truly rich in Him. This word reminds us that genuine wealth lies not in earthly abundance but in the spiritual riches of knowing Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. The verb appears in ancient banking documents about wealth accumulation.
2. Early Christian writers used it to describe martyrs as spiritually wealthy.
3. It influenced medieval discussions about voluntary poverty.

Strong’s G4147: A verb expressing the state or process of becoming rich, used both literally and metaphorically in the New Testament. Particularly significant in contrasting worldly wealth with true spiritual riches in Christ.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: wealth, riches, prosperity, spiritual wealth, Jesus’s teachings, Luke, Paul’s epistles, biblical Greek, materialism, spiritual riches, divine provision, abundance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​