Brief Overview of πορισμός (Strong’s G4200: porismos)

Strong’s G4200: A noun meaning “a means of gain” or “source of profit,” derived from porizō (to provide, furnish). In New Testament usage, specifically addresses material gain and appears in Paul’s warnings about false teachers who view godliness as a means of financial profit.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πορισμός represents the concept of acquiring gain or profit, particularly in material terms. In the New Testament, it appears in Paul’s first letter to Timothy, where he warns against those who view religion as a means of financial advancement. The word carries strong connotations of materialism and self-interest. Early church fathers used this term when discussing proper attitudes toward wealth and warning against mercenary approaches to ministry. Today, it remains relevant in discussions about prosperity theology and the proper relationship between faith and finances.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πορισμός, porismos, por-is-MOS
• Detailed pronunciation: pohr-iss-MOSS (stress on final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πορίζω (porizō) – to provide, furnish
• -μός (-mos) – nominal suffix indicating result or process
• Indicates the result or means of providing/acquiring

D – Defining Meanings

• Means of gain
• Source of profit
• Way of acquiring wealth

Translation Options:

• “Source of gain” – emphasizes origin of profit
• “Means of profit” – focuses on method
• “Way of acquiring wealth” – broader application

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κέρδος (kerdos, KER-dos) – gain, advantage – See G2771
• πλεονεξία (pleonexia, pleh-on-ex-EE-ah) – greed – See G4124
• αἰσχροκερδής (aischrokerdēs, ais-khro-ker-DACE) – greedy of gain – See G146

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Masculine
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 2nd declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative Singular: πορισμός
• Genitive Singular: πορισμοῦ
• Dative Singular: πορισμῷ
• Accusative Singular: πορισμόν

Cross-references:

• Related verb: πορίζω (to provide)
• Related adjective: πόριμος (profitable)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to material gain. Thayer’s notes its use in warning contexts. LSJ documents commercial usage in classical Greek. Vine’s highlights its negative connotations in NT context. Strong’s connects it to means of wealth acquisition. LEH notes similar usage in contemporary Hellenistic literature. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from business documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Timothy 6:5: “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain [πορισμός] is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”

Additional References:
1 Timothy 6:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πορισμός challenges us to examine our motives in spiritual matters. Paul’s use of this term warns against viewing godliness as a means to material wealth, reminding us that true gain lies in contentment and faithfulness to Christ. It proclaims that the gospel’s value transcends material prosperity, pointing to eternal riches in Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was commonly used in ancient business contracts and financial documents.
2. Early church leaders used this term when discussing proper clergy compensation.
3. It influenced development of Christian teaching on wealth and ministry.

Strong’s G4200: A noun meaning “a means of gain” or “source of profit,” derived from porizō (to provide, furnish). In New Testament usage, specifically addresses material gain and appears in Paul’s warnings about false teachers who view godliness as a means of financial profit.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: gain, profit, wealth, materialism, false teaching, Timothy, Paul’s epistles, contentment, pastoral ministry, money​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​