Brief Overview of πωλέω (Strong’s G4453: pōleō)
Strong’s G4453: A verb meaning “to sell” or “to exchange for money.” In New Testament usage, appears in both literal commercial contexts and metaphorical teachings about values and priorities. Significant in passages about stewardship, sacrifice, and spiritual priorities versus material wealth.
U- Unveiling the Word
πωλέω represents the basic commercial activity of selling or exchanging goods for money. In New Testament usage, it appears in contexts ranging from everyday commerce to Jesus’s teachings about spiritual priorities. The word gains particular significance in passages addressing the relationship between material and spiritual wealth, such as Jesus’s instruction to the rich young ruler to sell all he has. Early church fathers used this term to discuss proper stewardship and detachment from worldly possessions. Today, this word continues to challenge believers about their relationship with material wealth and their commitment to Kingdom values.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: πωλέω, pōleō, /poˈleo/
- Pronunciation Guide: “po-LEH-oh” (stress on second syllable)
- Part of Speech: Verb
Etymology:
- Root: πωλ- (pōl-) ancient Greek root meaning “to sell”
- Suffix: -έω (-eō) – common verb ending
- Related to Indo-European roots for exchange and trade
D – Defining Meanings
- To sell
- To exchange for money
- To trade
- To put up for sale
Translation Options:
- To sell – Most direct and common translation
- To exchange – Emphasizes transaction aspect
- To trade – Highlights commercial context
E – Exploring Similar Words
- ἀγοράζω (agorazō) /agoˈrazo/ – to buy – See G59
- πιπράσκω (pipraskō) /piˈprasko/ – to sell (with emphasis on completion) – See G4097
- ἐμπορεύομαι (emporeuomai) /empoˈreuomai/ – to trade, do business – See G1710
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Morphological Features (Verb):
- Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
- Voice: Active, Passive
- Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
- Person: First, Second, Third
- Number: Singular, Plural
- Aspect: Continuous (present), Punctiliar (aorist)
Examples:
- Present Active: πωλῶ (I sell)
- Aorist: ἐπώλησα (I sold)
- Future: πωλήσω (I will sell)
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Thayer’s notes its common commercial usage. LSJ provides examples from business documents. Vine’s highlights its spiritual applications. Strong’s connects it to marketplace terminology. LEH traces its usage in Septuagint commercial law. Moulton and Milligan show its frequent appearance in business papyri.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First Appearance:
“Are not two sparrows [πωλεῖται] sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.” Matthew 10:29
Additional References:
Matthew 19:21, Matthew 21:12, Mark 10:21, Luke 12:6, Luke 18:22, John 2:14, Acts 4:34
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Herodotus: Histories | “The merchants [πωλέουσι] sold their goods in the marketplace” |
| Xenophon: Economics | “He knew how to [πωλεῖν] sell at the best price” |
| Plato: Republic | “The craftsmen [πωλοῦντες] sold their wares to the citizens” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
πωλέω reminds us that our relationship with material possessions reveals our spiritual priorities. Through Jesus’s teachings using this word, we learn about God’s care (even sparrows being sold) and the challenge of wealth (selling all to follow Him). It proclaims the good news by showing that true treasure is found in following Christ, even if it means letting go of earthly possessions.
D – Did You Know?
- The word appears in ancient Greek business contracts dating back to the 5th century BC.
- Early Christians used this term when discussing the proper use of wealth in community life.
- The Temple merchants whom Jesus confronted were described with this word, highlighting the commercialization of worship.
Strong’s G4453: A primary verb meaning to sell or exchange for money. Used in both literal commercial contexts and metaphorical teachings about spiritual priorities. Significant in discussions of stewardship and the relationship between material and spiritual wealth.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: sell, trade, commerce, marketplace, wealth, possessions, stewardship, money, exchange, business, material goods, spiritual priorities
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations independently. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
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