Biblical Stewardship: τόκος (Strong’s G5110: tokos) Reveals Kingdom Investment Wisdom

Strong’s G5110: From the root τίκτω (to bring forth/bear), τόκος refers to interest or usury on money. In biblical context, it appears in the Messiah’s parable of talents, emphasizing proper stewardship of resources and spiritual investment in God’s kingdom work.

U – Unveiling the Word

τόκος carries significant meaning both in its literal and theological contexts. Primarily denoting interest or gain from money lending, it originates from the concept of offspring or produce – what money “brings forth.” In the New Testament, its usage in Matthew 25:27 within the Parable of the Talents connects financial stewardship with spiritual responsibility. The early church understood τόκος as a metaphor for spiritual multiplication and faithful stewardship. While ancient practices of usury often exploited the poor, the Messiah repurposed this term to teach about kingdom growth and responsible management of God’s gifts. Today, it reminds believers that all resources should be invested for His kingdom’s advancement.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τόκος, tokos, /ˈto.kos/
• Detailed Pronunciation: TOH-kohs (where ‘o’ is like in “go” and ‘s’ is voiced)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Derived from τίκτω (tiktō) meaning “to bring forth, bear”
• Root word: τεκ- (tek-) meaning “to produce”
• Suffix: -ος (-os) forming masculine nouns

D – Defining Meanings

• Interest on money
• Usury or gain from lending
• Product or offspring (metaphorically)

For compound words: Not applicable as τόκος is a simple noun

Translation Options:

• “interest” – most precise modern equivalent
• “usury” – when emphasizing excessive interest
• “gain” – when focusing on the produce aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κέρδος (kerdos) /ˈker.dos/ – refers to gain or profit in general See G2771
• τέκνον (teknon) /ˈtek.non/ – child, from same root meaning offspring See G5043
• πλεονεξία (pleonexia) /ple.o.nek.ˈsi.a/ – greed or covetousness See G4124

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative/Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

The word follows standard second declension patterns:

• Nominative: τόκος (tokos)
• Genitive: τόκου (tokou)
• Dative: τόκῳ (tokō)
• Accusative: τόκον (tokon)

Cross-references: Related verb τίκτω (tiktō) meaning “to bring forth”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide comprehensive insight into τόκος. BDAG emphasizes its connection to biological reproduction, noting its metaphorical extension to financial gain. Thayer’s traces its development from “birth” to “interest.” LSJ documents extensive classical usage in financial contexts. Vine’s notes the word’s relationship to τίκτω and its metaphorical application in the Messiah’s teachings. Strong’s connects it to the concept of produce or offspring. Moulton and Milligan cite numerous papyri showing its common use in financial documents. LEH notes its frequent occurrence in the Septuagint regarding usury laws.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.” Matthew 25:27

Additional References:
Luke 19:23

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τόκος embodies a profound spiritual principle within the Messiah’s teaching. While ancient Greek culture viewed it primarily in financial terms, Jesus transformed its meaning to illustrate kingdom principles of multiplication and faithful stewardship. This word reveals that God expects His people to be productive with His gifts, multiplying them for His glory. The good news is that when we faithfully steward what God has given us, He multiplies our impact for His kingdom. Just as money produces interest, our faithful service produces spiritual fruit.

D – Did You Know?

• The word τόκος shares its root with the medical term “tokology” (the study of childbirth)
• Ancient Greek law had strict regulations about τόκος rates to prevent exploitation
• The term appears over 50 times in the Septuagint, often in passages about ethical lending practices

Strong’s G5110: A noun derived from τίκτω (to bring forth), referring to interest or gain from money lending. In biblical usage, particularly in the Messiah’s parables, it illustrates spiritual principles of multiplication and faithful stewardship in God’s kingdom.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: interest, money, stewardship, parables, talents, banking, finance, multiplication, kingdom-principles, investment, usury, gain​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​