Divine Investment: τραπεζίτης (Strong’s G5133: trapezites) Reveals Kingdom Growth

Strong’s G5133: A masculine noun referring to a money-changer or banker in ancient times, trapezites derives from trapeza (table). In the New Testament, it appears in the Messiah’s parable about stewardship, highlighting responsible management of divine resources.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τραπεζίτης (trapezites) specifically refers to someone who conducted financial transactions at a table in the marketplace. These professionals were essential to ancient commerce, exchanging currencies, testing coins for authenticity, and handling deposits. In the New Testament, Jesus uses this familiar occupation in His parable of the talents to illustrate spiritual stewardship and responsibility. The early church fathers often used τραπεζίτης metaphorically when discussing the testing of spiritual truth and the proper management of God’s gifts. Today, this word continues to teach believers about faithful stewardship and spiritual discernment.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τραπεζίτης, trapezites, trah-peh-ZEE-tace
• Detailed pronunciation: τρα (trah) + πε (peh) + ζί (ZEE) + της (tace)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: τράπεζα (trapeza) meaning “table”
• Suffix: -ίτης (-ites) indicating occupation or association
• Combined meaning: “one who works at a table”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “money-changer”
• Banker or financial agent
• Currency exchanger
• Deposit taker

For compound words: The word combines trapeza (table) with the occupational suffix -ites to designate someone who works at a table professionally

Translation Options:

1. “banker” – Modern equivalent of the role
2. “money-changer” – More literal historical translation
3. “financial agent” – Broader functional translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

κερματιστής (kermatistes) [ker-mah-tee-STACE] – small money dealer – See G2773
κολλυβιστής (kollubistes) [kol-loo-bee-STACE] – coin dealer – See G2855
δανειστής (daneistes) [dah-nay-ee-STACE] – moneylender – See G1157

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: First declension

Greek nouns change form based on their function:

• Nominative: τραπεζίτης (subject)
• Genitive: τραπεζίτου (possession)
• Dative: τραπεζίτῃ (indirect object)
• Accusative: τραπεζίτην (direct object)
• Plural forms add appropriate endings

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Examining τραπεζίτης across major lexicons reveals its significant role in ancient society. BDAG emphasizes its primary meaning as a banker or money-changer who operated from a table in public places. Thayer’s lexicon highlights its development from the word for table (trapeza) to designate financial professionals. LSJ provides extensive documentation of its use in classical Greek business contexts. Vine’s expands on its significance in the parable of the talents. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its frequent appearance in business documents and contracts, indicating its importance in daily commercial life.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers [τραπεζίταις], so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.” Matthew 25:27

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of τραπεζίτης in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τραπεζίτης serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual stewardship in the kingdom of God. Though appearing only once in the New Testament, its use in the parable of the talents teaches crucial lessons about responsibility and faithful management of divine resources. The word reminds us that God expects His people to be wise stewards of both material and spiritual gifts. Through τραπεζίτης, we see how the Messiah uses everyday business concepts to teach eternal truths about kingdom growth and faithful service.

D – Did You Know?

1. τραπεζίτης appears only once in the New Testament but frequently in ancient business documents
2. These professionals were known for their ability to detect counterfeit coins
3. Early church fathers used this term metaphorically for testing spiritual truth

Strong’s G5133: A masculine noun referring to a money-changer or banker in ancient times, trapezites derives from trapeza (table). In the New Testament, it appears in the Messiah’s parable about stewardship, highlighting responsible management of divine resources.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: banker, money-changer, stewardship, financial agent, marketplace, parables, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, commerce, talents, investment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​