Brief Overview of αἰσχροκερδής (Strong’s G146:)

The Greek word αἰσχροκερδής (aischrokerdēs) means “greedy for base gain” or “covetous.” It describes a person who is motivated by sordid or dishonorable gain, often with a connotation of excessive or unscrupulous desire for wealth or material advantage.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G146 αἰσχροκερδής (aischrokerdēs): Strong’s defines this term as “greedy for base gain” or “covetous.” The word combines “αἰσχρός” (aischrós), meaning “base” or “dishonorable,” with “κέρδος” (kérdos), meaning “gain” or “profit.” It is used to describe individuals who are driven by greedy or dishonorable motivations, particularly in the context of seeking unjust or unethical profit (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 2:5; Titus 1:7).

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, αἰσχροκερδής means “greedy for base gain” or “covetous.” Thayer’s explains that the term describes someone who is excessively eager for dishonest or shameful gain. It characterizes a type of greed that is driven by unethical desires or motives, particularly in financial or material contexts (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 2:5; Titus 1:7). Thayer’s emphasizes the negative moral implication of the term.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• BDB provides a definition of αἰσχροκερδής as “greedy for base gain” or “covetous.” The lexicon highlights its use in describing people who pursue unethical or dishonorable profit, focusing on the negative aspect of such greed (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 2:5). BDB underscores the term’s implication of a morally reprehensible desire for gain.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon defines αἰσχροκερδής as “greedy for base gain” or “covetous.” It notes that the term refers to individuals driven by a desire for dishonorable or shameful profit. This definition aligns with the usage in New Testament passages to describe unethical greed (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 2:5; Titus 1:7). LSJ highlights the term’s connotation of morally dubious or unethical pursuit of gain.

In summary, αἰσχροκερδής describes a person who is greedily motivated by dishonorable or base gain, with a focus on unethical or covetous desires for wealth or profit, as reflected in New Testament usage.