### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb αἰσχροκερδῶς (aischrokerdōs, `{{G147}}`) denotes an action performed "sordidly" or "for shameful gain." It is derived from the adjective αἰσχροκερδής (aischrokerdēs, `{{G146}}`), which itself is a compound of αἰσχρός (aischros, `{{G150}}`), meaning "shameful," "base," or "morally ugly," and κέρδος (kerdos, `{{G2771}}`), meaning "gain" or "profit." Thus, αἰσχροκερδῶς precisely describes a manner of acting that is motivated by an eagerness for profit, but one that is morally reprehensible, dishonorable, or base. It signifies a pursuit of financial advantage that compromises ethical integrity and brings disrepute. The underlying sense is that the gain sought is "filthy" because the means or the motive for acquiring it are corrupt.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The adverb αἰσχροκερδῶς (aischrokerdōs, `{{G147}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the pastoral instruction given to church elders:
* **[[1 Peter 5:2]]**: "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, not for shameful gain (αἰσχροκερδῶς) but eagerly."
In this singular occurrence, the apostle Peter exhorts those who shepherd God's flock—the elders or overseers—regarding the proper motivation for their ministry. The instruction is delivered as a series of contrasts:
1. Not under compulsion (ἀναγκαστῶς, anankastōs) but willingly (ἑκουσίως, hekousiōs).
2. Not for shameful gain (αἰσχροκερδῶς) but eagerly (προθύμως, prothymōs, `{{G4290}}`).
The phrase "not for shameful gain" directly warns against the temptation for spiritual leaders to use their position within the church as a means of personal financial enrichment or illicit profit. The gain would be "shameful" because it would involve exploiting the trust placed in them, compromising the sacred nature of their calling, and potentially burdening or manipulating the flock for selfish ends. It stands in stark opposition to "eagerly," which implies a genuine, selfless, and zealous desire to serve God and His people for the right motives. The context emphasizes the purity of motive required for those entrusted with the care of God's people, distinguishing true pastoral care from mercenary leadership.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of αἰσχροκερδῶς (aischrokerdōs, `{{G147}}`) is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **αἰσχροκερδής (aischrokerdēs, `{{G146}}`)**: This is the adjectival form, meaning "greedy for base gain" or "covetous." It is used in [[1 Timothy 3:3]] and [[Titus 1:7]] to describe a characteristic that an overseer (bishop) must *not* possess. The consistent prohibition against this quality for church leaders underscores the gravity of the vice.
* **αἰσχρός (aischros, `{{G150}}`)**: The root word meaning "shameful," "base," or "disgraceful." It highlights the moral repugnance associated with the "gain" in question.
* **κέρδος (kerdos, `{{G2771}}`)**: The word for "gain" or "profit." While gain itself is not inherently evil, the combination with αἰσχρός signifies a perversion of legitimate gain.
* **πλεονεξία (pleonexia, `{{G4124}}`)**: "Covetousness" or "greed," an insatiable desire for more. This is the underlying sinful disposition that manifests in actions described by αἰσχροκερδῶς. It is often equated with idolatry in the New Testament ([[Colossians 3:5]]).
* **φιλαργυρία (philargyria, `{{G5365}}`)**: "Love of money." This is identified as the "root of all evil" in [[1 Timothy 6:10]], leading to many destructive desires and practices. αἰσχροκερδῶς is an outward expression of this inward love of money.
* **προθύμως (prothymōs, `{{G4290}}`)**: The antonym presented in [[1 Peter 5:2]], meaning "eagerly" or "willingly." It represents the positive, selfless motivation desired in ministry.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of a profound biblical concern regarding the corrupting influence of greed, particularly within the context of spiritual leadership.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of αἰσχροκερδῶς (aischrokerdōs, `{{G147}}`) carries profound theological weight, primarily in its application to the character and conduct of spiritual leaders.
1. **Integrity of Ministry:** The prohibition against acting "for shameful gain" establishes a foundational principle for Christian ministry: it must be characterized by absolute integrity and purity of motive. The service of God and His people is a sacred trust, not a profession to be exploited for personal financial advantage. This aligns with the New Testament's consistent emphasis on leaders being above reproach ([[1 Timothy 3:2]]; [[Titus 1:6]]).
2. **Stewardship vs. Exploitation:** The command in [[1 Peter 5:2]] frames leadership as "shepherding the flock of God." This imagery evokes care, protection, and provision, mirroring Christ's own role as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep ([[John 10:11]]). Acting αἰσχροκερδῶς transforms this divine stewardship into a form of exploitation, where the shepherd preys on the flock rather than nourishing it.
3. **Nature of God's Kingdom:** The Kingdom of God operates on principles of selfless love, grace, and sacrifice, not on worldly economic models driven by profit. To serve for "shameful gain" fundamentally misrepresents the nature of God's redemptive work and the values of His Kingdom. It suggests a transactional view of ministry rather than a relational one rooted in divine love.
4. **Warning Against Idolatry:** Greed, the underlying vice behind αἰσχροκερδῶς, is consistently condemned in Scripture as idolatry ([[Colossians 3:5]]; [[Ephesians 5:5]]). When a leader serves for financial gain, money effectively becomes their true master, displacing God. This is a direct affront to the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me" ([[Exodus 20:3]]).
5. **Christ as the Ultimate Example:** The call for selfless service stands in stark contrast to the mercenary spirit. Christ Himself, the Chief Shepherd ([[1 Peter 5:4]]), served not for gain but gave His all, even His life, for the redemption of His flock. His example sets the ultimate standard for all who would lead in His name.
### Summary
The Greek adverb αἰσχροκερδῶς (aischrokerdōs, `{{G147}}`) precisely describes actions motivated by a base or shameful desire for financial gain. Its single New Testament occurrence in [[1 Peter 5:2]] serves as a critical injunction to church elders, exhorting them to shepherd God's flock not for "shameful gain" but willingly and eagerly. This powerful prohibition underscores the imperative for absolute integrity and purity of motive in Christian leadership, warning against the profound spiritual danger of mercenary service. The word highlights the stark contrast between selfless devotion to God's people and the corrupting influence of greed, affirming that true ministry must always reflect the sacrificial and non-exploitative nature of Christ's own shepherding.
TRV