### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G2770 (kerdaínō) derives from G2771 (kerdos), meaning "gain" or "profit." Its fundamental sense is to acquire, to get, or to make a profit, whether literally or figuratively. In its literal usage, it refers to financial or material acquisition, such as gaining money, goods, or an advantage in a transaction. Figuratively, its semantic range extends to encompass the idea of winning something or someone, achieving a benefit, or preserving something of value. This includes gaining a person for a cause, winning a soul, or even preserving one's life. The term inherently carries the connotation of a positive outcome in a transaction or endeavor, often contrasted with loss or detriment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G2770 appears in various contexts within the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Material Gain:** In the Parable of the Talents, G2770 describes the faithful servants' successful investment and increase of their master's money: "The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me; see, I have **gained** five more talents.’" [[Matthew 25:20]], and similarly for the servant with two talents [[Matthew 25:22]]. This highlights the concept of profitable stewardship. James also uses it in a straightforward commercial sense, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and **make a profit**.'" [[James 4:13]].
* **Spiritual Gain vs. Worldly Loss:** Perhaps the most profound usage is found in the Synoptic Gospels, where Jesus poses the rhetorical question: "For what does it **profit** a man to **gain** the whole world, and forfeit his soul?" [[Mark 8:36]] (parallels in [[Matthew 16:26]] and [[Luke 9:25]]). Here, G2770 is used in stark contrast with G2210 (zēmioō, to suffer loss). This emphasizes the ultimate futility of all earthly acquisitions if one's eternal spiritual well-being is compromised.
* **Winning Souls for Christ:** The Apostle Paul employs G2770 to describe his evangelistic strategy and purpose: "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may **gain** more" [[1 Corinthians 9:19]]. He elaborates, "To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might **gain** Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might **gain** those who are under the Law... I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means **save** some" [[1 Corinthians 9:20-22]]. Here, "gain" is synonymous with bringing people to salvation, demonstrating a profound missional application.
* **Gaining Christ:** In a powerful statement of spiritual revaluation, Paul declares his ultimate life goal: "More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish so that I may **gain** Christ" [[Philippians 3:8]]. This verse encapsulates the radical shift in Paul's priorities, where all previous earthly achievements and advantages are deemed worthless in comparison to the incomparable "gain" of an intimate relationship with Christ.
* **Averted Loss:** In a unique instance, Paul's warning to the crew on the ship to Rome uses G2770 ironically in the negative: "Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete, and incurred this harm and loss" [[Acts 27:21]]. The Greek phrase "to gain this harm and loss" implies "to suffer" or "to incur" this negative outcome, effectively a "negative gain."
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is G2771 (kerdos), the noun from which G2770 is derived, meaning "gain" or "profit." The antonym, crucial for understanding its full semantic scope, is G2210 (zēmioō), "to suffer loss" or "to forfeit," as seen in the Christological passages of the Synoptics and Philippians. Other related concepts include G5623 (ōpheleō), "to benefit" or "to be profitable," which shares some semantic overlap, particularly in the sense of advantage. The concept of spiritual "gain" is also closely tied to G4982 (sōzō), "to save" or "to preserve," especially in the context of saving souls. The broader theological themes of stewardship, evangelism, and the pursuit of true treasure are all illuminated by G2770.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G2770 lies primarily in its role in articulating Christian priorities and values. It serves as a stark reminder that not all "gain" is truly beneficial, and indeed, some worldly gains can lead to eternal loss. The most profound theological insight derived from G2770 is the absolute supremacy of spiritual gain over material acquisition. Jesus' rhetorical question in the Synoptics forces a radical re-evaluation of what constitutes true wealth and success: the soul's salvation is infinitely more valuable than all worldly possessions combined.
Paul's usage further develops this theme, demonstrating that the highest form of "gain" for the believer is a deeper relationship with Christ ([[Philippians 3:8]]) and the winning of others for His Kingdom ([[1 Corinthians 9:19-22]]). This transforms the concept of "profit" from a self-serving economic model to a selfless, Christ-centered, and missional endeavor. True profit, from a biblical perspective, is found in self-denial for the sake of Christ and the advancement of His Gospel, leading to eternal dividends.
### Summary
G2770 (kerdaínō) signifies to "gain" or "profit," encompassing both literal material acquisition and figurative spiritual advantage. While it can describe financial success, its most profound biblical applications highlight the critical distinction between earthly and heavenly treasures. Jesus uses it to warn against the ultimate folly of gaining the world while forfeiting one's soul. Paul powerfully employs it to articulate his supreme desire to "gain Christ" by counting all else as loss, and to describe his missional imperative to "gain" souls for the Gospel. Thus, G2770 serves as a key term for understanding the biblical call to reorient one's values, prioritizing the invaluable gain of Christ and the salvation of others above all temporal profits.
TRV