### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ktáomai (`{{G2932}}`) is a primary verb whose core meaning revolves around the act of "getting" or "acquiring." It emphasizes the process of coming into possession of something, rather than merely the static state of possessing it.
Its semantic range is broad, encompassing several nuances:
* **Acquisition:** This is the most fundamental sense, referring to the act of obtaining something through various means, such as buying, earning, or otherwise procuring.
* **Possession (Resultant):** While the verb focuses on the *action* of acquiring, it naturally implies the subsequent state of possession or ownership. Thus, in some contexts, it can be translated as "to possess" or "to own," with the underlying nuance of how that possession was attained.
* **Procurement/Provision:** The verb can also denote the act of providing for oneself or others by acquiring necessary resources or supplies.
* **Purchase:** A specific and common mode of acquisition, implying a transaction involving payment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ktáomai appears in the New Testament, illustrating its varied applications:
* In [[Matthew 10:9]], Jesus instructs his disciples, "Do not acquire (μη κτήσησθε) gold or silver or copper for your belts." Here, the verb emphasizes active procurement or provision for their journey, urging reliance on God rather than personal accumulation.
* [[Acts 1:18]] describes Judas Iscariot as having "acquired (ἐκτήσατο) a field with the reward of his wickedness." This highlights acquisition through illicit means, leading to a tragic end.
* In [[Acts 8:20]], Peter sharply rebukes Simon Magus: "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could acquire (κτήσασθαι) the gift of God with money!" This powerfully demonstrates that divine, spiritual gifts are not commodities to be purchased or obtained through human financial transactions.
* [[Acts 22:28]] features the Roman commander stating, "I acquired (ἐκτησάμην) this citizenship for a large sum of money." Paul's immediate retort, "But I was born a citizen," contrasts acquisition by payment with inherent right, showcasing a clear meaning of "to purchase."
* [[1 Thessalonians 4:4]] contains an important, yet debated, usage: "that each one of you know how to acquire/possess (κτᾶσθαι) his own vessel in holiness and honor." While some interpretations suggest "acquire a wife" (marry), the more common and contextually robust understanding in modern scholarship is to "control" or "possess" one's own body (as a "vessel"), emphasizing self-mastery and purity in sexual ethics.
* [[Luke 21:19]] presents a profound spiritual application: "By your endurance you will gain/acquire (κτήσασθε) your lives." Here, ktáomai signifies the securing or preserving of one's soul or eternal life through steadfast perseverance in the face of tribulation. It is an acquisition of an eternal, spiritual reality through faithful living.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ktáomai is closely related to other Greek words:
* **`{{G2933}}` *ktēma***: A noun meaning "possession," "property," or "acquired goods." It represents the *result* or *object* of the action of ktáomai.
* **`{{G2935}}` *ktēsis***: A noun referring to "acquisition," "possession," or "the act of acquiring." It can denote both the process and the state of having.
* **`{{G2936}}` *ktētōr***: A noun meaning "possessor" or "owner," one who has performed the action of ktáomai.
* **Synonyms/Related Concepts:**
* **`{{G2186}}` *echō* ("to have," "to hold"):** While echō describes the state of possession, ktáomai emphasizes the *process* of obtaining that possession.
* **`{{G4060}}` *peripoieō* ("to gain," "to preserve," "to acquire for oneself"):** This verb often carries a nuance of "gaining for oneself" or "preserving one's own," similar to ktáomai in certain contexts, particularly in securing something valuable.
It is important to distinguish ktáomai from the family of words related to creation (e.g., `{{G2930}}` *ktizō* "to create," `{{G2937}}` *ktisma* "created thing"), despite a superficial similarity in root. ktáomai pertains to human acquisition of existing things, whereas ktizō refers to divine bringing into existence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ktáomai lies in its ability to highlight contrasting values and priorities:
* **Spiritual vs. Material Acquisition:** The word frequently underscores the stark difference between acquiring earthly possessions and obtaining spiritual realities. The prohibitions in [[Matthew 10:9]] and [[Acts 8:20]] powerfully convey that divine blessings are gifts of grace, not commodities to be bought or accumulated by human effort. This challenges a worldly mindset that values material gain above all else.
* **Divine Provision and Human Dependence:** Jesus' instruction to his disciples not to "acquire" provisions emphasizes reliance on God's sustaining hand. It teaches a theology of dependence, where God is the ultimate provider, and human striving for material security can be a distraction from trust.
* **Stewardship of Self:** The challenging passage in [[1 Thessalonians 4:4]], interpreted as "possessing/controlling one's own body," points to the believer's responsibility for ethical self-governance. It implies an active, deliberate effort to bring one's physical being and desires into alignment with God's will, an internal "acquisition" of holiness.
* **Eternal Security through Perseverance:** The promise in [[Luke 21:19]]—"By your endurance you will gain your lives"—elevates ktáomai to a profound spiritual level. It signifies that faithfulness and perseverance in the midst of suffering are the means by which one secures or preserves eternal life, a spiritual acquisition of immeasurable value.
* **Consequences of Unrighteous Gain:** The example of Judas in [[Acts 1:18]] serves as a stark warning about the futility and destructive consequences of acquiring wealth through betrayal and wickedness.
### Summary
The Greek verb ktáomai (`{{G2932}}`) fundamentally means "to acquire" or "to obtain," encompassing actions like purchasing, earning, or otherwise coming into possession. Its usage in the New Testament is varied, ranging from mundane material acquisitions (e.g., citizenship, money) to profound spiritual realities. The word carries significant theological weight, often serving to contrast the transient nature of earthly possessions with the eternal value of spiritual blessings. It underscores the impossibility of purchasing divine gifts, the importance of divine provision over human striving, and the call to ethical self-mastery. Ultimately, ktáomai challenges believers to discern what is truly worth "acquiring," directing focus from temporal gains to the enduring value of faith, endurance, and a life lived in holiness.
TRV