### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κτῆμα (ktēma), Strong's `{{G2933}}`, derives from the verb κτάομαι (ktaomai, `{{G2932}}`), meaning "to acquire, obtain, or gain possession of." Therefore, κτῆμα fundamentally denotes something that has been acquired or obtained. Its primary semantic range encompasses tangible property, possessions, an estate, or wealth. It refers to the *result* of an acquisition, emphasizing the owned object rather than the act of acquiring it. In classical Greek, it could denote anything from a piece of land to livestock or other valuable goods, always carrying the sense of something held as property.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κτῆμα appears only twice in the New Testament, yet each instance offers profound theological insight:
1. **[[Matthew 19:22]]**: "When the young man heard this, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions (κτῆμα)." Here, κτῆμα clearly refers to significant material wealth, likely an estate or substantial property. The context is Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler, who asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus challenges him to sell his κτῆμα and give to the poor, then follow Him. The young man's sorrow reveals his deep attachment to his material κτῆμα, which ultimately proved to be an insurmountable barrier to discipleship. His "great possessions" were an impediment to his spiritual progress.
2. **[[Acts 2:45]]**: "And they were selling their possessions (κτῆμα) and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need." In this passage, κτῆμα again refers to material property, but the context is dramatically different. It describes the early Christian community in Jerusalem, who, filled with the Holy Spirit, spontaneously shared their resources. The selling of their κτῆμα was a voluntary act of radical generosity and communal love, demonstrating a profound detachment from personal wealth and a prioritization of the needs of the community. This act was not a forced economic system but a spiritual overflow of their new life in Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding κτῆμα includes several related terms and concepts:
* **κτάομαι (ktaomai, `{{G2932}}`)**: The root verb, meaning "to acquire" or "to get." κτῆμα is the direct result of this action.
* **οὐσία (ousia, `{{G3776}}`)**: Substance, property, goods. This term is often used for one's entire estate or wealth, as seen in the parable of the prodigal son ([[Luke 15:13]]). While similar, οὐσία can be broader, encompassing all of one's material substance.
* **χρήματα (chrēmata, `{{G5536}}`)**: Money, riches, wealth. This term typically refers to liquid assets or monetary wealth.
* **ὑπάρχοντα (hyparchonta, `{{G5224}}`)**: Possessions, goods. Often used in the plural, it refers to "things one possesses" or one's existing property. This is a very common New Testament term for material possessions.
* **Thematic connections**: The concept of κτῆμα is deeply intertwined with biblical themes such as wealth and poverty, stewardship, generosity, detachment from worldly goods, idolatry, and the nature of true discipleship within the Kingdom of God.
### Theological Significance
The dual appearances of κτῆμα in the New Testament highlight a crucial theological tension regarding material possessions:
1. **The Peril of Attachment (Matthew):** In [[Matthew 19:22]], κτῆμα symbolizes an obstacle to salvation and full discipleship. The rich young ruler's "great possessions" became an idol, competing with God for his ultimate allegiance. This encounter powerfully illustrates Jesus' teaching that "you cannot serve God and money" ([[Matthew 6:24]]). It underscores the spiritual danger of loving material κτῆμα more than God, as such attachment can prevent one from entering the Kingdom of Heaven.
2. **The Power of Release (Acts):** In stark contrast, [[Acts 2:45]] presents κτῆμα as a means of expressing radical faith and communal love. The early believers' willingness to sell their κτῆμα and share the proceeds demonstrates a profound understanding of stewardship, where possessions are not ends in themselves but resources to be used for God's purposes and the welfare of His people. This act reflects a heart transformed by the Spirit, prioritizing the needs of the community and the advancement of the gospel over personal accumulation. It is an embodiment of the principle of holding all things in common, not out of compulsion, but out of a spontaneous overflow of agape love.
Thus, κτῆμα serves as a theological barometer of one's heart. It can either be a spiritual anchor, dragging one away from Christ, or a catalyst for profound generosity and communal flourishing, depending on one's ultimate allegiance.
### Summary
κτῆμα (ktēma, `{{G2933}}`) denotes an acquired possession, specifically tangible property or an estate. Despite its limited occurrences in the New Testament, its usage is highly significant. In [[Matthew 19:22]], κτῆμα represents the idolatrous attachment to wealth that hinders an individual's commitment to Christ, preventing entry into the Kingdom. Conversely, in [[Acts 2:45]], κτῆμα signifies the material possessions willingly relinquished by early believers, demonstrating their radical generosity, communal love, and the prioritization of spiritual unity over personal accumulation. The word therefore encapsulates a central biblical tension: material κτῆμα can be either a spiritual impediment or a means for expressing profound faith and love, dependent entirely on the heart's disposition towards God and neighbor. It serves as a powerful reminder of the call to detachment from worldly wealth and to sacrificial living for the sake of God's Kingdom.
TRV