from πλεονέκτης; to be covetous, i.e. (by implication) to over-reach:--get an advantage, defraud, make a gain.
Transliteration:pleonektéō
Pronunciation:pleh-on-cek-teh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb πλεονεκτέω (pleonektéō, `{{G4122}}`) is derived from πλεονέκτης (pleonektēs, `{{G4123}}`), which literally means "one who desires more" or "one who has more." At its core, πλεονεκτέω signifies "to be covetous" or "to be greedy." However, its semantic range extends beyond mere desire to the active pursuit and achievement of that desire, often at the expense of another. Thus, it carries the strong implication of "to over-reach," "to defraud," "to take advantage of," or "to make an unjust gain." The emphasis is not simply on having a lot, but on the unrighteous desire for more and the exploitative actions taken to acquire it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πλεονεκτέω appears a few times in the New Testament, consistently carrying a negative connotation related to unjust gain or exploitation.
* In [[2 Corinthians 2:11]], Paul writes, "so that we may not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs." Here, πλεονεκτέω is used in the passive voice, indicating that believers should not "be taken advantage of" or "be defrauded by" Satan. The context is the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation within the community, preventing Satan from gaining an advantage through bitterness or unforgiveness among the believers.
* In [[2 Corinthians 7:2]], Paul defends his ministry to the Corinthians: "Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one." Paul emphatically denies having exploited or defrauded the Corinthian believers in any way, reinforcing the idea that πλεονεκτέω involves an unethical or unjust acquisition of gain at another's expense.
* Perhaps the most direct and ethically charged use is in [[1 Thessalonians 4:6]]: "that no one transgress and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you." While the "matter" (πράγμα) here is debated (some interpret it as sexual immorality, others more broadly as any form of exploitation), the verb πλεονεκτέω clearly warns against taking advantage of or defrauding a fellow believer. The strong warning that "the Lord is an avenger" underscores the gravity of such an act in God's eyes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of πλεονεκτέω is enriched by examining its lexical family and related theological concepts:
* **πλεονέκτης (pleonektēs, `{{G4123}}`):** The noun form, meaning "a covetous person" or "one who is greedy for gain." This person is characterized by the desire and act of πλεονεκτέω.
* **πλεονεξία (pleonexia, `{{G4124}}`):** The abstract noun, meaning "covetousness," "greed," or "avarice." This is the underlying vice or disposition that drives the action of πλεονεκτέω. It is a pervasive and condemned sin in the New Testament, often listed alongside other serious transgressions ([[Romans 1:29]], [[Ephesians 5:3]], [[Colossians 3:5]]).
* **Idolatry:** Significantly, Paul explicitly links πλεονεξία (covetousness) with idolatry in [[Colossians 3:5]] and [[Ephesians 5:5]]. This connection reveals that when the desire for material gain or advantage becomes paramount, it effectively displaces God as the ultimate object of worship and devotion.
* **Injustice (ἀδικία, `{{G93}}`):** The act of πλεονεκτέω inherently involves injustice, as it seeks personal gain at the expense of another's rights or well-being.
* **Contentment (αὐτάρκεια, `{{G841}}`):** The opposite of covetousness, contentment is a virtue encouraged in the New Testament ([[Philippians 4:11]], [[1 Timothy 6:6-8]]), standing in stark contrast to the insatiable desire implied by πλεονεκτέω.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πλεονεκτέω is profound, touching upon core aspects of Christian ethics and spirituality:
* **Violation of Love and Justice:** πλεονεκτέω directly contravenes the foundational command to love one's neighbor as oneself ([[Matthew 22:39]]). It prioritizes self-interest and unjust acquisition over the well-being and rights of others, thereby undermining the very fabric of Christian community.
* **Root of Sin and Corruption:** Covetousness, as expressed through πλεονεκτέω, is presented as a deep-seated sin that can corrupt the heart and lead to various other transgressions. It represents an insatiable desire that, when indulged, leads to exploitation and harm.
* **Spiritual Idolatry:** The New Testament's explicit linking of covetousness with idolatry is a critical theological insight. It reveals that placing ultimate desire and trust in material gain or worldly advantage is a form of spiritual betrayal, diverting allegiance from God to created things. This elevates the pursuit of "more" to a false god.
* **Exclusion from God's Kingdom:** The severity of this sin is underscored by passages like [[Ephesians 5:5]], which states that no covetous person (a πλεονέκτης) has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. This highlights the eternal consequences of unrepentant greed and exploitation.
* **Satanic Strategy:** The use of πλεονεκτέω in relation to Satan in [[2 Corinthians 2:11]] shows that exploitation and the gaining of advantage are tactics used by the enemy to sow discord and hinder spiritual growth among believers.
### Summary
The Greek verb πλεονεκτέω (pleonektéō, `{{G4122}}`) precisely captures the act of being covetous, driven by an excessive desire for more, which manifests as over-reaching, defrauding, or taking unjust advantage of others. Derived from πλεονέκτης (`{{G4123}}`), a "greedy person," it is intrinsically linked to the vice of πλεονεξία (`{{G4124}}`), or "covetousness." New Testament occurrences, notably in [[2 Corinthians 7:2]] and [[1 Thessalonians 4:6]], illustrate its concrete application to exploiting fellow believers, while [[2 Corinthians 2:11]] shows its use in the context of being exploited by Satan. Theologically, πλεονεκτέω represents a severe breach of love and justice, a foundational sin that corrupts both individuals and communities. Its profound connection to idolatry underscores that when the desire for worldly gain becomes supreme, it displaces God, leading to dire spiritual and eternal consequences. Thus, the study of πλεονεκτέω serves as a potent biblical warning against avarice and a compelling call to integrity, generosity, and contentment in the divine provision.
TRV