from πλείων and ἔχω; holding (desiring) more, i.e. eager for gain (avaricious, hence a defrauder):--covetous.
Transliteration:pleonéktēs
Pronunciation:pleh-on-ek'-tace
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G4123 (*pleonéktēs*) is derived from two components: πλείων (*pleíōn*), meaning "more," and ἔχω (*échō*), meaning "to have" or "to hold." Etymologically, it describes "one who desires to have more" or "one who seeks to possess more." This foundational meaning points to an insatiable appetite for gain, particularly material possessions or advantage. The semantic range of *pleonéktēs* encompasses not merely a passive desire but an active, grasping disposition. It denotes a person characterized by avarice, covetousness, and an eagerness for gain that often manifests in exploitative or fraudulent behavior. While the base definition highlights the internal desire, the term inherently implies the outward actions and character of one who is driven by such a desire, often at the expense of others. It describes a person who is fundamentally greedy and self-serving.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *pleonéktēs* appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline epistles, but its occurrences carry significant weight, consistently condemning the character it describes.
In [[1 Corinthians 5:10]] and [[1 Corinthians 5:11]], Paul instructs the Corinthian believers not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is "immoral or greedy (*pleonéktēs*) or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or a swindler." Here, the *pleonéktēs* is listed among those whose behavior is so contrary to Christian conduct that fellowship with them is to be avoided. This highlights that covetousness is not a minor fault but a serious character flaw that undermines the integrity of the Christian community.
Similarly, in [[1 Corinthians 6:10]], *pleonéktēs* appears in a list of those who "will not inherit the kingdom of God." This grave warning places the covetous person alongside fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, drunkards, revilers, and swindlers. The inclusion of *pleonéktēs* in such a list underscores the severity of this sin in God's eyes, indicating that it is fundamentally incompatible with participation in God's eternal reign.
Perhaps the most explicit and theologically profound use of *pleonéktēs* is found in [[Ephesians 5:5]]. Paul unequivocally states, "For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (*pleonéktēs*) (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God." The parenthetical clarification "(that is, an idolater)" is critically important. It directly equates the covetous person with an idolater, revealing the spiritual essence of this sin: placing the desire for material gain or possessions above the worship and sovereignty of God. This connection elevates covetousness from a mere ethical failing to a profound spiritual rebellion.
Across these contexts, *pleonéktēs* consistently describes a person whose life is characterized by an excessive and wrongful desire for gain, a desire so strong that it disqualifies them from genuine Christian fellowship and, ultimately, from inheriting God's kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of *pleonéktēs* is enriched by examining its relationship with other Greek terms and broader biblical concepts:
* **πλεονεξία (G4124, *pleonexía*):** This is the abstract noun form, meaning "greed," "covetousness," or "avarice." While *pleonéktēs* describes the person who is greedy, *pleonexía* denotes the vice itself. The *pleonéktēs* is characterized by *pleonexía*. This vice is frequently listed in catalogues of sins (e.g., [[Mark 7:22]], [[Romans 1:29]], [[Colossians 3:5]]).
* **ἐπιθυμία (G1939, *epithymía*):** This broader term refers to "desire" or "longing," which can be positive or negative. When negative, it signifies "lust" or "evil desire." Covetousness (*pleonexía*) is a specific manifestation of sinful *epithymía*, focusing on material gain.
* **φιλαργυρία (G5365, *philargyria*):** Meaning "love of money," this term is closely related to covetousness. As [[1 Timothy 6:10]] states, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." While *philargyria* specifically targets money, *pleonexía* and the character of a *pleonéktēs* encompass a broader desire for more of anything, not just currency.
* **Idolatry:** As profoundly articulated in [[Ephesians 5:5]] and [[Colossians 3:5]], covetousness (*pleonexía*) is explicitly equated with idolatry. This is because the covetous person makes material possessions, wealth, or personal gain their ultimate object of devotion and trust, effectively displacing God from His rightful place in their heart.
* **The Tenth Commandment:** In the Old Testament, the prohibition against coveting (`{{H2530}}` *chamad*) found in [[Exodus 20:17]] and [[Deuteronomy 5:21]] establishes a foundational biblical condemnation of the inner desire for what belongs to another. This commandment reveals that the heart's disposition, not just outward actions, is subject to God's law. The *pleonéktēs* embodies the violation of this commandment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *pleonéktēs* is profound and multifaceted:
1. **A Sin Against God (Idolatry):** The most striking theological implication is its identification with idolatry. By desiring and pursuing material gain above all else, the *pleonéktēs* effectively makes creation, rather than the Creator, the object of ultimate worship and trust. This is a direct affront to God's sovereignty and His rightful claim as the sole object of worship. It reveals a heart that is not satisfied in God but seeks fulfillment in finite things.
2. **Exclusion from the Kingdom of God:** The repeated declaration that the *pleonéktēs* will not inherit the kingdom of God (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 6:10]], [[Ephesians 5:5]]) underscores the gravity of this sin. It is not merely an unfortunate character flaw but a fundamental orientation of the heart that is antithetical to the values and nature of God's reign. It suggests that a life dominated by covetousness is incompatible with genuine saving faith and transformation.
3. **Root of Other Sins:** Covetousness is often portrayed as a root sin from which other evils spring. The insatiable desire for more can lead to theft, fraud, injustice, exploitation, lying, and even violence. It corrupts relationships, fosters inequality, and undermines social cohesion.
4. **Opposite of God's Character:** God is inherently generous, self-giving, and abundant. The *pleonéktēs*, by contrast, is self-centered, grasping, and perpetually unsatisfied. This character stands in stark opposition to the divine nature and the spirit of Christ, who "though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor" ([[2 Corinthians 8:9]]).
5. **Spiritual Blindness:** The preoccupation with worldly gain can lead to spiritual blindness, making one insensitive to the needs of others and the call of God. It can harden the heart against the Holy Spirit's conviction and hinder growth in godliness.
### Summary
The Greek term G4123 (*pleonéktēs*) precisely describes a person characterized by an insatiable desire for more, particularly material gain, leading to avarice and, by extension, exploitative behavior. Biblical occurrences in the Pauline epistles consistently condemn the *pleonéktēs*, listing this character alongside other severe transgressors. Crucially, the *pleonéktēs* is explicitly equated with an idolater, revealing that covetousness is not merely a social or ethical failing but a profound spiritual rebellion against God, making created things the object of ultimate devotion. This sin is so grave that it is repeatedly stated to disqualify one from inheriting the kingdom of God. As a manifestation of sinful desire, it stands in stark contrast to God's generous nature and serves as a root for numerous other vices, highlighting its destructive impact on both individual spiritual life and community well-being.
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