### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ploutéō**, represented by `{{G4147}}`, means **to be (or become) wealthy**. It appears **13 times** in **12 unique verses**. The term is used both literally, referring to material possessions, and figuratively, describing spiritual abundance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4147}}` often highlights a contrast between material and spiritual states. It describes the self-deception of the Laodicean church, who claimed, "I am rich, and **increased with goods**," while being spiritually poor [[Revelation 3:17]]. The desire to **be rich** is presented as a path leading to temptation, a snare, and destructive lusts [[1 Timothy 6:9]]. Conversely, the term is used to define true spiritual wealth, as believers are promised they "might **be rich**" through the poverty of Christ [[2 Corinthians 8:9]]. God himself is described as being **rich** unto all who call upon Him, without distinction between Jew and Greek [[Romans 10:12]]. In the context of Babylon, merchants are said to have **waxed rich** from her abundance and delicacies [[Revelation 18:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of being rich:
* `{{G4145}}` **ploúsios** (wealthy; abounding with): This is the adjective form, often used to describe a state of being rich. Christ, "though he was **rich** `{{G4145}}`," became poor for our sake [[2 Corinthians 8:9]].
* `{{G4433}}` **ptōcheúō** (to become indigent): This is the direct opposite of being rich. It is used to describe Christ, who **became poor** so that believers might become rich [[2 Corinthians 8:9]].
* `{{G2343}}` **thēsaurízō** (to amass or reserve): This word is contrasted with true wealth in the warning against one who "**layeth up treasure** for himself, and is not **rich** toward God" [[Luke 12:21]].
* `{{G3986}}` **peirasmós** (a putting to proof; temptation): This is a direct consequence for those who desire to **be rich**, as they fall into **temptation** and a snare [[1 Timothy 6:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4147}}` centers on the distinction between worldly and divine wealth.
* **The Peril of Materialism:** The pursuit of earthly riches is fraught with danger, leading to **lusts** `{{G1939}}` that **drown** `{{G1036}}` men in **destruction** `{{G3639}}` and **perdition** `{{G684}}` [[1 Timothy 6:9]]. Worldly wealth, like that of Babylon's **merchants** `{{G1713}}`, is tied to corruption and idolatry [[Revelation 18:3]].
* **The Source of True Wealth:** True riches are found in a right relationship with God. Christ counsels believers to buy from Him **gold** `{{G5553}}` tried in fire, so that they may **be rich** [[Revelation 3:18]]. This spiritual wealth is a gift of grace, made possible because Christ became poor for our sakes [[2 Corinthians 8:9]].
* **A Call to Good Works:** For those with material means, the instruction is to **be rich** in good works, being **ready to distribute** `{{G2130}}` and **willing to communicate** `{{G2843}}` [[1 Timothy 6:18]], thereby being "rich toward God" [[Luke 12:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4147}}` is a pivotal term that contrasts the fleeting, dangerous nature of material wealth with the eternal value of spiritual richness. It moves beyond a simple definition of having goods to challenge believers on the object of their trust and the focus of their lives. The use of **ploutéō** consistently forces a choice between being rich in worldly terms, which leads to spiritual ruin, and being rich toward God through faith and good works.
TRV