### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb πλουτίζω (ploutízō, `{{G4148}}`) is derived from the noun πλοῦτος (ploutos, `{{G4149}}`), meaning "wealth" or "riches." As a verb, πλουτίζω signifies the act of "making wealthy" or "enriching." While its root can denote material abundance, in the New Testament, πλουτίζω predominantly carries a figurative and spiritual sense. It describes the active bestowal of spiritual blessings, grace, knowledge, or other divine provisions, thereby "making rich" in a spiritual rather than a material sense. The verb emphasizes the action of bestowing, often by God or through His agents, rather than merely the state of being rich.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πλουτίζω appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, but its occurrences reveal significant theological insights:
* **1 Corinthians 1:5**: Paul states, "For in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge..." [[1 Corinthians 1:5]]. Here, the Corinthian believers are described as having been "enriched" (ἐπλουτίσθητε) by God through their union with Christ. The nature of this enrichment is explicitly spiritual: "all speech and all knowledge," referring to charismatic gifts and divine understanding. The source of this spiritual wealth is Christ Himself.
* **2 Corinthians 6:10**: As part of a paradoxical description of apostolic ministry, Paul writes, "as poor, yet making many rich..." [[2 Corinthians 6:10]]. This verse powerfully illustrates the spiritual dimension of πλουτίζω. The apostles, though materially impoverished ("as poor"), are the instruments through whom others are spiritually enriched. This enrichment is not financial but pertains to the life-transforming message of the Gospel and the spiritual blessings it conveys.
* **2 Corinthians 9:11**: Paul encourages generosity, stating, "You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, which through us produces thanksgiving to God." [[2 Corinthians 9:11]]. In this context, God is the ultimate agent who "enriches" (πλουτιζόμενοι) believers. The purpose of this divine enrichment is not self-indulgence but rather to enable and fuel "all generosity" (πᾶσαν ἁπλότητα), leading to thanksgiving to God. This highlights the teleological aspect of divine enrichment: it is for the glory of God and the benefit of others.
* **Revelation 18:19**: This verse presents a stark contrast to the Pauline usage. Describing the lament over the destruction of Babylon, it states, "...the great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth!" [[Revelation 18:19]]. Here, ἐπλουτίσθησαν refers to literal, material enrichment gained through the worldly commerce and luxury of "Babylon." This sole instance of πλουτίζω referring to material wealth is set within a context of divine judgment against ungodly accumulation, underscoring the fleeting and ultimately destructive nature of such worldly riches when pursued apart from God.
### Related Words & Concepts
πλουτίζω is closely related to other terms from the same root:
* πλοῦτος (ploutos, `{{G4149}}`): The noun meaning "riches" or "wealth," which can be material or spiritual.
* πλουτέω (plouteō, `{{G4147}}`): A verb meaning "to be rich" or "to become rich," focusing on the *state* of possessing wealth. In contrast, πλουτίζω emphasizes the *act* of making someone rich.
* **Antonyms/Contrasts**: Often contrasted with terms related to poverty, such as πτωχεία (ptōcheia, `{{G4432}}`, poverty) or πτωχός (ptōchos, `{{G4434}}`, poor), as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:10.
* **Associated Concepts**: Divine grace, spiritual gifts, knowledge, wisdom, righteousness, salvation, generosity, and abundance. These are the "riches" that God bestows.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πλουτίζω is profound, primarily revealing God as the ultimate Giver and Enrcher of His people.
1. **Divine Source of True Riches**: The New Testament consistently portrays God as the one who enriches believers. These riches are not material but spiritual, encompassing every blessing in Christ, including knowledge, wisdom, spiritual gifts, and the very righteousness of God. This contrasts sharply with the world's pursuit of fleeting material wealth.
2. **Purposeful Enrichment**: God's enrichment is never for selfish accumulation. Instead, it is always purposeful:
* To equip believers for effective ministry and service (e.g., 1 Corinthians 1:5).
* To enable generosity and good works towards others (e.g., 2 Corinthians 9:11).
* To bring glory and thanksgiving to God (e.g., 2 Corinthians 9:11).
3. **Paradox of Christian Life**: The apostolic example in 2 Corinthians 6:10 ("as poor, yet making many rich") highlights a central paradox of Christian existence: true spiritual wealth often coexists with, or even flourishes amidst, material poverty. Believers, especially those in ministry, become channels of God's spiritual abundance to others, even when personally lacking worldly possessions.
4. **Warning Against Worldly Wealth**: The singular use of πλουτίζω in Revelation 18:19 concerning Babylon serves as a crucial theological counterpoint. It demonstrates that while God spiritually enriches His people, worldly enrichment, especially when acquired through ungodly means or made an idol, leads to destruction and divine judgment. This underscores the qualitative difference between divine and worldly "riches."
### Summary
πλουτίζω (ploutízō, `{{G4148}}`) signifies the act of "making rich" or "enriching." In the New Testament, its primary application is spiritual, describing God's active bestowal of abundant blessings, knowledge, and spiritual gifts upon believers. This divine enrichment is not for self-aggrandizement but for equipping believers for ministry, fostering generosity, and ultimately bringing glory to God. The apostolic experience exemplifies this truth, demonstrating how spiritual wealth can be conveyed even amidst material lack. The isolated instance in Revelation, referring to material enrichment associated with the condemned city of Babylon, serves as a stark warning against the pursuit of worldly wealth apart from God, contrasting sharply with the enduring and purposeful spiritual riches granted by Him.
TRV