from the base of πλήθω; wealth (as fulness), i.e. (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment:--riches.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ploûtos**, represented by `{{G4149}}`, refers to wealth. It appears 22 times across 21 unique verses. The term's meaning ranges from literal money and possessions to a figurative sense of abundance, richness, and valuable divine bestowment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4149}}` is used in two contrasting ways. It often describes the spiritual abundance that comes from God, such as the "riches of his grace" [[Ephesians 1:7]] and the "unsearchable riches of Christ" [[Ephesians 3:8]]. God's wisdom, knowledge, and glory are also described as riches ([[Romans 11:33]], [[Romans 9:23]]). Conversely, the term is used to warn against the dangers of material wealth. The "deceitfulness of riches" is shown to choke the word of God, leading to unfruitfulness ([[Matthew 13:22]], [[Mark 4:19]]). Believers are specifically charged not to trust in "uncertain riches" but in God [[1 Timothy 6:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of riches:
* `{{G4145}}` **ploúsios** (rich): The adjective form of `{{G4149}}`, describing one who is wealthy. It is used to contrast those who are materially rich in this world with those who are spiritually rich in faith ([[James 2:5]], [[Revelation 2:9]]).
* `{{G539}}` **apátē** (deceitfulness): This word, meaning delusion, is paired directly with `{{G4149}}` to highlight the spiritual danger of material wealth, which can "choke the word" [[Matthew 13:22]].
* `{{G1391}}` **dóxa** (glory): Often used alongside `{{G4149}}` to define the nature of God's inexhaustible spiritual wealth, as seen in "the riches of the glory of this mystery" [[Colossians 1:27]] and "the riches of his glory" [[Ephesians 3:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4149}}` is significant, primarily in distinguishing between worldly and heavenly value.
* **The Danger of Worldly Wealth:** Scripture warns that material riches are "uncertain" [[1 Timothy 6:17]] and subject to corruption [[James 5:2]]. Their "deceitfulness" [[Mark 4:19]] can lead a person away from spiritual fruitfulness.
* **The Divine Source of True Wealth:** True, lasting riches originate with God. His grace [[Ephesians 1:7]], glory [[Ephesians 1:18]], goodness, and forbearance [[Romans 2:4]] are all described as a form of divine wealth.
* **A Bestowed Spiritual Inheritance:** God's riches are not merely an abstract concept but a "valuable bestowment" upon believers. He supplies their needs "according to his riches in glory" [[Philippians 4:19]] and strengthens them with might from the same source [[Ephesians 3:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4149}}` is a pivotal term that contrasts two opposing value systems. It encompasses both the temporary and corruptible nature of earthly possessions and the eternal, "unsearchable" [[Ephesians 3:8]] abundance found in Christ. The word serves as a constant reminder to differentiate between the fleeting value of the world and the profound, enduring riches of God's grace and glory.
TRV