### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word πορισμός (porismós, `{{G4200}}`) is derived from a root related to "a way" or "means" (πόρος, *poros*), suggesting something that is provided or acquired. Fundamentally, it denotes the act of furnishing, procuring, or providing. In its New Testament usage, its semantic range narrows to "gain" or "acquisition," specifically referring to financial or material profit. While the term itself is neutral in its base meaning, implying simply the outcome of obtaining resources, its contextual application in the New Testament often carries a critical connotation, especially when the pursuit of such gain becomes an ultimate end or is sought through improper means. It signifies the result of "money-getting" or "acquisition."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word πορισμός appears exclusively twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring within Paul's First Epistle to Timothy, and both translated as "gain."
* **[[1 Timothy 6:5]]**: "and constant friction among people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain (πορισμόν)." Here, πορισμός is presented in a negative light. Paul describes individuals with corrupted minds who have lost sight of truth, viewing "godliness" (εὐσέβεια, *eusebeia*) not as a genuine spiritual devotion but as a mere vehicle for material profit. This highlights a dangerous perversion where faith is reduced to a transactional commodity, exploited for worldly advantage. The pursuit of πορισμός in this context is driven by covetousness and undermines the integrity of the Christian faith.
* **[[1 Timothy 6:6]]**: "But godliness with contentment is great gain (πορισμός)." In a powerful antithesis to the preceding verse, Paul reclaims and redefines "gain." Here, πορισμός is presented as a profound spiritual blessing. True "great gain" is not found in material acquisition but in the combination of "godliness" (εὐσέβεια, *eusebeia*) and "contentment" (αὐτάρκεια, *autarkeia*). This contentment signifies a state of inner sufficiency and satisfaction with one's present circumstances, freeing one from the insatiable desire for more. This usage transforms the meaning of πορισμός from a worldly pursuit into a spiritual reality, emphasizing an inner wealth that far surpasses any external material accumulation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **κέρδος (kerdos, `{{G2771}}`)**: This word also means "gain" or "profit," often emphasizing the *advantage* or *benefit* derived from something. While similar in outcome, πορισμός often points more directly to the *act of acquiring* or the *thing acquired* as a result of that process, particularly financial.
* **πλεονεξία (pleonexia, `{{G4124}}`)**: Meaning "covetousness" or "greed," this concept often motivates the negative pursuit of πορισμός as described in [[1 Timothy 6:5]]. It represents an insatiable desire for more, leading to the exploitation of others or even spiritual truths for personal advantage.
* **εὐσέβεια (eusebeia, `{{G2150}}`)**: "Godliness" or "piety." This is the core concept that is either perverted into a means of πορισμός ([[1 Timothy 6:5]]) or is the essential component of true "great gain" when combined with contentment ([[1 Timothy 6:6]]).
* **αὐτάρκεια (autarkeia, `{{G841}}`)**: "Contentment" or "self-sufficiency." This is the crucial companion to godliness that transforms πορισμός into "great gain" in [[1 Timothy 6:6]]. It signifies an inner state of satisfaction that liberates one from the endless pursuit of external material gain.
* **χρήματα (chremata, `{{G5536}}`)**: "Money" or "riches." While πορισμός refers to the *acquisition* of such, χρήματα denotes the actual possessions.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πορισμός is profound, serving as a critical point of ethical and spiritual instruction within Paul's pastoral epistles. It highlights a fundamental tension between worldly values and kingdom values, particularly concerning wealth and the integrity of faith.
Firstly, πορισμός functions as a stern warning against the insidious temptation to commercialize or exploit godliness for personal financial benefit. The perversion described in [[1 Timothy 6:5]] exposes a mercenary spirit that distorts the very nature of faith, reducing it to a means of material enrichment. This challenges believers to examine their motives for pursuing godliness, ensuring it stems from genuine devotion rather than a desire for worldly advantage. It underscores the danger of syncretism, where the sacred is defiled by profane ambitions.
Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, Paul redefines true "gain" in [[1 Timothy 6:6]]. By contrasting the worldly pursuit of πορισμός with "godliness with contentment," he presents a radical counter-cultural ethic. The ultimate "gain" is not found in the accumulation of material wealth but in the profound spiritual richness that results from a life devoted to God coupled with an inner state of satisfaction and sufficiency. This teaches that true prosperity is spiritual, found in a right relationship with God and a heart free from covetousness, rather than in external possessions. This reorientation of values invites believers to find their security and fulfillment in God alone, transcending the fleeting nature of worldly acquisitions.
### Summary
The Greek word πορισμός (porismós, `{{G4200}}`) denotes "gain" or "acquisition," specifically in a material sense. Its two occurrences in 1 Timothy reveal a pivotal theological contrast. In [[1 Timothy 6:5]], it serves as a stark warning against the perversion of viewing godliness as a mere means to financial profit, exposing the corrupt motives of those who exploit faith. However, in the very next verse, [[1 Timothy 6:6]], Paul redefines πορισμός, asserting that "godliness with contentment is great gain." This reorientation shifts the understanding of true wealth from material accumulation to the profound spiritual richness and inner satisfaction found in a life devoted to God. Thus, πορισμός highlights the critical distinction between worldly pursuits and the enduring, spiritual prosperity of the Kingdom of God.
TRV