πωλέω

pōléō /po-leh'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootprobably ultimately from (to be busy, to trade)
Meaningto barter (as a pedlar), i.e. to sell
KJV usagesell, whatever is sold.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word pōléō, represented by G4453, means to sell. It appears 24 times across 20 unique verses. The term's base definition is to barter (as a pedlar), i.e. to sell, indicating a commercial transaction. In scripture, its usage ranges from everyday commerce to profound spiritual commands.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical narratives, G4453 is used in several key contexts. Jesus uses the term to challenge the wealthy, instructing them to sell their possessions and give to the poor to gain treasure in heaven (Matthew 19:21, Mark 10:21). It is also central to the cleansing of the temple, where Jesus drove out those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, condemning the transformation of his Father's house into a house of merchandise (Matthew 21:12, John 2:16). The word appears in descriptions of common life, such as the selling of sparrows for a farthing Matthew 10:29 and in the daily activities of buying and selling in the days of Lot Luke 17:28. In the early church, believers sold their lands and houses to support the community Acts 4:34.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help illuminate the concept of selling and commerce:

  • G59 agorázō (to purchase; buy, redeem): As the direct counterpart to selling, this word often appears alongside G4453. A man selleth all that he hath and buyeth a field with treasure Matthew 13:44. In Revelation, it is prophesied that no man might buy or sell without the mark of the beast Revelation 13:17.
  • G5224 hypárchonta (goods, that which one has, things which (one) possesseth, substance, that hast): This word describes the possessions that Jesus commands his followers to sell. For example, "Sell that ye have, and give alms" Luke 12:33.
  • G1712 empórion (a mart ("emporium")): This term describes a place of commerce. Jesus rebuked those who sold doves in the temple, saying, "make not my Father's house an house of merchandise" John 2:16.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4453 is significant, often illustrating the demands of discipleship and divine priorities.

  • Cost of Discipleship: The command to sell all possessions is a recurring theme that tests a person's willingness to prioritize the kingdom of God above earthly wealth (Matthew 19:21, Luke 18:22).
  • Sacred vs. Secular: Jesus's forceful expulsion of those who sold goods in the temple underscores a sharp distinction between holy worship and profane commerce Mark 11:15.
  • Communal Provision: The practice of the early believers, who sold their possessions to provide for those in need, demonstrates a radical commitment to communal generosity and mutual support Acts 4:34.
  • Eschatological Control: In Revelation, the ability to buy or sell becomes a tool of systemic control, with allegiance to the beast being a prerequisite for participating in the economy Revelation 13:17.

Summary

In summary, G4453 pōléō transcends its simple definition of a commercial transaction. It is a pivotal word used by Jesus to teach about sacrifice, by the gospel writers to describe the sanctity of worship, and by the apostles to record the selfless generosity of the early church. From the sale of sparrows to the command to sell everything one owns, the word consistently forces a choice between worldly possessions and heavenly treasure.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 22 occurrences, inflected in 15 grammatical forms.

  • Present Active Participle Accusative Plural Masculine 5×
  • Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Singular 3×
  • Present Active Participle Genitive Plural Masculine 2×
  • Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Active Imperative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Active Infinitive 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Participle Dative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×

+ 3 rarer forms

Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Dative
The indirect object — often "to" or "for".
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 20 verses across 7 books. Most frequent in Luke (6 verses).

5
Matthew
2
Mark
6
Luke
2
John
3
Acts
1
1 Corinthians
1
Revelation

Verse Explorer

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