The Greek word aposteréō, represented by G650, is defined as to despoil or deprive. It is used in scripture to mean to defraud, to be destitute, or to have something kept back by fraud. This term appears 7 times across 6 unique verses, highlighting specific forms of injustice and deprivation.
In its biblical usage, G650 is applied to several distinct contexts of wrongful deprivation. In Mark, it is included in a list of core commandments: "Defraud not" Mark 10:19, placing it alongside prohibitions against murder and theft. Paul uses the term to admonish the Corinthian believers for taking each other to court, asking why they do not rather "suffer yourselves to be defrauded" 1 Corinthians 6:7. He then turns the accusation on them, stating, "ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren" 1 Corinthians 6:8. The word also addresses economic exploitation, as when James speaks of the hire of laborers that has been "kept back by fraud" James 5:4. In a spiritual sense, it describes men of corrupt minds who are "destitute" of the truth 1 Timothy 6:5. It is even used to govern the marital relationship, where spouses are told, "Defraud ye not one the other" 1 Corinthians 7:5.
Several related words help clarify the scope of G650:
- G91 adikéō (to be unjust, i.e. (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)): This word is used in tandem with G650 to describe the actions of the Corinthian believers who "do wrong, and defraud" their own brethren 1 Corinthians 6:8.
- G1311 diaphtheírō (to rot thoroughly, i.e. (by implication) to ruin (passively, decay utterly, figuratively, pervert)): This term describes the state of the minds of those who are "destitute" G650 of the truth, linking spiritual deprivation to a "corrupt" inner state 1 Timothy 6:5.
- G2813 kléptō (a primary verb; to filch): This word for "steal" appears in the same list of commandments as G650, showing the close relationship between outright theft and the act of defrauding others Mark 10:19.
- G2275 hḗttēma (a deterioration, i.e. (objectively) failure or (subjectively) loss): Paul declares that the lawsuits among believers are "utterly a fault" before he challenges them to rather accept being defrauded G650, linking the act of defrauding to a state of spiritual failure in the community 1 Corinthians 6:7.
The theological weight of G650 is significant, establishing a clear ethical boundary against exploitation and dishonesty.
- Economic Justice: The word directly condemns the exploitation of workers by withholding their earned wages, a sin that "crieth" out to God James 5:4.
- Relational Integrity: It applies to the most intimate human relationships, from the fellowship of believers who are commanded not to defraud each other 1 Corinthians 6:8 to the marital bond where partners must not deprive one another 1 Corinthians 7:5.
- Moral Prohibition: By its inclusion in the commandments in Mark 10:19, defrauding is elevated from a social misdeed to a direct violation of God's moral law, on par with other major transgressions.
- Spiritual Deprivation: The term is used figuratively to describe a state of being despoiled of truth, connecting dishonest gain with a corrupt mind that is fundamentally empty or "destitute" of godliness 1 Timothy 6:5.
In summary, G650 is a potent term that addresses the act of depriving someone of what is rightfully theirs. Its application ranges from the financial injustice of withholding wages to the relational failures within the church and family, and even to the internal state of being destitute of truth. It serves as a comprehensive biblical prohibition against exploitation, dishonesty, and deprivation in both material and spiritual matters.
TRV