Lexical Summary aischrokerdés: Greedy for dishonest gain Original Word: αἰσχροκερδής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance greedy, given to filthy lucre. From aischros and kerdos (gain); sordid -- given to (greedy of) filthy lucre. see GREEK aischros NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom aischros and kerdos Definition greedy of base gain NASB Translation fond of sordid gain (2), sordid gain (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 146: αἰσχροκερδήςαἰσχροκερδής, (ές (αἰσχρός and κέρδος; cf. αἰσχροπαθής in Philo (de mere. meretr. § 4)), eager for base gain (greedy of filthy lucre): 1 Timothy 3:3 Rec., 8; Titus 1:7. (Herodotus 1, 187; Xenophon, Plato, others; (cf.turpilucricupidus, Plautus Trin. 1, 2, 63).) Topical Lexicon Term Overview αἰσχροκερδής (Strong’s 146) describes a person who seeks material profit through morally shameful or dishonest means. It appears twice in the New Testament—Titus 1:7 and 1 Timothy 3:8—each time in a list of qualifications for church leaders, thereby framing the term as a disqualifying vice for Christian ministry. Moral Dimension of “Shameful Gain” At its core, αἰσχροκερδής unites two ideas: αἰσχρός (“shameful, base”) and κέρδος (“gain, profit”). Scripture treats greed not simply as excessive desire but as a spiritually corrosive orientation that subordinates devotion to God (Matthew 6:24; Colossians 3:5). The expression therefore marks a heart intent on leveraging sacred trust for self-advancement—an affront to God’s character of generous holiness (James 1:17). Occurrences in the Pastoral Epistles Titus 1:7: “For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be blameless—…not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain.” 1 Timothy 3:8: “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for dishonest gain.” Both texts locate the vice within leadership selection. Overseers (episkopoi) and deacons (diakonoi) handle vulnerable people and tangible resources; therefore, any appetite for illicit profit is intolerable. By placing the prohibition among traits such as sobriety and self-control, Paul shows that financial integrity is as fundamental as doctrinal fidelity. Historical and Cultural Background The first-century Mediterranean world was riddled with patronage, bribery, and temple profiteering. Leaders could extract fees for religious services, exploit hospitality networks, or skim communal funds. Into this context the church announced a new stewardship ethos: “We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that our ministry will not be discredited” (2 Corinthians 6:3). Paul’s own refusal to burden congregations financially (1 Thessalonians 2:9) modeled the antithesis of αἰσχροκερδής. Continuity with Old Testament Ethics Scripture consistently condemns unjust profit: The Pastoral Epistles inherit and apply this moral stream, affirming the unity of both Testaments in God’s demand for pure motives in those who govern His people. Theological Reflection 1. Stewardship: Church leaders are “God’s stewards” (Titus 1:7), entrusted with people, possessions, and the gospel itself (1 Corinthians 4:1). Lust for sordid gain turns stewardship into exploitation. Ministerial Safeguards • Plurality of oversight (Philippians 1:1) disperses financial authority. Related New Testament Passages Though using different vocabulary, several texts echo the prohibition: These parallels widen the principle from ordained officers to every believer who influences others. Practical Application for Modern Believers 1. Personal Audit: Regularly assess motives behind career moves, investments, even ministry involvement. Conclusion Strong’s 146 pinpoints a heart condition incompatible with Christian leadership and discipleship. By rejecting shameful gain and embracing Christlike generosity, the church proclaims a gospel that not only saves souls but also transforms the ethical fabric of its community. Forms and Transliterations αισχροκερδεις αισχροκερδείς αἰσχροκερδεῖς αισχροκερδη αισχροκερδή αἰσχροκερδῆ aischrokerde aischrokerdê aischrokerdē aischrokerdē̂ aischrokerdeis aischrokerdeîsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Timothy 3:8 Adj-AMPGRK: προσέχοντας μὴ αἰσχροκερδεῖς NAS: wine or fond of sordid gain, KJV: wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; INT: given not greedy of dishonest gain Titus 1:7 Adj-AMS Strong's Greek 146 |
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