Lexical Summary aischrokerdós: Greedy for gain, sordidly greedy, pursuing dishonest gain Original Word: αἰσχροκερδής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance for the sake of dishonest gain. Adverb from aischrokerdes; sordidly -- for filthy lucre's sake. see GREEK aischrokerdes NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from aischrokerdés Definition from eagerness for base gain NASB Translation sordid gain (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 147: αἰσχροκερδῶςαἰσχροκερδῶς, adverb, from eagerness for base gain (for filthy lucre): 1 Peter 5:2, cf. Titus 1:11. Not found elsewhere. Topical Lexicon Overview of Usage Strong’s Greek 147 occurs once in the New Testament, functioning adverbially in 1 Peter 5:2 to expose a motive that corrupts otherwise legitimate ministry. Though rare in form, the concept it conveys—profiteering at the expense of God’s people—appears frequently in Scripture’s warnings to leaders. Context in 1 Peter 5:2 Peter exhorts the elders: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God desires; not out of greed, but eager to serve” (1 Peter 5:2). The term modifies the manner of oversight, contrasting godly eagerness with the illicit drive for personal enrichment. Peter writes to suffering believers in Asia Minor (1 Peter 1:1), and the instruction is designed to protect vulnerable congregations from exploitation while encouraging authentic, sacrificial shepherding (1 Peter 5:3). Old Testament Precursors Scripture consistently rebukes leaders who feed themselves rather than the flock. Ezekiel condemns shepherds who “eat the fat, clothe yourselves with the wool, and slaughter the choice sheep, but you do not feed the flock” (Ezekiel 34:3). Micah denounces prophets who “proclaim peace if they have something to eat, but prepare war against him who puts nothing in their mouths” (Micah 3:5). These passages foreshadow Peter’s call by exposing the age-old temptation to monetize spiritual authority. Relation to Other New Testament Warnings While 1 Peter 5:2 employs the adverb, Paul uses the cognate adjective when qualifying overseers and deacons (1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:7, 11). Additional parallels include: Together these passages form a unified biblical ethic: God-given authority must never be leveraged for personal profit. Historical Witness in the Early Church Patristic literature mirrors the apostolic stance. The Didache instructs churches to discern itinerant ministers: if they remain more than two days or ask for money, they are false prophets (Didache 11.5-6). Cyprian praises clergy who serve “neither for gain nor salary.” Conversely, abuses surfaced early; Hippolytus complains of bishops who “sell ordinations.” The solitary New Testament adverb thus echoes throughout ecclesial history as a touchstone for integrity. Theological Significance 1. God’s character: The Lord is a generous Shepherd (Psalm 23:1; John 10:11). Exploitative ministry distorts His nature. Practical Applications for Today • Elder selection: Churches should examine motives as carefully as doctrine and character. Summary The single occurrence of Strong’s Greek 147 crystallizes a timeless warning: spiritual leadership is never a means for personal gain but a calling to self-giving care. Scripture’s consistent testimony, the early church’s vigilance, and the continuing need for integrity converge to make Peter’s brief adverb a lasting watchword for every generation of Christ’s undershepherds. Forms and Transliterations αισχροκερδως αισχροκερδώς αἰσχροκερδῶς aischrokerdos aischrokerdôs aischrokerdōs aischrokerdō̂sLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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