2771. kerdos

Lexicon

kerdos: Gain, Profit

Original Word: κέρδος
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: kerdos
Pronunciation: ker'-dos
Phonetic Spelling: (ker'-dos)
Definition: Gain, Profit
Meaning: gain, advantage, profit.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

gain, lucre.

Of uncertain affinity; gain (pecuniary or genitive case) -- gain, lucre.

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 2771 kérdos – gain (profit), acquired through "faith-trading." Accordingly, faith (4102 /pístis) and 2772 (kérma) are directly connected (Phil 1:21-25,3:7-9). See 2770 (kerdainō).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
gain
NASB Translation
gain (3).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2771: κέρδος

κέρδος, κερδεος (κέρδους), τό, gain, advantage: Philippians 1:21 (with which cf. Aelian v. h. 4, 7 τοῖς κακοῖς οὐδέ τό ἀποθανεῖν κέρδος); Titus 1:11; plural Philippians 3:7. (From Homer down.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb κερδαίνω (kerdaino), meaning "to gain" or "to profit."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for κέρδος, similar concepts of gain and profit can be found in Hebrew words such as בֶּצַע (betsa, Strong's Hebrew 1215), which refers to gain or profit, often with a negative connotation of unjust gain. Another related term is יִתְרוֹן (yitron, Strong's Hebrew 3504), meaning advantage or profit, used in Ecclesiastes to discuss the benefits of wisdom and labor.

Usage: The term κέρδος is used in the New Testament to describe both material gain and spiritual advantage. It appears in contexts that discuss the pursuit of profit, the value of spiritual over material wealth, and the ethical considerations of gain.

Context: • Contextual Analysis: In the New Testament, κέρδος is used to highlight the contrast between earthly and heavenly values. It often serves as a point of reflection on what constitutes true gain in the life of a believer. The term appears in discussions about the ethical implications of seeking profit and the ultimate value of spiritual over material wealth.

• Key Verses:
• Philippians 1:21: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain (κέρδος)." Here, Paul uses κέρδος to express the ultimate spiritual advantage of being united with Christ, even in death.
• Philippians 3:7: "But whatever was gain (κέρδος) to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." Paul reflects on his past achievements and status, considering them worthless compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ.
• 1 Timothy 6:5-6: "and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain (κέρδος). But godliness with contentment is great gain (κέρδος)." This passage warns against viewing godliness as a means to material profit, emphasizing instead the true gain found in contentment and godliness.

• Theological Implications: The use of κέρδος in the New Testament challenges believers to evaluate their priorities and to seek spiritual gain over material wealth. It underscores the transient nature of earthly possessions and the eternal value of a life centered on Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

κερδη κέρδη κερδος κέρδος κερδους κέρδους κέρκον κέρκου κέρκων κερκώπων kerde kerdē kérde kérdē kerdos kérdos kerdous kérdous

Englishman's Concordance

Philippians 1:21 N-NNS
GRK: τὸ ἀποθανεῖν κέρδος
NAS: is Christ and to die is gain.
KJV: and to die [is] gain.
INT: to die gain

Philippians 3:7 N-NNP
GRK: ἦν μοι κέρδη ταῦτα ἥγημαι
NAS: But whatever things were gain to me, those things
KJV: what things were gain to me, those
INT: were to me gain these I have esteemed

Titus 1:11 N-GNS
GRK: δεῖ αἰσχροῦ κέρδους χάριν
NAS: of sordid gain.
KJV: for filthy lucre's sake.
INT: ought base gain for sake of

Strong's Greek 2771
3 Occurrences

κέρδη — 1 Occ.
κέρδος — 1 Occ.
κέρδους — 1 Occ.