Lexical Summary ktéma: Possession, property Original Word: κτῆμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance possession. From ktaomai; an acquirement, i.e. Estate -- possession. see GREEK ktaomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ktaomai Definition a possession NASB Translation piece of property (1), property (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2933: κτῆμακτῆμα, κτηματος, τό (from κτάομαι, as χρῆμα from χράομαι), a possession: as in Greek writers, of property, lands, estates, etc., Matthew 19:22; Mark 10:22; Acts 2:45; Acts 5:1. Topical Lexicon Range of Meaning and Contextual Nuances The term designates tangible assets obtained for personal use—land, houses, valuables, commercial holdings. In Greek society it covered everything from farmland to business investments, and in the New Testament the same breadth appears: inherited wealth (Matthew 19:22), accumulated assets (Mark 10:22), movable goods (Acts 2:45), and real estate (Acts 5:1). Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Matthew 19:22 – the rich young ruler retreats because his “great wealth” anchors his heart to earth. Jesus’ Call to Discipleship versus Earthly Holdings In both Synoptic accounts, the young man’s refusal to divest reveals that earthly belongings can rule the affections. Jesus is not condemning ownership per se but refusing to allow possessions to compete with allegiance to the King. His demand is individualized yet universal in principle: any asset treasured above obedience must be relinquished. This sharpens the contrast between storing “treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20) and trusting earthly security. The Jerusalem Church and Shared Resources Acts 2:45 depicts a Spirit-energized community that views private wealth as a trust for kingdom use. The selling of holdings is voluntary, proportionate, and need-driven, not an imposed socialism. It exemplifies stewardship: God owns all; believers manage resources so that “there was no need among them” (compare Acts 4:34). The passage models generosity without erasing personal responsibility. The Warning of Ananias and Sapphira Acts 5:1 exposes the danger of treating property as a tool for self-promotion. Peter confirms that the land was theirs to keep or sell (“Was it not your own?” Acts 5:4). The sin is deceit, not possession. Judgment falls swiftly, underscoring the holiness of the newborn church and teaching that offerings must be wholehearted. Old Testament Foundations From Eden’s stewardship mandate (Genesis 1:28) to Israel’s land allotments (Joshua 13–21), Scripture affirms private property within covenant responsibilities. Proverbs exalts diligence and wise wealth management, while prophets denounce exploitation (Isaiah 5:8). The New Testament builds on this ethic, framing possessions as gifts entrusted for God’s purposes. Theological Themes • Lordship of Christ: He alone demands absolute loyalty; property is secondary (Luke 14:33). Practical Ministry Implications • Discipleship training should confront materialism and cultivate contentment (Philippians 4:11-13). Contemporary Application Modern believers navigate mortgages, investments, and consumer culture. The New Testament use of the term calls for periodic inventory of the heart: are assets instruments of worship or rivals to it? Wise management paired with generous release aligns possessions with eternal priorities. Related Greek Vocabulary • ὑπάρχοντα – personal belongings (Luke 12:33). The handful of occurrences thus sketches a coherent biblical portrait: property is a legitimate blessing, a demanding stewardship, and a potential snare. The Spirit-led response is open-handed generosity that magnifies Christ and serves His people. Forms and Transliterations κτημα κτήμα κτῆμα κτηματα κτήματα ktema ktêma ktēma ktē̂ma ktemata ktēmata ktḗmataLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 19:22 N-ANPGRK: γὰρ ἔχων κτήματα πολλά NAS: much property. KJV: he had great possessions. INT: indeed he has possessions many Mark 10:22 N-ANP Acts 2:45 N-ANP Acts 5:1 N-ANS Strong's Greek 2933 |
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