Lexical Summary pleonekteó: To covet, to defraud, to take advantage of Original Word: πλεονεκτέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance take advantage, defraud, make a gain. From pleonektes; to be covetous, i.e. (by implication) to over-reach -- get an advantage, defraud, make a gain. see GREEK pleonektes HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4122 pleonektéō (from 4119 /pleíōn, "more" and 2192/e 4122 /pleonektéō ("covet, defraud") shows inordinate desire, especially lusting for what belongs to someone else. See 4124 (pleoneksia). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pleonektés Definition to have more, to overreach NASB Translation advantage would be taken of (1), defraud (1), take any advantage (1), taken advantage (1), took advantage (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4122: πλεονεκτέωπλεονεκτέω, πλεονέκτω; 1 aorist ἐπλεονέκτησα; 1 aorist passive subjunctive 1 person plural πλεονεκτηθῶμεν; (πλεονέκτης); 1. intransitive, to have more, or a greater part or share: Thucydides, Xenophon, Plutarch, others; to be superior, excel, surpass, have an advantage over, τίνος (genitive of person) τίνι (the dative of thing): Xenophon, Plato, Isocrates, Demosthenes, others. 2. transitive, to gain or take advantage of another, to overreach: (Herodotus 8, 112), Plato, Diodorus, Dionysius Halicarnassus, Dio Cassius, others; and so in the N. T. in 2 Corinthians 7:2; 2 Corinthians 12:17, 18; 1 Thessalonians 4:6 (see πρᾶγμα, b.); passive (cf. Buttmann, § 132, 22) ὑπό τίνος, 2 Corinthians 2:11(10). Strong’s Greek 4122 portrays an aggressive desire to gain at another’s expense—whether by material fraud, manipulative influence, or sensual trespass. The verb always carries a moral indictment. Scripture employs it only five times, and each occurrence exposes a different facet of exploitative covetousness while simultaneously affirming the gospel’s call to self-giving love. Occurrences in the New Testament • 2 Corinthians 2:11 – The word is applied to Satan, “so that we may not be outwitted by Satan, for we are not unaware of his schemes”. Covetous overreaching is unmasked as demonic in origin. Theological Significance 1. Sin Against the Image-Bearer. Exploitation demeans a fellow human being created in God’s likeness (Genesis 1:27); thus it is a direct affront to the Creator. Ministry Integrity Paul’s repeated denials of exploitation form a model for modern ministry. Financial transparency, avoidance of hidden fees, and refusal to prey upon vulnerable believers safeguard the witness of the church (see 2 Corinthians 8:20-21). Spiritual Warfare Context In 2 Corinthians 2:11, covetous exploitation is portrayed as one of Satan’s “schemes.” Guarding the heart against greed is therefore an essential part of resisting the devil (James 4:7). Sexual Purity Context 1 Thessalonians 4:6 links the verb to sexual sin, reminding believers that immoral passion can be a form of theft. The warning that “the Lord is the avenger” underscores divine justice on behalf of the wronged. Historic and Cultural Setting First-century Corinth and Thessalonica were commercial hubs where sharp business practices and sexual license were socially acceptable. Paul’s usage confronts these norms, declaring that Kingdom ethics override local customs. Practical Application • Examine motives in business, ministry, and relationships; look for hidden desires to profit at another’s loss. Summary Strong’s 4122 exposes a heart-level greed that exploits others materially, emotionally, or sexually. Scripture counters this impulse with Christ-centered self-denial, the command to love one’s neighbor, and the certainty of divine retribution upon the unrepentant. Englishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 2:11 V-ASP-1PGRK: ἵνα μὴ πλεονεκτηθῶμεν ὑπὸ τοῦ NAS: that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, KJV: Satan should get an advantage of us: for INT: that not we be outwitted by 2 Corinthians 7:2 V-AIA-1P 2 Corinthians 12:17 V-AIA-1S 2 Corinthians 12:18 V-AIA-3S 1 Thessalonians 4:6 V-PNA Strong's Greek 4122 |
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