Lexical Summary blaberos: Harmful, injurious Original Word: βλαβερός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hurtful. From blapto; injurious -- hurtful. see GREEK blapto NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom blaptó Definition hurtful NASB Translation harmful (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 983: βλαβερόςβλαβερός, βλαβερα, βλαβερόν (βλάπτω), hurtful, injurious (Xenophon, mem. 1, 5, 3 opposed to ὠφέλιμος): 1 Timothy 6:9 ἐπιθυμίαι βλαβεραι, cf. ἡδοναι βλαβερός Xenophon, mem. 1, 3, 11. (Often in Greek writings from Homer (i. e. h. Merc. 36 (taken from Hesiod, Works, 365)) down; once in the Sept., Proverbs 10:26.) Topical Lexicon Meaning within the Canon of Scripture Strong’s Greek 983 describes that which brings measurable injury—moral, spiritual, or physical. While its sole New Testament appearance is 1 Timothy 6:9, the term resonates with the wider biblical motif of destructive influence, pairing naturally with vocabulary for “ruin” and “destruction” (cf. Proverbs 5:22; Romans 6:23) and echoing the warning voice of wisdom literature against enticements that wound the soul. Biblical Occurrence 1 Timothy 6:9: “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a trap and many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” Here “harmful” stands between “foolish” and “desires,” forming a triad that charts the descent from unguarded longing to irreparable loss. The verse positions βλαβεράς as the catalytic middle term: once foolishness combines with harm, the outcome is predictable collapse. Thematic Connections 1. Deceptive Riches. Scripture frequently contrasts heavenly treasure with wealth that corrodes or corrupts (Matthew 6:19; James 5:1-3). βλαβεράς underscores the truth that the danger is not wealth itself but the cravings it can awaken. Historical Background In common Greek usage the adjective applied to poisons, defective tools, or treacherous roads—anything likely to inflict damage. Paul’s adoption of the term borrows this everyday sense to paint greed as a hidden toxin within the community. First-century Ephesus, a commercial hub, offered ample illustration: entrepreneurial success accounts stood beside exploitative trade, temple banking, and burgeoning consumerism. Timothy’s congregation needed frank language equal to the cultural pull. Pastoral Significance Paul’s warning answers a timeless pastoral need: safeguarding hearts where outward prosperity is available or highly prized. βλαβεράς focuses ministry attention on motives, not merely behaviors. Shepherds are called to expose destructive ambitions before they mature into visible failure (Hebrews 3:13). Ministry Applications • Discern Desires. Encourage believers to audit heart-level motivations when pursuing career, investment, or lifestyle upgrades (Psalm 139:23-24). Conclusion Though occurring only once in the New Testament, βλαβεράς captures a vital spiritual principle: unchecked desires possess intrinsic power to wound. Scripture calls Christ’s followers to vigilant discernment, wise stewardship, and community life that counters the subtle, harmful pull of greed with the liberating grace of contentment and generosity. Forms and Transliterations βλαβερας βλαβεράς βλαβερόν blaberas blaberásLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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