The Greek adjective aischrokerdēs (αἰσχροκερδής) means greedy for shameful or sordid gain — motivated by dishonest or base financial profit. It is formed from aischros (shameful, base) + kerdos (gain, profit). The word appears in the qualifications for elders/overseers and deacons (1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:7), where it identifies a character flaw that disqualifies from leadership.
The opposite quality is described in 1 Timothy 3:3 as aphilargyroi — 'free from the love of money.' A leader who is driven by financial gain will compromise the Gospel and exploit the flock they are meant to serve.
The New Testament consistently treats the relationship between ministry and money as a critical ethical zone. Jesus warned against serving both God and mammon (Matthew 6:24). Paul describes the 'gain is godliness' heretics as corrupt (1 Timothy 6:5). Peter warns against 'greedy' shepherds who tend the flock 'not of necessity but willingly... not for shameful gain but eagerly' (1 Peter 5:2).
The aischrokerdēs leader uses the church as a financial vehicle. This can be as crude as direct financial exploitation or as subtle as softening the Gospel to protect income. The antidote is what Paul models in Acts 20:33–35 — working with his hands, not coveting anyone's money, demonstrating that ministry is service, not extraction. The church deserves leaders whose motivation is love for Christ and people, not profit.