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G4123 · Greek · New Testament
πλεονέκτης
pleonektes
Noun, Masculine
Covetous Person / Greedy Person

Definition

Pleonektes (πλεονέκτης) means a covetous or greedy person — literally 'one who wants more.' It combines pleon (more) and echo (to have). This is not simply a person who desires good things but one whose defining characteristic is an insatiable appetite to acquire more, especially at the expense of others.

Usage & Theological Significance

Paul consistently lists the pleonektes alongside the most serious sinners. In 1 Corinthians 5:10-11, the greedy person is listed with the sexually immoral, swindlers, and idolaters — and believers are told not even to eat with such a person who claims to be a brother. In 1 Corinthians 6:10, Paul states plainly that the greedy will not inherit the kingdom of God. In Ephesians 5:5, he equates greed with idolatry: a pleonektes is literally an idolater, because the thing desired has replaced God as the object of devotion. Scripture treats insatiable greed not as ambition but as a form of worship directed at the wrong god.

Key Bible Verses

1 Corinthians 5:11You must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer.
1 Corinthians 6:10Nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers will inherit the kingdom of God.
Ephesians 5:5No immoral, impure or greedy person — such a person is an idolater — has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ.
Luke 12:15Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed.
1 Timothy 6:10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.

Related Words

External Resources

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