αἰσχροκερδής (aischrokerdēs)
aischrokerdēs
greedy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word aischrokerdēs describes a person who is eager for base or shameful gain. It combines terms for "shame" and "profit," pointing to greed that disregards moral boundaries. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, all within the pastoral epistles of Paul.
Paul uses this adjective to list disqualifying traits for church leaders in 1 Timothy 3:3 and 3:8, as well as for elders in Titus 1:7. The emphasis is not merely on a desire for wealth, but on pursuing it in ways that are dishonorable or corrupt. This distinction separates honest stewardship from the exploitative behavior Paul warns against.
Translators typically render this word as "greedy" or "not given to dishonest gain." The term underscores that leadership requires integrity in financial matters. By excluding those driven by shameful profit, these passages highlight that spiritual authority must be free from corrupt motives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aischrokerdēs paints a vivid picture of greed that crosses into shame. It is not simply wanting resources, but pursuing them in ways that dishonor God and exploit others. Paul uses this strong term to set clear boundaries for those who lead the church, showing that integrity in money matters is as vital as moral purity.
For your daily life, this word invites honest reflection on your motives. Are you driven by a desire for security that leads to selfishness? Or can you trust God’s provision while treating others with fairness and kindness? True leadership, whether in the church or at home, flows from a heart that values people more than profit.
May you find freedom in letting go of the need to control every outcome through gain. Instead, let your actions be guided by gentleness and a sincere desire to serve others, reflecting the character of Christ in all you do.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- greedy of dishonest gain,1×
- greedy of base gain,1×
- greedy of base gain1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- αἰσχροκερδῆ,2×
- αἰσχροκερδεῖς,1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 3:3
not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;
Paul lists this trait alongside violence and drunkenness to show that financial integrity is a foundational requirement for elder leadership.
-
I Timothy 3:8
Servants, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money,
The repetition of this disqualification for deacons emphasizes that the standard of honesty applies equally to all levels of church service.
-
Titus 1:7
For the overseer must be blameless, as God’s steward, not self-pleasing, not easily angered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain;
By linking this greed to being 'God’s steward,' Paul highlights that leaders manage resources on behalf of God, not for personal enrichment.