αἰσχροκερδῶς (aischrokerdōs)
aischrokerdōs
greedily
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb aischrokerdōs describes acting with an eager desire for dishonest profit or shameful gain. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Peter’s instructions to church leaders (1 Peter 5:2). The word combines roots meaning "shameful" and "gain," creating a sharp critique of motives that prioritize financial advantage over faithful service.
Its usage highlights a specific kind of greed—one that is not just about wanting money, but about pursuing it in a way that brings disgrace. Peter contrasts this attitude with serving out of genuine willingness. The term captures the inner drive behind corrupt leadership, where the pursuit of wealth overrides spiritual integrity and turns ministry into a transaction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aischrokerdōs paints a vivid picture of motives that twist service into a business transaction. It describes acting with an eager desire for profit in a way that brings shame or disgrace. When Peter uses this term, he is not merely warning against wanting money; he is identifying a specific corruption where the pursuit of gain overrides spiritual integrity and turns ministry into a selfish enterprise.
This insight offers a gentle but firm mirror for anyone involved in church leadership or service. It invites us to examine our own hearts, asking whether our actions are driven by a genuine willingness to serve or by a hidden desire for personal advantage. Recognizing this tension helps us align our motives with the selfless love that Christ demonstrated.
By choosing to serve voluntarily rather than under compulsion, and without seeking dishonest gain, we reflect the character of the Good Shepherd. This approach fosters trust within the community and honors God by keeping our focus on faithful stewardship rather than personal profit. May your service be marked by integrity and a pure heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- for base gain1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- αἰσχροκερδῶς1×