ἅρπαξ (harpax)
harpax
rapacious
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word harpax describes someone who is rapacious or ravenous, capturing the spirit of a person who seizes what belongs to others with aggressive greed. Derived from the verb harpazō, meaning "to seize" or "to snatch," it paints a vivid picture of predatory behavior rather than simple dishonesty. In the Gospels, Jesus uses it as an adjective to characterize false prophets as wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15) and to describe the self-righteous Pharisee who despised others for their extortionate habits (Luke 18:11).
When Paul employs harpax in First Corinthians, he shifts it from an adjective to a noun, referring specifically to "extortioners" or swindlers. He lists this trait alongside other serious moral failures, noting that such people will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:10). This usage highlights how the early church viewed financial exploitation and predatory gain as fundamental violations of community integrity, marking a clear boundary for those seeking to live within the Christian fellowship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word harpax paints a stark picture of predatory greed, describing someone who seizes what belongs to others with aggressive intent. It is more than simple dishonesty; it captures the spirit of a wolf devouring its prey. In Matthew 7:15, Jesus warns that false prophets are inwardly ravening wolves, using this term to reveal the dangerous nature of those who disguise harm as holiness.
Paul later applies this concept to community life in Corinth, listing extortioners alongside other serious moral failures. He makes it clear that such behavior violates the integrity of the church and excludes one from inheriting God’s Kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:10). This reminds us that faith is not just about private belief but how we treat others with fairness and respect.
Reflecting on this word invites us to examine our own hearts. Do we seek to take advantage of situations or people for personal gain? Or do we strive for integrity, even when no one is watching? God calls us to live in a way that honors Him and protects the vulnerable.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with swindlers1×
- swindlers,1×
- swindlers1×
- swindler;1×
- ravenous.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἅρπαξιν1×
- ἅρπαξ·1×
- ἅρπαγες.1×
- ἅρπαγες,1×
- ἅρπαγες1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
Jesus uses harpax here to describe the hidden, predatory nature of false prophets who appear harmless but are inwardly destructive.
-
Luke 18:11
The Pharisee stood and prayed by himself like this: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men: extortionists, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
The Pharisee’s prayer highlights how this trait defines a self-righteous attitude that looks down on others while engaging in extortionate habits.
-
I Corinthians 6:10
nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortionists, will inherit God’s Kingdom.
Paul lists extortioners among those who will not inherit God's Kingdom, showing that financial exploitation is a fundamental violation of Christian ethics.