κτῆμα (ktēma)
ktēma
possession
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ktēma refers to a possession or piece of property, often specifically implying landed estate or real estate rather than movable goods. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, carrying the weight of material wealth that anchors a person to the earth.
This meaning becomes clear in the accounts of the rich young ruler. When he hears Jesus’ call to follow Him, he goes away sorrowful because he has many ktēmata (Matthew 19:22; Mark 10:22). The word highlights that his identity is tied to his landholdings, making it impossible for him to detach from his security.
The term also describes the early Christian community in Jerusalem. Acts records that believers sold their ktēmata and lands, placing the proceeds at the apostles’ feet (Acts 2:45; 5:1). Here, the word underscores the tangible nature of what was given up—actual property—to support the common life of the church.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Our attachments often define us more than our intentions do. The Greek word ktēma refers to landed estates or significant property, highlighting how material wealth can anchor a person firmly to the earth. In the accounts of the rich young ruler, this possession became the barrier preventing him from following Jesus. His sorrow reveals that his identity was tied to his landholdings, making detachment impossible.
Yet the early church offers a different perspective on these holdings. Believers in Jerusalem sold their ktēmata and placed the proceeds at the apostles’ feet, using their property to support the common life of the community. This act underscores that tangible assets can be transformed into instruments of grace. When we hold our resources loosely, they become tools for love rather than chains of security.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- possessions3×
- a property1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κτήματα3×
- κτῆμα1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 19:22
But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he was one who had great possessions.
The young man’s sorrow reveals that his identity was bound to his landed estate, preventing him from following Jesus.
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Acts 2:45
They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.
Believers sold their ktēmata to distribute resources according to need, showing how property can sustain the common life of the church.
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Acts 5:1
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
Ananias and Sapphira’s transaction highlights the tangible nature of a possession, which they attempted to withhold while claiming full generosity.