κτήτωρ (ktētōr)
ktētōr
owner
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ktētōr refers to an owner or possessor of property. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 4:34, where it describes those who held land or houses as their own before selling them.
This term derives from the verb ktaomai, which means to acquire or gain possession. While modern English often distinguishes between "owner" and "possessor," the Greek word covers both concepts simply. It emphasizes legal right and control over an asset rather than just physical custody.
The single occurrence in Acts highlights a specific moment in early Christian history. Believers sold their possessions, and the ktētōres handed over the proceeds to the apostles for distribution. This usage underscores the voluntary nature of their generosity, as they acted as owners before choosing to release their claim.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ktētōr describes someone who holds legal title to property. In Acts 4:34, it identifies believers who owned land or houses before choosing to sell them. This term highlights that they had full rights to their assets. They were not forced to give anything up.
Yet these owners voluntarily brought the proceeds to the apostles. Their generosity flowed from a place of security and freedom. Because they truly owned their possessions, letting go became an act of trust rather than loss. This example invites us to consider how we view what belongs to us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [were] owners1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κτήτορες1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 4:34
For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
The term ktētōr identifies those who held legal title to land or houses, emphasizing their voluntary choice to sell and give the proceeds rather than being compelled to do so.