πλεονεκτέω (pleonekteō)
pleonekteō
to exploit
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb pleonekteō describes taking unfair advantage of someone to gain an extra share or benefit. Its root relates to having "more," and in classical usage it simply meant to have an advantage over another person. However, in the New Testament context, the meaning shifts toward exploitation. It implies overreaching or defrauding someone, often by seizing what rightfully belongs to them.
This word appears five times in Scripture, primarily in Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and Thessalonians. In 1 Thessalonians 4:6, Paul warns against this behavior in the context of business or financial dealings, linking it to anger and injustice. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 7:2 and 12:17, he defends his integrity by stating he did not exploit the churches for personal gain.
The term carries a strong ethical weight, condemning selfishness that harms others. It is not merely about being shrewd or successful, but about crossing the line into dishonesty. Translators typically render it as "exploit," "take advantage of," or "defraud," highlighting the moral failure inherent in the act.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pleonekteō calls us to examine how we handle our relationships with others, especially when money or power is involved. It describes taking unfair advantage of someone to gain a personal benefit. In the New Testament, this is not seen as clever business but as a moral failure that harms a neighbor. Paul uses this strong language to warn believers against letting greed drive their actions.
When we feel tempted to overreach or seize what belongs to another, we are crossing a line into dishonesty. This word reminds us that our conduct in business and daily life matters deeply to God. It is not enough to simply avoid theft; we must actively refuse to exploit those who may be vulnerable or less powerful than ourselves.
Instead of seeking extra gain at another's expense, we are invited to walk with integrity. Paul models this by defending his own ministry, stating clearly that he never took advantage of the churches. This standard protects our witness and keeps our conscience clear before God, who sees all things.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- we may be outwitted1×
- we have exploited.1×
- to overreach1×
- did exploit1×
- did I exploit1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπλεονέκτησεν1×
- ἐπλεονέκτησα1×
- ἐπλεονεκτήσαμεν.1×
- πλεονεκτηθῶμεν1×
- πλεονεκτεῖν1×
Key Verses
-
I Thessalonians 4:6
that no one should take advantage of and wrong a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified.
This verse links exploitation directly to anger and injustice, showing that taking unfair advantage violates the Lord's will.
-
II Corinthians 7:2
Open your hearts to us. We wronged no one. We corrupted no one. We took advantage of no one.
Paul uses this term to defend his character, asserting he corrupted no one and took advantage of no one in his ministry.
-
II Corinthians 12:17
Did I take advantage of you by anyone of those whom I have sent to you?
Here Paul questions whether he used any agent to take advantage of the Corinthian believers, emphasizing his total transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pleonekteō mean in the Bible?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
How is this different from simply being shrewd?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
II Corinthians 4 verses
that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
II Corinthians 7:2Open your hearts to us. We wronged no one. We corrupted no one. We took advantage of no one.
II Corinthians 12:17Did I take advantage of you by anyone of those whom I have sent to you?
II Corinthians 12:18I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? Didn’t we walk in the same…